Black Dallas Deserves Better from Democrats and Republicans

-Republican and Democrat Texas leaders blocked school choice for black students last month. They colluded to keep black kids educational opportunities.

-Democrat-run Dallas ISD and City Council Stand AGAINST School choice for black students

-Black Dallas: SUPPORT those who SUPPORT OUR KIDS; Not racist political parties

Just last month, leaders from both political spectrums, Democrat and Republican, orchestrated a surprising blockade, stalling school choice for Black students in Texas [1]. Dallas leaders have resisted the push for school choice for students of color for years.

In Dallas, the landscape for new charter schools is fraught with challenges. The school board and City Council, primarily composed of Democrats, have demonstrated a pervasive resistance towards these institutions. The reception for charter schools is as uninviting as a desert rather than the fertile ground necessary for educational growth and diversification [2]. This political reluctance does not bode well for the expanding needs of our diverse student population and indicates a need to reevaluate our current educational strategies. Their approach makes you wonder, “Why can’t Dallas schools support our Black students who are at risk?”

It’s time we reconsider how we vote in Dallas, backing those who support us, regardless of party lines. We must champion education policies that drive our children’s futures forward, not use their future as a bargaining chip to sustain excessive administrative costs skyrocketing over 80% in the last twenty years while teachers and students have received comparative crumbs.

Among these policies, school choice is a standout solution. It’s like a roadmap to educational success for black students. Numerous global studies showcase that students within school choice programs achieve superior results in reading and math [3].

Imagine education vouchers as GPS devices guiding us toward smaller schools where the community plays an active role. Notably, such schools offer a platform for personalized learning and values education. The effectiveness of small class sizes on academic performance has substantial backing [4]. Most importantly, our unserved communities can invest in what they see as their well-being. Community-driven solutions mean families learn to work together again with local religious institutions and community centers to provide the moral support and vocational training our kids need.

The school-to-prison pipeline is an alarming reality that needs our attention. Vocational training can divert kids from this path, leading them to promise careers instead of bleak detention centers [5]. And managing issues such as drug abuse and misbehavior become significantly easier within smaller school settings. When everyone is familiar with the community, it is much easier to address the burdens we all face in life.

Addressing the issue of quality school meals should be high on our agenda. Our children should look forward to nourishing, delicious food, not meals as appealing as a half-eaten sandwich left in the sun. Good nutrition plays a vital role in children’s learning and overall development. Let’s ensure our Dallas schools serve lunches that rival home-cooked meals, not mystery-meat dishes that leave kids wondering if it’s time for a cookout.

Furthermore, we must urgently address the escalating problem of burnout among our dedicated teachers and school aides. Like a wildfire in a dry summer, this issue is spreading rapidly, fueled by the constraint of resources. Given the demanding environment, our educators are in a Category 5 stress storm. Let’s work together to create a supportive environment for our educators, ensuring they’re better equipped than a well-stocked ranch, ready to provide the quality education our children deserve.[6].

Another primary concern is the ballooning administrative costs in Dallas schools. It’s a concern not just confined to our local district but a national phenomenon. This issue is like a Texas-sized sinkhole, swallowing up substantial portions of the funding allocated for public education.

According to a Thomas B. Fordham Institute report, administrative spending in American schools has been growing faster than the student population for decades [7]. Instead of funds being used to water the seeds of knowledge in the classrooms, they are redirected toward management overheads. It’s like expecting a desert to bloom without rain.

Despite taxpayers’ significant contribution, the lack of transparency in public school funding is a concern. We need regular line audits that would clearly show how the allocated funds are utilized [8].

The real losers in this situation are our students and teachers.

So, what’s the way forward? How do we redirect the river flow of funds from administration to where it’s needed most: our classrooms? This requires a concerted effort at the local, state, and national levels. Let’s push for change, Dallas because our children’s education deserves more than the leftovers after an administrative feast, and that is why we need school choice.

It’s time we roll up our sleeves and demand change. Let’s advocate for policies that impact positively on black students’ education. It’s high time we backed school choice and championed charter schools in Dallas. Let’s ensure our hardworking teachers get their due and our kids get a hearty meal. After all, practical education isn’t about choosing between a donkey or an elephant; it’s about securing a promising future for our children.

References:

[1] Texas Tribune. (2023). “Texas Leaders Block School Choice Measures”.

[2] Dallas Morning News. (2023). “DISD and City Council Block Charter Schools”.

[3] Shakeel, M.D., Anderson, K.P., & Wolf, P.J. (2016). “The Participant Effects of Private School Vouchers across the Globe: A Meta-Analytic and Systematic Review”. EDRE Working Paper.

[4] Krueger, A. B., & Whitmore, D. M. (2001). “The Effect of Attending a Small Class in the Early Grades on College-Test Taking and Middle School Test Results: Evidence from Project STAR”. Economic Journal, 111(468), 1–28.

[5] Dougherty, S.M. (2018). “Career and Technical Education in High School: Does It Improve Student Outcomes?”.

[6] Sutcher, L.,Darling-Hammond, L., & Carver-Thomas, D. (2016). “A Coming Crisis in Teaching? Teacher Supply, Demand, and Shortages in the U.S.”. Learning Policy Institute.

[7] Scafidi, B. (2012). “The School Staffing Surge: Decades of Employment Growth in America’s Public Schools”. Thomas B. Fordham Institute.

[8] Eden, M. (2020). “The Hidden Half: School Employees Who Don’t Teach”. Manhattan Institute.