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Link to: December 2000 Issue pdf. file format (best for printing)

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9 S             chool board members that see past the parochial rela-
            tionships that dominate so many school systems are rare,
            but not as rare as once might have been the case. So
when CER convened a leadership group of school board
members from around the country we were not surprised to
learn of the dedication, courage and tenacity that these leaders
have in pursuing what is often a lonely agenda.       More than a dozen leaders from throughout the country —
representing rural, suburban, and urban districts — came to
the same conclusions:  That the reports they receive from the
established education groups are all of one mind, and they
want the kind of actionable, objective and authoritative infor-
mation that helps them truly improve education in their
districts.       Focusing on such issues as standards and accountability,
governance, and curriculum, the school board leaders left
determined to develop a system for local reformers to commu-
nicate with each other — from websites, to meetings, to
research reports, to local training institutes.       Marjorie Egarian, a school board member from a small
rural New Jersey district, ran for office with a like-minded
friend in order to refocus her schools on the bottom line —
achievement. She talked of the importance of gaining access
to people with new and innovative ideas nationwide, and how she could help
bring lessons to
others in her
state.       Others share
the enthusiasm
for a new
national net-
work, such as
Lori Yaklin,
whose new
Michigan
School Board
Leaders
Association is joining public, private and charter board mem-
bers to crusade for reform. Notable local leaders who have
benefited from their relationship with CER include Harriett
Berlin of Nebraska, who first found us when she was looking
for a reform-minded superintendent. Jim Sneeringer of Texas
tired quickly of process-oriented discussions at traditional edu-
cation meetings. Others in the new and emerging School
Board Network© were anxious to connect with their colleagues
from around the country. The fact that these individuals take
the time daily to devote themselves to taking the path less fol-
lowed is an important role model for us all and one for which
we are indebted.  The School Board Network© Uniting Local Board Leaders for Change School board members at work. pointed out that some risks can be miti-
gated. Children with special needs could
be given higher vouchers, for example.       Nondiscrimination could be a condi-
tion for participating schools. But no
matter how you slice it, they argue, “to
the many children losing out in the cur-
rent system, some state-by-state experi-
mentation might offer relief.”    USA Today’s  editorial page also ven- tured into previously forbidden and con-
troversial territory to offer its support for
voucher programs. “Local and state gov-
ernments now experimenting with limit- ed voucher programs are providing one
[answer]. Those programs will determine
the future of vouchers. Not defensive
teachers’ unions. Not overly broad and
expensive state ballot initiatives such as
those defeated last week. Not the next
president….A handful of ongoing
voucher programs are demonstrating
that these problems aren’t intractable.       “… Vouchers should be used surgical-
ly. Not as an entitlement for all, but as a
lifeline for children not receiving the
education to which they are entitled.”       Cheers to the news media that “get
it,” and get it right!    Media, continued from page 10