Wandering in desert

The Bible speaks of 40 years wandering in the desert. Isn’t that just about how long the leadership of the the Little Rock School District ( with little effective support from our city’s visionary leadership) have been fumbling and bumbling their way, trying to address the problem with our schools? Years of misguided direction and billions of tax dollars only to arrive at state control for academics. Fiscal management would be a stronger reason for control.

Now suddenly these local visionaries are speaking up. They want local control. They want Baker Kurrus back even though he was initially rejected by many of these same people. Several of our city directors are even talking about the city controlling the school district. Like they could do a better job? Many are questioning the credentials of Mr. Johnny Key to lead the Department of Education. Where was the outcry when Shane Broadway faced similar resume shortfall?

These folks see charter schools as the demon. Tell that to the 6,000 parents on eStem’s waiting list. I believe the explosive growth of charter schools, private schools and the population increases in the suburbs are the “report card” for the Little Rock School District.

It’s time to stop the moaning and groaning and go to work. It took years and years for the district to slowly burn; it will take time to put out the fire. Control in local hands should come when there has been a proven track record of progress.

Caving in to the emotional, irrational demands of some special- interest groups and local politicians is not the answer. DON SHELLABARGER

Little Rock