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This should speak for itself.

Rancor Where Public-School Parents Make Private-School Decisions

Please note this recent article from the New York Times.

In my opinion, it seems as though it is a lose-lose situation. Although I do feel it is important for the Jewish people to protect themselves economically, it seems to be causing a big Chillul Hashem. So, in the long run is it really worth it? Rancor is a harsh word.

Many of the Orthodox here and elsewhere feel crushed by the weight of high
school taxes and private school tuition. Making sure the school district is
fiscally prudent seems a necessity.

That makes sense...Yeshiva tuition is completely out-of-control expensive. Why shouldn't I protect myself from additional higher taxes coming from Public Schools which aren't economically sound or feasible.

But increasingly, others are chafing at the idea that people who don’t send
their children to the public schools are making the decisions for those from
very different cultures who do.

I can imagine why that's frustrating, but I am paying for this service to be provided, so why shouldn't my opinion matter?

“The current system doesn’t address the question of governance with the consent
of the governed,” he said, adding, “It doesn’t feel like America.”

Isn't this democracy? It is certainly a shame that these public school families live in a district that is heavily populated with Jewish people, which may put there schools under the microscope. However, this "governance" is "with the consent of the governed," in that the majority have voted one way. For example, is this any different than a certain public service offered for a long time by a local government (which those politicians may or may not use) which is then over turned when a new party, or even a new leader, takes over? If a majority of democrats outvote the republicans in office, are the new leaders implementing "governance without consent of the governed?" Don't the higher-ups decide whether or not their are going to be vouchers for parents (many of whom do so for religous reasons) send their children to public school? Do they always factor in our "consent"?

The enduring dynamic here and elsewhere is the Orthodox voting in huge numbers
and, invariably, for one of their own. Competing here with splintered,
low-income, ethnic constituencies, they invariably get the votes.

Is this an abuse of the system that should lead to "Rancor?"

Of course, not all victories are worth the costs. And critics ask how the
yeshiva parents in Ramapo would feel if the decisions about its schools were
dictated by local black or Hispanic residents.

Many of these parents would not appreciate it. This is why they send their children to schools where the decisions are made privately, and not open to the masses to vote on. Does this comparison really work?

The issue has percolated since the Orthodox gained control of the board a few
years back. It gained a measure of acrimony a year ago when...

Of course, if there is any foul play involved it should be stopped. No one here is advocating an abuse of the system in any way.

Again, even if the argument is correct, we must assess whether it is worth its rammifications. And, no one here is looking to shut down schools without reason. The key is to make sure everything is financially sound and to provide the best education accordingly.

Oh boy...

Mr. Roboto

Be afraid, be very afraid! After all of that talk of Teaching being such a safe field in a troubled economy, it turns out that we should be concerned nonetheless. This is really fascinating!

Midos Alert!

It is always nice to see Midot being taught. Read this article about students who learned about the rammifications of Tzar Baalei Chaim.

I Foot Believe It!

Is this appropriate? What should the facebook situation be? Where do we draw the line?

Violence

Bullying as really become a major issue in Jewish day schools. I know that Azrieli has and continues to have various seminars about the problem. Look at these scary stats.

Hopefully this isn't as much of an issue!

Facebook Lomdus

Check this interesting article. It is important to note the message of these statistics because facebook is all the rage in Jewish day schools too. However, what I found most interesting was the approach to the findings. I always appreciate a good Chakira. What we have here is a classic Siman vs. Siba. Does extensive use of facebook cause grades to suffer, or is it an indicator that such a person most likely doesn't do as well in school.

Personally, I have a hard time believing it's a Siba. 

What say you?

Interesting approach to education

Interesting approach....
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,512569,00.html