Weekly Editorial
November 3, 2006

Elections, Public Education and Democracy

Voting at the polls this week reminds us of the privilege that each of us have in influencing and determining the decisions and direction of our local, state and national governments. Not all countries have citizens as fortunate as the United States where each of us has an equal say on proposed issues and the selection of those individuals that govern us. There is one institution in society that teaches us these important shared democratic principles - the public school system. Throughout decades, the public school system has proven to be the key institution in society that shapes our understanding of fundamental democratic principles such as individual rights, equity, truth, justice, diversity, patriotism, popular sovereignty and the common good. Although we may all arrive in kindergarten with different cultural or ethnic backgrounds, income levels or abilities, we are able to learn and embrace democracy early in our lives. Public education in America means:

• A free education for all students
• The promise of equal educational opportunities regardless of race, religion or ability
• A commitment to high standards and high expectations for all students
• A system of governance that ensures public accountability
• A benefit to society by teaching democratic principles and common values

While the framers of our nation’s constitution drew the “game plan” of a free and open society, the public schools are the “practice field” where we learn, experience and live out democracy for the first time. There is no other institution in society that models and teaches democracy. Strong public schools will preserve a well functioning and lasting democratic society!