ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 8, 1996 TAG: 9602080016
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-14 EDITION: METRO
CAN the private sector do a better job than the public sector of operating public schools? Declaring the idea a failure would be premature. But the experiences of Baltimore and Hartford, Conn., should give pause to those now considering hiring for-profit managers. In Virginia, that includes the city of Portsmouth.
Hartford recently fired the private business, Education Alternative Inc., it had contracted with to run its school system. Baltimore has also given EAI the pink slip. In these two cases at least, the business simply wasn't able to deliver on its promises - safer, more efficient schools and markedly higher student achievement, all at a cost savings to taxpayers.
Perhaps where the concept has thus far bombed, the odds were stacked against success. Too many socioeconomic challenges, maybe, or too little cooperation from school personnel. Whatever the reasons, it's a reminder that a free-enterprise fix may not be a quick-fix-all. Those who would ``privatize'' all government functions - whether to save money or simply out of misguided anti-government zeal - should take heed.
Heed also should be taken, though, of the many school divisions that have successfully contracted out some services - for example, lunchroom operations or bus maintenance - to private companies. And in a few instances, management of entire schools or school systems by for-profit companies appears to be working reasonably well. The concept simply hasn't been around long enough to have passed or failed the test of time. A period of trials and errors is necessary.
Meanwhile, let's hope the experiences of Baltimore and Hartford don't become just another excuse for school officials to protect their turf against any involvement by ``outsiders.'' Businesses - parents, too, for that matter - can often bring to the table innovative ideas and fresh thinking about education. Indeed, schools can profit by forming alliances with businesses, by drawing on their help and talent - not only for cost savings but also for ``quality management'' of the end product, student achievement and learning.
Educators dare not jump on every private-sector bandwagon. Neither can they afford the notion that education is nobody's business but their own.
LENGTH: Short : 45 linesby CNB