Column: Education reform needed at statehouse

0

Commentary by Joe Marcum

Marcum
Marcum

If you consider yourself a supporter of public education, before you go to the polls and pull the lever for the party that you normally are affiliated with, you should ask yourself some questions.

Do you think it is wrong that a school superintendent in Indiana only needs a master’s degree in any subject and is not required to have any educational training? Do you think it is wrong to divert desperately needed tax monies from our public schools to promote private, for-profit school companies? Do you think it is wrong that these schools are not held to the same level of accountability as our public schools?

Do you think the separation of church and state is threatened because 96 percent of the schools receiving tax monies from our school voucher program are religious institutions? Do you believe that our students’ safety has been compromised because licensed gun owners, including 18-year-olds, can now have their firearms locked in their car on school property? Do you believe that it was wrong to pass a reduction/elimination business person property tax bill without replacement revenue, especially since it may cause county competition and devastate local government and schools? Do you think it is wrong that our schools are being funded at 2009 levels?

Do you think it is a travesty that we spend more money on student testing than we do on student remediation? Do you think it was wrong to “reform” the teacher pay system in such a way that it may drive away quality teachers from the profession? Do you believe it is wrong to sit on a $2 billion surplus when there are a variety of people who are in need?

If you think these things are wrong, as I do, then how can you go to the polls and vote the same people back in office who are responsible for these examples of legislation?

It is my belief that these legislative decisions have not been in the best interest of the people of the 29th District, and have taken place because of super-majority dominance. You know the old saying; “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” It is my hope that the people of our district will help return a balance to Indiana government, and decide that it is time to change to a more moderate, common-sense view, regardless of party affiliation.

Joe Marcum is a retired teacher from Noblesville Schools and Democrat candidate for Indiana House of Representatives – District 29. He may be contacted at [email protected].


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact