We are comparing how the schools were 20-30 years ago compared to how they are now. So in order to figure out the problem, you have to point out a difference between then and now.

The problem with your analysis is that back when our schools were very good, there was no competition either. I'm sure it depends on where you are and the unique problems of each district, but my understanding of the problems with my old school district are actually caused by the existance of private schools.....

My old school district is the "East Ramapo Central School District" in Rockland County NY. Over the years, the population in this school district had gradually become more and more religious Hassidic Jewish. The Hassidic Jews send their kids to private schools. As they have increased their population over the years, they have become more influential in local politics. Since about 10 years ago, they now represent a majority of the population in the district, and thus the majority of the voting block.

Even though they do not send their kids to public school, by law they are entitled to serve on the board of the local school district. So currently 7 of the 10 members of the board of directors of the school district, including the chairman, are Hassidic Jews. And so, they dictate the budget. So of course, because they don't send their kids to the public schools, they would rather lower the budget and have lower taxes. So in the past 10 years, they have cut just about everything you could possibly cut from the budget, including art programs, music programs, all AP classes, sports, class sizes have gone way up, etc. The result is that the quality of the school district has gone to hell. When I graduated high school in 1991, my high school was in the top 1% nationwide in standardized test scores and AP testing. Now they are no longer even in the top 50%.

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