Two Cents: School board action very disappointing

I’d like to say the latest moves by the East Baton Rouge School Board were amusing, but the reality is that it was sad and unfortunately predictable. On Thursday, the state took over eight failing parish schools — schools that have been failing for years. Instead of discussing how they can push forward and improve the lives of the kids, board members instead threatened lawsuits and denied the renewal of a lease of the Children’s Charter School, one of THEIR OWN CHARTER SCHOOLS. Let me repeat that: They have chosen to be punitive against one of their own schools where their own kids are actually receiving a quality education. As usual the school board spends more time on misdirection and politics than on helping kids. Anyone who voted to deny the renewal (they made it a day-to-day lease) should step down. Instead of spending their time trying to defend the indefensible, I suggest they get busy doing their jobs or we will be here again next year talking about more takeovers. I applaud the state for doing what they did in taking over the failing schools. It was bold. It represents change. It will help the kids. Send comments to editors@businessreport.com. — Rolfe McCollister