What about the kids? Public education missing from Democratic primary debates

On March 3, about 10 percent of the delegates who will select the Democratic nominee for president will be chosen in just one state: California. The state’s massive trove of delegates matters because, while many laws in our country flow east to west from Washington, the values that inform these laws flow west to east from California.

California has led the way on many issues, including the environment, immigration reform, marriage equality and data privacy. But public education is missing from the debate in the Democratic primary. In an election where economic inequality is a defining issue, why are we not talking about the most important part of the path out of poverty?

A generation ago, California’s public education system led the nation with well-funded schools serving the needs of the entire community, but that’s no longer the case. School funding is not stable or adequate. Achievement lags. For example, per-pupil funding in Los Angeles has fallen relative to other parts of the country and is now 40 percent less than in New York.

Funding is not just a state issue. Congress provides barely one-third of the funds it has promised to schools under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Volatility creates a further issue. A 22 percent reduction in funding, and draconian cuts at schools during a two-year period a decade ago, were followed by gradual increases that have not sufficiently restored school staffing lost due to cuts.

As the school system has suffered these devastating blows, California has become a society of haves and have-nots. This is reflected in our schools. In the greater Los Angeles area, about 20 percent of people live in poverty, yet 80 percent of students in Los Angeles Unified come from families struggling to make ends meet. Our student population is 73 percent Latino and 8 percent African American.

In spite of these challenges, we’re making progress. This past year saw record-high graduation rates, record-low suspension rates and increases across the board in student achievement in LA Unified. It’s taken hard work and commitment by those who work in schools together with engaged families and a supportive community. But there’s a long way to go to make sure every student reaches their full potential.

Democratic candidates have given lip service to the topic, pledging their “support for public education.” Some have even proposed increasing teacher salaries. Raising salaries, while a great idea, is only part of the answer. It does nothing to address the chronic understaffing of schools. This understaffing has led to class sizes that are way too big, schools that don’t have librarians or the counselors needed to support students or the staff to keep schools safe and clean.

And funding adequacy alone will not ensure each school is well-led, or that every classroom has a quality teacher. The ingredients of a great education are not a secret. Schools need experienced and capable school leadership and quality teachers. They also require support for teachers and students commensurate with their needs, engaged families and facilities that reflect a desire to provide a world-class education.

For a long time, we’ve watched ethanol become the center of national attention when Iowans ask presidential candidates where they stand on the issue. It’s time for education to take center stage. It’s a big stage and the conversation needs focus.

Let’s start with a few, basic questions for the candidates: What should be the role of the federal government in public education? How can the federal government and states ensure stable and adequate funding for schools? How do we make sure there are capable leaders at every school and quality teachers in every classroom? What can be done to make certain more resources go to support students most in need? How can we better prepare students for the jobs of the future?

These questions about public education must be at the heart of any conversation about inequality. There is talent in every seat in every classroom, but there’s not always an opportunity for deserving students. It’s time we unapologetically take on the issue. We’ve got work to do, and our kids are counting on us.

This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 5:00 AM.