http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2011/07/balto_county_school_board_task_force_chair_looking_ahead.html
Out in the country, a task force was put together in order to examine the structure of the school board. A series of public hearings were held, whose input will help put together the board's recommendations. At the last hearing, it was reported that the public voiced support for an elected board. Currently, the board is appointed by the governor. However, others were skeptical, saying the structure does not need to be changed citing success on test scores as evidence.
It is noteworthy that when the public is asked how they want their school board members to be chosen, the majority said elections. Though, it's not entirely surprising, given that the people who attended these public hearings are likely ones who attend school board meetings, would vote in school board elections, and probably want more say in who sits on the board. Most interesting, however, is that some thought there should be no changes because the country is doing well (in their opinion). Does this mean that, if asked, Baltimore City residents would want to switch to an elected board, since City Schools is perceived by many to be failing? I would argue yes. Nonetheless, I doubt the City would ever switch to an elected board, given that most urban districts now have an appointed school board.
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I struggle with questions like these. On one end, elections are great, as they hold elected members accountable to the public. Of course, this often leads to pandering, and often members vote against their own beliefs for fear of not getting reelected by their constituents. Although I'd like to say the public truly does not know what's best for public schools, I can't say that with much confidence. For instance, I felt very differently about many issues regarding public education until I entered the profession myself. With anything, it's difficult to have a genuine understanding without direct involvement. On the other end, with appointments, pandering is a still an issue: members feel like they must satisfy the mayor who appointed them, and I can imagine they feel an immense pressure to vote in his/her favor.
Side note: It's interesting that the public is drawing comparisons between test scores and whether or not their school board is elected or appointed. That's a bit of a stretch to me...???
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