Charter vote was anti-competition

 

While somewhat perplexing, you have to give the Volusia County Schools superintendent and his board some credit. They’re consistent.

Unfortunately, this “consistency” seems to be at odds with their stated mission of providing the best possible education for our kids.

There is little doubt that the board views charter schools as a huge threat. A threat to their power. A threat to their control. A threat to their monopoly. A threat to their almighty budgets.

Last year, they spent money to oppose legislation regarding charter schools. This money could have been better used to further education. The board chose to use the money to protect its own interest rather than use it in the classrooms where kids learn.

Now there is another threat that they’ve decided to kill — the proposed high-tech charter school. The rationale? The school allegedly met only 53 percent of the measurement criteria established. Does anyone else wonder what percentage of the same criteria existing Volusia County Schools would meet? I do.

Like most things in life, reality here can be found by following the money. Money from teachers unions protecting poor performance. Tax money coveted by the board to protect their inefficiencies and stave off competition. So much for the education mission, eh?

Hey, board, how about a level playing field? How about a fair fight? If they really believe their own press clippings — that they are outstanding performers — then compete and prove it. What do they have to lose? Oh, yeah, all that money, power and monopoly.

Maybe our kids have a chance to win.

Rob Giebel, Ormond Beach

Extend Hand (Ave.) 

A Hand Avenue extension would be a much-needed improvement for those of us who live west of Interstate 95. I have been in traffic on Williamson Boulevard south of Hand Avenue, all the way to Granada Boulevard, many times. I’ve also seen westbound traffic on Granada backed up almost to Clyde Morris Boulevard. The traffic will only get worse, so the time to act is now. 

Ron Piasecki, Ormond Beach

 

A few questions

In the not-so-dark ages, when I was a boy, there was a Sunday comic strip called “How Come?” I liked it.

How come pedestrians don’t look right and left before they cross the street? Many just look straight ahead. Even if they’re not on a “device.”

How come the police now allow front car windows so tinted that nobody cantell who, or if anyone, is driving?

How come drivers have quit signaling turns?

How come we don’t say “hi” or “good morning” or “how ya doing?” to strangers anymore? Not everyone is a terrorist.

How come so many people look so glum they might as well be dead? They’d feel better if they just smiled and said “hello” to someone.

How come people walk right behind crrs backing up in a parking lot? Hoping to get hit, but not killed, so they can call an attorney?

How come so many pesticide their lawns to death? If the pests are outside and not in, what does it matter? And pesticides may contribute to cancer, especially in pets. Earthworms are good for lawns.

How come many people spend everything they have on home furnishings, cars, Caribbean trips, second homes, etc., and don’t save any money? Saving used to be a very good thing.

How come developers clearcut all the old, established shade trees from land, and then replant skinny palms?

How come we may colonize Mars before the Orange Street Memorial Bridge is completed? I’d like to know which to look forward to first.

Thomas Meachem, Daytona Beach

Editor’s note: The original spelling of the comic strip name has been updated to reflect current usage.