School districts are a strange American anachronism -- no other country delivers public education through strong local authorities. This strange historical remnant is not crippling in all cases but has been proven to be completely ineffective in urban America. We are no longer able to elect and sustain effective urban school boards.
Secretary Duncan recently reiterated his support for mayoral control of urban schools. I agree; mayors are generally better than school boards at providing courageous and effective leadership.
Districts...
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