The state of Arkansas is set to appeal the decision by a court down in El Dorado that keeps children in failing schools. Our considered editorial opinion on the matter, which is more considered than some of our opinions, is that the state should appeal and appeal again. Until the courts get it right. Or the state runs out of courts.
What could be more worthy? These are children--actually their parents--who know the local schools aren't schooling. And want out.
The U.S. district court in El Dorado ruled that four particular school districts in the southern part of Arkansas were exempt from transfer rules because of old desegregation cases. The school districts involved sorely want to keep as many kids as possible, because that's where the state funding goes. So what if these schools aren't teaching these kids? There's money in them thar students.
Parents, however, say they want their kids safe. Parents say they want their kids to learn. Parents say they are acting in their children's best interest. The districts' answer: money. They can't do without it.
But it seems as though these districts are going to lose the money that follows these students no matter what. Cynthia Howell's story in Tuesday's paper quoted a couple of parents. Even if they can't get their kids into a school down the road, some vow not to go back to the failing ones.
One parent in the story said she might home-school her child, if all else fails. Another says she'll consider private school.
These districts have but one argument: money.
But they're likely to lose that money anyway.
So why fight these few dozen kids who'd like to learn somewhere else? Could it be petulance? Rancor? A warning to others? It can't be because these students are Priority No. 1. Nobody following this story believes that.
So appeal. And appeal again, if necessary. Until the courts get it right.
Editorial on 02/21/2019