Why would the founders of West Virginia establish a state board of education so vastly different from other states? In pre-Civil War Virginia, the eastern establishment believed education to be a privilege rather than a right. While most free persons were forced to homeschool, the wealthy and larger plantation owners could afford to send their children off to boarding schools and universities or hire tutors to teach their children at home on the plantation. Virginia had not yet established public schools. Perhaps, that is why the founders of West Virginia established the State Board of Education with the sole power and purpose to oversee and ensure “a thorough and efficient system of free schools” (Article XII, WV Constitution). To see republican members of the West Virginia Legislature, move to amend the state constitution, undermine the intentions of the founders, and further undermine its historically established free public schools is quite disappointing.
I thought the Republican Party was the party of tradition, conservatism, and preserving the intention of the founders. If Amendment 4 is passed by voters on November 8th, it will make the State Board of Education virtually powerless and lead to further questions regarding the need for its very existence. Handing such power over to the WV Legislature works in contrast to the legitimate concerns of parents. According to Alia Wong of USA Today (October 27, 2022), “a survey of roughly 1,500 parents and guardians published last December, notably, found that the biggest education concern for more than two in three respondents was “politicians who are not educators making decisions about curriculum.””
For those so concerned about partisan issues being implemented into school curriculum, why vote to hand such power over to the WV State Legislature? At some point, majorities in the WV Legislature will change hands. The control sought by those in power today will someday be handed over to those they oppose and disagree. Should the policies and curriculum of our schools change based on the victors of each election? If so, how does that remove politics from our children’s education?
Further, conservative lawmakers complain that the WV State Board of Education is not responsive enough to the concerns of parents and voters. All nine members of the State Board of Education are appointed by the Governor as well as confirmed by the WV State Senate. Are republican legislators unhappy with the members appointed by Governor Justice and confirmed by their fellow republicans in the WV State Senate?
Lastly, republican legislators have repeatedly argued their charter schools and Hope Scholarships are meant not to harm but force public schools to adapt and compete. If Amendment 4 passes, it will make it harder, not easier, for the WV State Board of Education to reduce and eliminate burdensome regulations needed to unchain the potential of educators and most importantly, their students. Are they attempting to hinder the very competition they promote?
Some responsibilities of government should rise above the chaotic and shifting winds of political postering. Public schools should be insulated away from politicians who are far more likely to exasperate complex challenges than to provide practical and effective solutions. After two years of countless interruptions, our students, now more than ever, need consistency, continuity, and stability at school. Empowering the West Virginia Legislature to oversee every rule change and regulation considered by the State Board of Education is a step too far.
Vote to preserve the intentions of the founders of West Virginia! Vote to preserve public education for the parents who continue to choose public schools over others. Most importantly for the kids in our public schools, please vote NO on Amendment 4!
The Conservative-Liberal Independent 