Just don’t suggest doing away with “free” lunches. Whew! If you want a ****storm of screaming Karens on your ***, that will do it.I’m sure this is going to ruffle some feathers, but here we go:
Defund the bloated “we need another new building” school systems entirely
Provide no cost student transportation to and from school within a given, reasonable distance
Eliminate the teachers unions
Provide education vouchers to parents for use at non regulated schools of choice
Soon enough like minded parents will form groups to plan, organize and staff a central facility. There are plenty of teachers who would jump ship instantly to practice their craft without the constraints they are currently saddled with. With a growing vacancy rate of commercial property, a satisfactory rental building for the school shouldn’t present a problem. Smaller groups might prefer a hybrid home school arrangement. Extracurricular activities would be left to the parents to sort out. The need for other schools to compete shouldn’t be any more complicated than a few phone calls and a calendar.
Most importantly, parents decide the curriculum beyond the 3rs. Teachers could be selected based on ability, moral character, and other factors similar to the private sector but again the parents set the bar.
Fire away but ponder the concept.