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Help for School Boards
Hubert B. Herring (Lessons column, May 31) writes that most voters on small-town school bonds, whether because of lack of time or expertise, ''have little choice'' but to put their faith in the school board they elected.
Each year, there are fewer people to handle the many complex matters that come before a district -- student achievement, multimillion-dollar budgets, management of buildings and state mandates. School board members do not usually have expertise in these areas before they begin their service. They rely on a staff that is shrinking as the range of issues needing decision is increasing.
It is time to recognize that running a school system is at least as complex as running a business and devote the resources necessary to do the job.
CATHERINE SHAW
Ann Arbor, Mich., June 1, 2000
The writer is director of external relations, Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan.
A version of this letter appears in print on June 7, 2000, on Page A00030 of the National edition with the headline: Help for School Boards. Today's Paper|Subscribe