Parents are at fault for district's failure

What follows may well be the best example of public education's failure. The problem is not universal. Yet even in isolation, it speaks volumes of an issue in our society that demands action. Unfortunately for now, we lack that solution.

The Wellston School District in St. Louis is an example of failure - not entirely the fault of public education but rather a failure of family support, cultural distinctions and general apathy because of the size of the problem. Overwhelmingly minority, the school district will be stripped of its state accreditation this summer because of "extremely poor" performance in all phases of education standards.

Take for example, with 630 students - a small number to be sure - only 19 will graduate this year.

Take for example, on a 100-point scale, schools are expected to achieve at a minimum 46 performance points. That in itself is dismal. But Wellston scores only 23 points on that scale. For full accreditation, districts must score at least 66 points. Wellston doesn't stand a prayer.

But here's the kicker. The district superintendent is the highest paid in the state with an annual salary of $183,129. That is appalling and should result in the dismissal of the school board and anyone else involved in this decision. What must they be thinking when they pay this exorbitant salary for such dismal performance? If it's not criminal, it should be.

The prospect of accreditation loss is designed to force the school district to completely revamp their programs and implement changes that will improve student performance. It will fail in Wellston because there is not the foundation within the community to dictate those changes. What is now obvious is that the parents of students in Wellston don't really put a premium on education. They accept performance at the lowest level because school is a babysitting service, not a source of learning.

The issue in the failure of Wellston is not a racial one. Instead it's a sign of growing concern in society over those who put no value on education. And the blame begins and ends with the parents of those students. They are the ones who have allowed the miserable failure, the ridiculous salary, etc. The blame falls squarely on their shoulders.

But you know what? Society cannot demand or dictate how parents feel about education. So we'll turn out more students who will fail in life, who will cost society for the remainder of their lives and who will then breed yet another generation of dependent residents. The burden on taxpayers - who will be forced to provide for this growing generation - will grow and grow in time.

I am sick and tired of paying the housing, the medical costs, the food, clothing, etc. for those who choose to accept that lifestyle. And I firmly believe, it is a choice. I'm sick of those who want more of my taxes to help those in need when all too often those in need do not help themselves.

The parents of Wellston students should be ashamed. But I doubt they are.