I'm not a "small government" person.

[glowing]

12. I'm not either.. and

I would actually increase the Dept of Education so that all teachers, staff, and support personnel would be rounded up into one govt entity... so that all of these people are paid directly through the Govt like the CIA, military, or FBI. And I would eliminate the school boards altogether. School Boards are political stepping stones and only the kids suffer. And if the Dept of Education is responsible for the whole kit n' caboodle, then, they would also be responsible for maintaining the public schools large and small across the land and make sure that their is equal opportunity no matter where a child lives. Pay for teachers is not subject to property taxes collected by the region. Poor areas would have just as rich of schools. And during a downturn in the economy, teacher's pay would remain the same, experienced professional teachers wouldn't be tossed out the door because their pay bracket is larger, and the "extra" activities like art, P.E., music, and sports are not eliminated for budget issues. It only makes sense to take education with Federal Mandates into a real agency that actually deals with our future in a responsible manner. And insulate the standards with actual teachers and principles in this country... Best yet, no need to partner with private business to bring in revenue. The Govt can tax for the revenue for the agency and get out of the privatization of the schools (which in large part have been unsuccessful).