William C. Baker: “I oppose H.R. 6 because I believe parents, teachers, principals, and local school boards in Contra Costa and Alameda…”

“I oppose H.R. 6 because I believe parents, teachers, principals, and local school boards in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties have a better understanding of our children's needs than Washington bureaucrats. Yesterday I received a letter from the National School Boards Association, stating: For the first time in the almost 30-year history of this landmark education law (Chapter I), the federal government targets local school district governance for the most drastic punitive actions when local student performance is found wanting--regardless of the cause. These actions could include dissolving the local school board, removing the superintendent, abolishing the local school district, and otherwise dismantling the local governance and management structure of the local public schools. In other words, this bill says to schools across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties: Do it Washington's way or we will come in and replace your local school management with our own team of Washington experts. I say, Washington, no thank you. We have already seen how much damage you can do.”