To the editor:
Margie Vandeven was hired in January 2015 as our commissioner of education and has received bi-partisan praise from lawmakers and wide support from education groups.
Vandever, state education departments and state boards have been demanding quality education in school districts as well as charter schools by putting pressure on charter school sponsors. Over all, the state’s schools have improved, and St. Louis’ public schools did better this year than half of all the charter school agencies.
Gov. Greitens wanted to fire Vandeven, but legally could not. So, he pressured the board members to fire Vandeven. When some board members refused, they resigned or were ousted by the governor. Greitens then appointed five inexperienced board members (one just hours before a board meeting) who would fire Vandeven.
Greitens had no legal right to do any of this and the Missouri. Senate had not confirmed the new board members.
Some interesting facts have surfaced:
Greitens received $100,000 from each of the families of Betsy DeVos and Steven Cohn, both pressing for privatizing education.
Greitens paid $1,500 to fly charter school expert Ken Zeff to Missouri as a possible replacement for Vandeven.
The only areas currently authorized in the state of Missouri to have charter schools are St. Louis and Kansas City. Greitens and the charter school agencies are looking to grow and profit in white suburban and rural dis tricts. Charter school expansion would encourage district consolidation.
The Missouri Senate convenes in January and it is vitally important that you contact your senator and tell them to vote “no” on the appointments of: Eric Teeman, Eddy Justice, Doug Russell, Marvin Jungmeyer and Jennifer Edwards. They are jeopardizing our children’s education to please Greitens.
MAXINE AND KEN HORGAN, MOUNTAIN VIEW