In his weekly column, Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, sings the praises of the proposed virtual school for Missouri.
On the face of it, a virtual school seems to have much to offer. Not all students succeed in a traditional school atmosphere, and it would obviously offer much to home-schooled students.
Nodler says all of the right things about the legislation; it will follow state law concerning the use of certified teachers (even though members of Nodler's party have been making every effort to water down that law); a portion of the money will go to the local school districts; in truth, the virtual school could be a great law.
But then again, during the same week in which Nodler wrote this column, the Nodler Leadership PAC filed its quarterly disclosure report with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Listed on that report was a $5,000 donation from K12, a McLean, Va.-based company which specializes in selling curriculum to...you guessed it, virtual schools.
As usual, it all comes back to money.
Nothing new there. But what I wonder is, if "a virtual school seems to have much to offer" and "in truth, the virtual school could be a great law" as you stated, then why do you care how Nodler came to suport it? Would you deem this information noteworthy if Nodler was a Democrat?
ReplyDeleteNow, before I get labeled an apologist, let me say that personally, I don't much care for the man. I think he's a self-absorbed, pompous ass who probably wouldn't even run for a House seat once his Senate term is up because he would think it "below him."
But truly, I think if the most precious issue you personally believe in was to somehow come up for legislation, and Nodler supported it,you would still find a reason to lamblast him.
Just my observance, but your colors are leaking through much too apparently.
Many good ideas turn into nightmares if they are not executed well. In politics, people are always ready to jump in and grab their piece of the pie and K12 has made a considerable amount of money selling curriculum for virtual schools. K12's contributions had already started coming in to our majority party's lawmakers even before the virtual schools was proposed. It is always important to know the money behind legislation, no matter which party is in power. At this time, it happens to be the Republicans. If the Democrats ever return to power, I assure you I will scrutinize them just as closely.
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