The New York Times reported on July 23, 2011, that:
Mr. Murdoch began to put his own money behind Mr. Klein's efforts. At one point, he quietly donated $1 million to an advocacy group, Education Reform Now, run by Mr. Klein, bankrolling a continuing campaign to overturn a state law protecting older teachers, according to a person told of the contribution.
Across our Nation, parents and educators are fighting against top down plans implemented by Sec. of Education Arne Duncan such as 'Race to the Top' and sudden school closings and teacher lay offs.
Now, a line in the sand is being drawn on this issue in Denver, Colorado as a recall effort has been mounted against School Board Member Nate Easley - specifically over his conflict of interest in employment and neglecting to listen and meet with concerned parents of Northeast Denver.
This recall will pit grassroots organizers against the 'reforms' that close schools from this administration and its Sec. of Education, Arne Duncan and will be the example to other boards who want to stop these reforms.
But this recall does not just threaten one Denver Public School Board member, but goes much higher up - even the President has been brought in for political cover in the State of the Union. (No one from the school he mentions was in the audience for the SOTU - every other honoree was in attendance, almost like a last minute addition )
There are many points of view on the new trends in so-called 'School Reform' efforts happening all around the country.
The epicenter of this issue is being decided currently in Denver Colorado, as a recall effort has been mounted against School Board Member Nate Easley over proposed reforms that are closing schools.
This effort has attracted national attention as a test of whether traditionally Democratic institutions like the Teachers' Union will send a message that voting against the Teachers will cost politicians their office and position.
But this story does not just end with one Denver Public School Board member's recall. This issue goes back several years and involves a DPS budget scandal that involves former Superintendent Michael Bennet and Current Superintendent Tom Boasberg and is a commentary on the top down way in which Arne Duncan is radically changing our education system.
