Will Public Schools be in for a Storm under DeVos, or a Helpful, New Perspective?

By Hailee Cederquist

staff writer

Betsy Devos at her inaugural hearing

Everything President Donald Trump has done since his inauguration has been under scrutiny. But it seems that few actions have been more under fire than his appointing Michigan’s own Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of Education. On February 7, DeVos was confirmed by the Senate through a tight, 51-50 margin, with Vice President Mike Pence having to break the tie.

Among the many complaints people have with DeVos’ appointment, her experience and avid support for private and charter schools are the most frowned upon. However, it’s difficult to know just what DeVos plans to do in her position.

It is clear though, that DeVos plans to change something within America’s education system. DeVos does believe in encouraging private schools and helping more children to attend these schools. According to Travis Nichol, AP Government teacher at Northview, it will be interesting to see what DeVos will do in her position.

One of the big questions that many teachers, parents, and students have, is how DeVos might affect their own schools. Here at Northview, we already have a large population of school of choice students, a program supported by DeVos which allows students to attend schools outside of the district in which they reside. However, if too many taxes coming from Northview’s own district move to private schools, programs will shut down, and teachers who can get paid better elsewhere may leave the district. This could be disastrous to public schools, especially those who already receive dismal funding.

It is a worrisome struggle to know how exactly how DeVos feels about public schools. But based on her comments at the 2016 March SXSWedu Conference the public’s concerns were heightened. “We are the beneficiaries of start-ups, ventures, and innovation in every other area of life, but we don’t have that in education because it’s a closed system, a closed industry, a closed market. It’s a monopoly, a dead end,” DeVos said. Superintendent Scott Korpak wishes to know who she would place the responsibility of this ‘closed system’ on, since he feels that, here at Northview, we are always looking for ways to innovate. “People can’t be produced,” he replied after commenting that DeVos seems to encourage a business like system in schools. “You can innovate, but you can also hurt a child’s future.” Indeed, it does take a delicate balance to ensure that children receive the best education possible. Matt Coty, Geometry and Pre-Calculus teacher’s feelings on DeVos’s comments were also a bit doubtful, “kids have so many more opportunities, compared to when I was a kid, and even compared to that first year I spent teaching,” Coty said. This is one of many concerns with DeVos: her doubt in the public education system.

One thing that everyone can be proud of in the midst of this uneasy time, is the willingness of citizens to stand up for what they believe in. Many people spoke up about DeVos, and told the politicians how they felt, whether it was through email or protest. Although we cannot know what DeVos plans to do as Secretary of Education, we do know that public education is worth fighting for.

It is uncertain what path education will be taking from here on out. DeVos could offer a new and helpful perspective on problems facing education, or our public school system may sway in the storm of this new administration. For now, Americans can only accept DeVos in her position, and continue to stand for their beliefs in supporting public education.

Photo courtesy of NPR and Carolyn Kaster

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