Hello Norfolknet,
I'm a radio talk show host in Illinois who spends a great deal of time on education issues, and I'd like to comment on the Matez situation. These types of personnel issues are popping up everywhere, and there is a reason.
As some one WAY outside of your locale, I was still very interested in the story of Mr. Matez. I couldn't find a single reference to what Mr. Matez did to warrant firing, which leads me to believe he was fired simply because he deviated from the demonstrably ineffective methods lauded by today's public education establishment.
Though unfamiliar with the details, I'm familiar enough with similar stories from Illinois (and around the country) to feel confident making the following statement. This type of treatment of innovation and talent will continue until the suburban parents across the nation demand "radical" reform of the current education system. It is a travesty.
A few thoughts...
1. There is no "local control". If there were local control, Mr. Matez would still be teaching.
2. Your public school isn't an independent entity. It is as much a "franchise" of a large centralized industry any McDonalds or Wal-Mart outlet. Mr. Matez firing demonstrates this.
3. The "School District", as an entity, is designed to give you the PRETENSE of "local control," when in fact, its purpose is to enforce a "cookie cutter" curriculum. (Ever wonder why there are only about 3-5 text book companies - all of which are increasingly sub-standard)
What is the solution? Across the nation, parents need to demand the following.
1. Funding should follow students, not districts or 'systems', and funding should be equalized. (the rich will always pay extra, regardless of whether it provides value)
2. Districts, as taxing/funding entities, need to be abolished. (imagine the cost savings as you eliminate an entire layer of unnecessary bureaucracy)
3. Every accredited school, public or private, should become an independent "charter" capable of redeeming scholarships.
4. Parents and local citizens should once again run the schools, based not upon never ending spending increases, but upon their choice of what is best for their child.
Under this type of a system, Mr. Matez would still be teaching (and be well compensated, by the sounds of it), while the people who fired him would be flipping burgers, where they seem to belong. The firing of Mr. Matez should be a watershed moment in understanding the true nature of what you mistakenly call "public education". It isn't "public" at all. It is a private, protected, and powerful monopoly that exercises unwarranted power over the lives teachers, parents, and taxpayers.
My rhetoric may make you uncomfortable, but comfortable people don't agitate for change. Get out of your 'comfort zone' and see the system for what it is. Do it for the Children!
Bruno Behrend
Host - Extreme Wisdom Radio Show & Blog
Weekdays 6-8-10 PM on 1220 WKRS
extremewisdom.comPS - If some one can find him, I'd love to have Mr. Matez on my radio show.