‘The Cartel’ School Choice Panel Discussion

Some 70 people witnessed a strong argument for school choice at a screening of The Cartel on Jan. 27 at the Tivoli Theatre in University City near Saint Louis. The documentary film, part of a forum sponsored by the Show-Me Institute, focused on floundering schools in New Jersey. Journalist Bob Bowdon vividly portrayed a system rife with overpaid administrators, ineffective union-protected teachers, and, worst of all, teens who can't read. A panel discussion followed the special screening. Moderated by the Show-Me Institute's director of communications, Rick Edlund, it featured two Missouri state representatives, both members of the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education. Rep. Scott Dieckhaus (R) heads up that committee as chairman, and Rep. Tishaura Jones (D) is also assistant minority floor leader. They shared their thoughts about the documentary and about the education issues that may come before their committee during the 2011 legislative session.