‘Yes sir,’ ‘no sir’ or ‘no excuse sir’

In times of war it is important for military leaders to keep discipline and teach soldiers to be the best that they can be. Their life depends on it. One method drill sergeants use for training is to limit the acceptable answers soldiers can give to a direct question. Their answer can be either “yes sir,” “no sir” or “no excuse sir.”

The answer for poor performance is always “no excuse sir.”

The poor performance of soldiers reflects badly on the entire chain of command. If the situation is not changed, the commanders are removed.

The same is not always the case for those responsible for teaching our children.

According to the 2009 edition of Quality Counts, Louisiana ranks 47th among the 50 states in student achievement and receives an overall grade of “C.” Among the 66 school systems in the state, the Louisiana Department of Education ranks Tri-parish area schools from 34th to 39th … average.

If our school systems were like the military, the commanders would be changed.

In the publishing business, a poor performing newspaper might see its managing editor replaced. If the newspaper continues to perform poorly, the managing editor may once again be changed. If the poor performance persists, it’s time to change the publisher.

A school system should be no different. If a school superintendent is replaced several times without positive results, then it may be time to change the school board … which is easier said than done.

Lacking term limits, school board members can become entrenched.

State Rep. Steve Carter (R-Baton Rouge) hoped to correct this entrenchment by introducing a bill that would have limited school board members to no more than three consecutive terms, beginning next year.

Despite the support of several business organizations, including the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the bill was defeated in the House and Governmental Affairs committee.

Opponents argued that those who serve on school boards, and how long they serve, are matters for local voters to decide. So, it is up to us.

The next time you see a school board member, don’t forget to ask, “Why are schools in Terrebonne Parish crumbling and test scores in Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary parishes below the national average?”

If that person wants your vote again, the answer should be, “No excuse sir.”