The school administrator said that it is the school's function and purpose to keep students in the classroom. That says it all about our public schools. He basically admitted that public schools exist as babysitting operations, the sole purpose of which is to keep the kids together in one place. Actually, penal institutions, filled with people who are compelled to be there. As John Gatto pointed out, contrast the public school atmosphere to what you find in a library. People in the library want to be there, you see.
Contrast public schools with private schools. Students are generally happier in private school.