I think my tirade against the fund-rasing scheme is fueled by the fact that earlier in the day I was not even allowed consideration for a teaching job that I am supremely qualified for simply because I'm not licensed. I am willing to get provisional licensing, but can't even apply for an interim license without being hired by a school district. And that probably won't happen unless there are literally no other applicants. I'm tired of hearing about schools being short of money when they won't be open about their hiring policies.
I agree. I also am tired of the rising percentage of over-paid administrators who mostly push paper, (no wonder they generate so much red-tape!) eat up a lot of school funds and spend their time (when not dining out at fancy restaurants or attending yet another "Education Conference" at a resort location on the taxpayer's dime) devising insipid, unrealistic, politically correct rules and regulations that restrict rather than alleviate the precious money, time and energy that sincere teachers and students alike spend on their education. Maybe it's not like that in all public school systems, but it sure was (and still is) the case in my area. (I live in Northern California.)
I have friends who live in NC who rave about how good their public schools are. FReeper Mombonn was very satified with her children's schools in Michigan.
Of course, there are always acceptions to the rule of whether or not a parent is happy with a private or public school system. Sadly, I don't think that satisfaction with many schools is the norm...at least in today's world. Before the PC thought police and socialist indoctrinators from the Sixties came onto the scene, public schools were acceptable to most families. Hey, I went to public schools. ;) I'm happy to hear that you are satisfied with your school situation. Good luck to you and your family.