The problem with using this quote to imply that Republicans should be pro-union is that most of us (R's, I am one) believe that the unions added value and were important...75 years ago. A safe work place and a fair wage should be the norm, but not the rediculousness that exists in current union contracts. $60 an hour and 60 vacation days for a manual labor job just seems a little much.

And, I don't think Reagan was referring to public sector unions.

Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Bruce. Bruce is paid to make a comment under every story and include reference to either ALEC or the Koch Brothers.

Christopher, I don't know where you get your information, but what you are saying is completely incorrect. I have never received any payment for comment on any blog.

Nope in fact we are rated 24th in the State. and many of our individual schools are rated as some of the highest in the State. McMillin does not represent us, he represents special interests, nearly all is campaign contributions (over 90%) come from out of the district. Many of which are from the same groups that he has written sweetheart legislation for. HB 5039, stripping municipalities from enacting protections to LGBT citizens also has nothing to do with this area...as the three cities do not have any ordinances that need to be taken away...wonder who he represents...ah yes the Representative from AFA . Why have unions when you have a representative in your pocket?

Thank you Brian, that is what I thought! Why would someone represeting an area with GREAT schools boast about doing something that doesn't effect the area he is supposed to be representing. I want someone that represents me and the area I live in. Seems clear he is out of touch with the people that sent him to Lansing. He won't get my vote!

As a state representative, you also have a duty to do what is best for the state. If McMillin believes that charter and cyber schools would benefit communities in the state and not harm our community, why shouldn't he support them?

For those who oppose McMillin because of his support for charter schools, please tell us what harm charter schools have created for Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township.

Your 24th ranking, or whatever, are ranking public schools against each other.

Why not attempt to rank against really accomplished schools, like Country Day?

Charter schools ARE public schools. What if Oakland University were to charter a schools designed to be a high-performing public schools, comparable to DCD. Would you be opposed to allowing people to send their child to that school, if that is what was best for that child?

How about the IA? For all practical purposes, it is a charter! Rochester children leave the district, and move to the IA... along with their money! You have Rochester board members with children attending this quasi-charter. Any outrage over that?

Joshua:
That is a little silly to ask what a law that was passed in December 2011, has had an impact 9-months later, you are better than that. I do not believe for a second you think that is a legitimate question. The problem with charter and cyber is not a short term problem, but a prolonged long term issue. I'm sure if you polled the industrial manufacturers 9-months after NAFTA passed they would have said no impact...however I'm sure all of them would agree uniformly it was a a paradigm shift in their business that has hurt them immeasurably.

He is not the State's representative, he is ours...he did not vote the state's interest he voted a special interest that lines his pockets, and employed him in between political gigs. Charter schools are not the problem, its an unlimited uncapping of charter schools that is the problem...flooding the market will be a problem that I am sure will be a problem in a few years, with the losers being the kids that picked the wrong school and our future economy.
PS Amanda says hi :)

Brian, there are plenty of people who have opposed any support for charter schools, so I was referencing that more than the new law. The new law may affect people in district 45. RCS won't suffer significantly, but it will allow those who want different opportunities to receive them.

The uncapping came about because charter schools have enormous wait lists. We don't tell small hamburger restaurants that they can't open because there are already too many taking customers from McDonald's. America is great because we have so many choices.

Tell Amanda I said hi. Maybe I'll see one of you tomorrow. (School board, not Paul Ryan rally.)

Brian, what are your thoughts on the Education Achievement Authority?

We have some really good teachers and some really poor teachers/adminstrators! Focus schools are costing us big because of the acheivement gap! The school board has kicked the can down the road or thrown money at the problem without a change in the problem! I'm infavor of local control. But when school boards refuse to do the right thing laws are developed!

The problem with this argument is that it's just not true. Public sector wages were lower than private sector wages in the 40's and 50's, they aren't now and haven't been for years. And the cost burden of the pension and retiree healthcare makes even those wages from the 40's and 50's higher than the private sector.

It's not envy, it's the realization that we can get someone else to do a mediocre job for less money.

pbundy, how many students have left Rochester Community Schools, similar in boundaries to what McMillin represents, to go to charter schools? I would guess that the number is very tiny and most likely about 1-2% of the over 2500 students in the district who attended private or parochial schools or are homeschooled. There has not been harm done to our schools by students transferring to charter schools.

McMillin doesn't represent the public schools in our district. McMillin represents the people in our district. This includes parents who choose private, parochial, charter, or home schools.

Regarding your misconceptions of charter schools, from http://www.michigan.gov/documents/PSAQA_54517_7.pdf

Charter schools must provide the same transparency information on their website that all public schools provide [MCL 388.1618(2) and RSC 503(6)(1)]

19. May a charter school be selective in its admissions policy?
Except as prescribed in law, a charter school may not be selective in its enrollment process. It may not screen out students based on disability, race, religion, gender, test scores, etc. It may predetermine the ages, grades, and number of students it will serve. A random selection process must be used if the number of applicants exceeds the school’s enrollment capacity.

Mr Raymond, if only 1-2% of Rochester students would desire to go to a charter school, Mr. McMillin is only representing 1-2% of the students. (Yes, as a representative, he represents our district, and hopefully, our needs and concerns.) We don't live in an area with failing schools, so why do we need our representative wasting his time in Lansing pushing for charter schools?

First, there are many people in this community, probably most, who support charter schools. He represents them.

Second, we have failing districts in this state and near us, such as Pontiac. Do you want these kids to get a decent education or be stuck in schools that don't teach them skills they need to hold down a job? Poorly educated students hurt all of us in this state, including in this district. McMillin represents those who would rather have an educated populace than pay more for welfare and food stamps.

Third, with the changes in laws regarding charter schools, this gives a chance for charters that specialize in STEM, International Baccalaureate, the arts, or other magnet-style schools that many districts cannot or will not offer. There are many in our district that would love one of these schools. RCS can choose to offer them or charter schools may. And McMillin represents those who would like these options too.

"...there are many people in this community, probably most, who support charter schools." Love to see that poll, because if his office hours, protests at his office in Lansing, the numerous PTA meetings he's has been argued with and the overall sentiment from our pollings...most do not support his stance. If the statement was most people are ambivalent toward charter schools, and would elect anyone with an R in back of the name because they could care less about who is in office...I'd agree with that. But most support him on charter schools...no way possible.

Brian, a 2011 Phi Delta Kappa International-Gallup Poll reported that public support for charter schools stood at a "decade-high" of 70%. Republicans are about 80% supportive.

Doesn't this show a more sophisticated understanding of the political/legislative process? It's not "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" anymore.

When Obama, Pelosi and Reed put the pressure on the D's to fall in line and vote for Obamacare, it didn't matter what kind of a person each of them was, they were D's and if they wanted any any of their bills to get to the floor, any money for re-election from the party they needed to fall in line. So I don't care if McMillin wears a tin foil hat and VanRaaphorst is the nicest woman on Earth, she's gonna vote big government, high taxes, high regulations, anti-business and that's not what I want.

Yeah, if it weren't for those pesky parents... this system would be perfect.

Kristen... I'm not sure how you cannot see the hypocrisy. You are there for "all kids"... except those whose needs are not being met. And those, you brush off with a "maybe there should be more opportunities", and offer no recourse to those who are missing out.

This one-size-fits-all, "we're good enough" attitude of public schools has got to change.

"There should be some alternative opportunities created, but public education is for all students."

I would love this to be true. If it was, I wouldn't have to blog about gifted children getting opportunities to learn or attend every RCS Board of Education meeting. I would have another night a fortnight to spend with my family. Unfortunately, 5-7% of the student population is getting mostly ignored, with a few bright spots that still need improvement. One could easily fill an entire school with the gifted children in our district and if RCS won't step up to do so, no one should stand in the way of someone else do it. With the population here, RCS has such an opportunity to offer options such as magnet schools. Will they? Sometimes I fear it will take much more than parents lobbying to obtain these.

The most disappointing part to me of Ms. VanRaaphorst's answer was "If we were able to increase overall funding for schools, I would support providing some monies to increase the teaching and learning of gifted and talented students." Why don't our children deserve to learn right now? Why does there have to be more money before high ability students receive the education they need?

Public schools have had many years to get programs in place to meet the needs of gifted students. Many have not. If someone else is willing, please let them. The kids can't wait any longer. They are growing up now.

For those who don't understand the issues... yes, it might certainly appear that way.

The "taxing seniors" is one group who has enjoyed special treatment for years. They are now being asked to pay taxes, just like "normal" seniors.

The "stripping communities of local control" meme is really an effort to defend irresponsible local governments. These local units of government have utterly failed to show any fiscal responsibility, and if left alone, will dump their irresponsible debt on the rest of us.

I have misplaced my decoder ring, and cannot figure out the "unfunded mandates" spin.

The post office is actually a great example. Look at priority mail versus FedEx or Priority Mail. Post office is far less precise on delivery time and tracking... But cost less. I have a choice... they are not a monopoly. And they are funded by the choices Americans make every day with the purchase of stamps. (at least that is the theory... in practice the government continues to prop up their losses with loans, but that is a different problem for a different discussion.)

The military is different in several significant ways. First, they do not intrude and infiltrate our lives... they not force themselves on us. At time, perhaps under Marshall law, but that is short-lived under crisis circumstances. Second, they are risking their lives to protect our interests and freedoms. And third... they DO face significant scrutiny, and don't feel they are above crtiticism.

As far as union busting... you are wrong. As long as you are a monopoly... your union will face opposition because it uses confiscated tax dollars, and protects ineffective teachers, and blocks rewards for good teachers. Offer choice, and let people choose your services, or make other choices with THEIR tax dollars... and you'll see all objection to union demands fade away.

I have never understood why people who are so proud of their system feel such a need to prevent competition to it. Do you really fear people will leave in great numbers if offered a choice?

Kristen, unfortunately parents come across this way of thinking way too much in our schools. We are expected to come to PTA fundraisers, help out stuffing folders or at class parties, and provide time for our kids to do homework. When we've needed to talk to the teachers and principals about the education of our children, we've had varying responses. There have been some that have been very good and worked well with us to get an education that fits our children. There have been others that have told us "I'm the professional here! I know what's best for your children." or indicated in other ways that our input was unwelcome.

Education is too important an issue for parents to be left out of. It needs to be the parents, teachers, and administrators working together. When teachers throw up a way to parent involvement, that makes parents want to take their kids to different schools. Parents often feel that schools that have to "win" students, such as charter, parochial, and private, are more responsive to parents.

I believe that part of the evaluation process for teachers and principals should be done by the parents. We know if our kids needs are being met and if educators are responsive to parents' questions and input.

As I said, we've had some wonderful teachers who worked well with us, but we've had others who shut all parents out. I much prefer working with a teacher and it makes the year better for everyone.

Well played, Brian, well played.

Brian, these "republicans want to bleed them dry" is just utter nonsense.

I don't even know how to have a rational discussion about this when you assume such extreme motives.

Our kids are in these schools. The thought that we are going to try to "destroy" them, and ruin the future of our children, just so we can prove some philosophical point about the MEA simply defies any sort of sane logic.

And by the way... the USPS has not received any taxpayer funds for maybe 30 years, with a few minor exceptions. (Loans, yes. Funding, no.)

If we are to use your example, then the US Mail would be 100% taxpayer funded (ie. free stamps), and UPS/FedEx would be private. In that case... give me my tax allocation of the US Mail, and allow me to apply it to FedEx/UPS, which is the far superior service.

At the present time, I can "opt-out" of the the US Mail system, and it costs me nothing. With public education, I can also "opt-out", but I am still paying for it.

In the end, I'm not quite sure what point you are making? That yes, public education is not the best for our kids, but we should accept it for the greater good of all? I'm not trying to put words in your mouth... It sorta sounds like you admit that publics cannot compare to private sector options... but rather than let parents have options to upgrade, they should stay where they are for the greater good?

Kristen, you are so myopic on your assessment of what I believe, or why I spend time attempting to debate these issues. I have not generalized anyone's intentions.

I've probably written 150 articles, and been interviewed dozens of times. I'd wager that maybe 10% of them are related to union issues.

Most of them are related to trying to raise the standards of education, and trying to make data-based arguments about how we might be falling short.

You only seem to hear the parts you want to hear.

Just so everyone knows what the Postal Service Fund is, from About.com: "The USPS does get some taxpayer support. Around $96 million is budgeted annually by Congress for the "Postal Service Fund." These funds are used to compensate USPS for postage-free mailing for all legally blind persons and for mail-in election ballots sent from US citizens living overseas. A portion of the funds also pays USPS for providing address information to state and local child support enforcement agencies."

With USPS's budget of just over $70 billion, this is about 0.14% of their budget.

Having read Mike's blog and Detroit News articles, he addresses many educational issues. Before Patch was around, I contacted him because I found his name when Googling for gifted education supporters in Rochester. At that time, he was the only one whose name popped up. It is quite possible to be an education supporter and take issue with the MEA or believe that great education can be found in more than just public schools.

Thanks joshua for better defining the "minor exceptions" I was referred to. I don't know why I have a tendency to think people will understand the broader issue, when they always get hung up on some insignificant nit.

And while I flattered that Brian is googling me... 100 posts are probably here on Patch, where I am oftentimes responding to union references.

Having said that, I do believe that the MEA might be one of the largest problems in education today. The simple solution is allow people to take their tax dollars and move to other more parent-friendly, accountable options, or choose to be part of a union shop. I don't understand why Public Ed Inc has such little confidence in their own product that they fear people will leave in droves if given the option.

As far as spending... I support spending our education dollars on Michigan children, who attend charters and cyber schools. I don't see the need to limit them to MEA shops. Is this about kids or adults?

And the reference to "raiding" for community colleges... that false meme has be debunked a hundred times. It is written in the constitution and the law. I'm not going to dig up the link again, because it won't matter to you. But the fact is that it is allowed by law.

And finally, my prodigious postings here should serve as evidence enough that I post under my own name. I presume you, by your reference to Freeman, are implying that I also post under pseudonames, which I do not.