The Echo

Rich Heffron, of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, said his group opposed the fee when it was first proposed more than a decade ago.  http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012201220342

Something about this statement in yesterday's News Journal really rubbed me the wrong way - perhaps more than Reybold's veiled attempt to stimulate their profit margins...

And when I thought back to Delaware's Winning Race to the Top Application - you know the great plan to deform public education - I remembered  the "Letters of Support" - most notably the  Delaware Chamber of Commerce's letter which was includethe RTTT application.  It can be found in Appendix (A)(2) – 8."

These particular portions of that letter stand out to me:

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is the largest most influential business organization in the state. The mission of the state chamber is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of Delaware businesses and benefits citizens of the state.  This can only be accomplished by growing a workforce that has a solid educational background with all Delaware public school students having access to the best possible education in the world.

The Chamber has embraced support of education as a primary, long-term strategic goal of our organization...

On behalf of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, I offer my full support to our state leaders and educators in your industrious dedication and tireless work to create world-class schools that will benefit all Delawareans...  Link HERE p 60

Um, yeah, and that's why the Chamber put it's full support behind the Voluntary School Assessment back in the 1990s.  NOT.  The Chamber supports education as long as business is likely to benefit financially from a new industry built entirely around NCLB/RTTT. But, the second education might actually cost them a red cent, they balk, and they do so publically in the News Journal.

The Chamber has opposed the Voluntary Assessment for more than a decade.  They believe that builders should not pay, nor act as a condoit for such payment, into the educational system that will serve the children of those who buy the homes they build.  The Voluntary Assessment helps build capacity in schools.  The funding is needed even if developments go up in reclaimed areas where schools are not at capacity.  Districts age and their facilities need attention.  Districts in turn pay-out to business for the minor and major capital projects. The investment returns itself in spades (and jobs) for the business community.  But, the Chamber seems to be of the same mind as Reybold that this assessment should be assessed over all tax payers.  Yeah, and school districts can raise your taxes anytime they want.  NOT.  Um, that's why we have referendums.

Anyway, I just wanted to put it out there - the Star Chamber of Commerce is speaking out both sides of their ass on this one.  They fully support DOE as evidenced by their letter in support of RTTT as long it doesn't affect their members' bottom line.  I'm calling bullshit!