Thinkers cartoon

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Public education has had its controversies in the past. We know from history that blanket education of the people by the state (government) can have serious implications on the minds, servility, and freedom of its people. I am not implying that Millard schools are attempting to produce loyal sheep to the state; I have been impressed over and over again with our district's openness to ideas and freedom of choice for parents. It is parents who are still in charge, right?

Thomas Jefferson argued both side of public education; in order to remain free - he felt the people of the republic had to be educated, but forced education cannot be freedom.

"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." Thomas Jefferson

"It is better to tolerate that rare instance of a parent's refusing to let his child be educated, than to shock the common feelings by a forcible transportation and education of the infant against the will of his father." Thomas Jefferson

Although there are arguments for mandatory education and for freedom of education - these opinions or statistics should be for parental use in determining what is best fit for their child.

Family vacations, birthdays, and non-school sponsored activities are "Insufficient Grounds for Excused Absences". We as parents should be able determine these circumstances for our own children.

I would like to see our attendance policy demonstrate more flexibility for parents.