Paul reports:
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a large proportion of parents of children in public schools couldn't
give a damn about the quality of the education, so long as their kids
are out of sight and mind for several hours every day).
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While I agree with much of what you say, this comment I'll disagree
with. Most parents, I believe, have a genuine concern for the welfare
and success of their children. I'll rephrase: "a very small proportion
of parents of children in public schools couldn't give a damn about the
quality of the education, so long as their kids are out of sight and
mind for several hours every day)."

But I'll take it a step further, and make the same claim of private
schools -- especially the boarding schools. "Out of sight, out of
mind".

I think this is even more the case with the significant number of
so-called "satellite" kids who now get enrolled in private schools (not
that that's not also an issue in the public schools -- particularly in
higher socio-economic neighborhoods).

frtzw906