Normally I don't congratulate Republicans. This one is different--a true blue liberal Republican--who's willing to challenge his party's right wing. Three cheers for Dave Jennings' commentary on the StarTribune's op ed page Dec. 8 (the StarTribune requires you to fill out a survey to see the article) defending our public schools. With two grandchildren in Minneapolis public schools and two in a fancy private school in California, I know whereof Jennings speaks. As Jennings says: "when you compare students from similar economic and social backgrounds" public school kids do as well as private. My little family sample of four cousins about the same age bears him out. It's sad Minneapolis lost Jennings to a suburban school but I'm glad he's still saying what he thinks--and in no uncertain terms.
Minneapolis has a school referendum coming up in this fall's election. If we care about Minnesota's future, we all better listen to Jennings.
Arvonne Fraser
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