Seldom is there discussion about fundamental change of the education system and the people who work in it. That is the real need and should be the topic of discussion for the next decade. Transforming our schools is going to take time. It will require valiant efforts from many but it can and must be done.

Charter schools have the potential to improve academic opportunity for students, and that makes them worth trying. Nevertheless, this concept applies only to a relatively small percentage of students. The focus should be to ensure every child receives a high caliber education, including those in mainstream public schools.

Mississippi is in a perfect position to keep the pedal to the metal and bring about real education reform. It will require political courage, which is in short supply these days, but it is the right thing to do.

Giving students the chance to attend a school of their choice is long overdue. This is especially true for low income and students of color. These groups have been systemically under served by traditional government-run schools.