Activist (Rhee) targeting schools, backed by big bucks

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Activist targeting schools, backed by big bucks

By Stephanie Simon

Tue May 15, 2012 11:02pm EDT

(Reuters) - During her tumultuous three years at the head of the Washington D.C. public schools, Michelle Rhee set off a lot of fireworks.

She's still doing it - on a national stage.

Rhee has emerged as the leader of an unlikely coalition of politicians, philanthropists, financiers and entrepreneurs who believe the nation's $500 billion-a-year public education system needs a massive overhaul. She has vowed to raise $1 billion for her national advocacy group, StudentsFirst, and forever break the hold of teachers unions on education policy.

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But critics say Rhee risks destroying the very public schools she aims to save by forging alliances with political conservatives, evangelical groups and business interests that favor turning a large chunk of public education over to the private sector. She won't disclose her donors, but public records indicate that they include billionaire financiers and wealthy foundations.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/16/us-usa-education-rhee-idUSBRE84F03J20120516

[Angry Dragon]

1. Follow the money

a lot of money at stake here
for profit education is a huge mistake

[Starry Messenger]

2. Thank you Eugene.

I posted this on FB, good find. I'm happy that this isn't one of the unabashedly toe-sucking articles that used to come out about her a few years ago. I am *thrilled* that other Dems are finding it hard to get traction for Ed Deform now that Rhee has shown what swine she is willing to wallow with. I was actually hoping that would be the outcome. I hope they distance themselves like billy-ho in political calculation, it's probably too much to hope for actual shame.

[sulphurdunn]

3. Jennifer Granholm

had Rhee on the program she hosts on Current. Granholm lobbed her some softballs and then they made like sorority sisters. I haven't watched her show since.