Is Public School Separate but Equal?

PLEASE NOTE: This is 110% my opinion.  If you don't like my opinions, please spare yourself a rise in blood pressure and read something else.  I hear the weather channel can be riveting.

Like some of you, I took AP US History in High School.  Segregation and Civil Rights were the two things that made the greatest impact on me from that entire school year.  You may find it surprising that Brown v. The Board of Education was the first thing I thought of when I learned that at least one elementary school in Hopkins County had hosted a Kindergarten Graduation for it's students.  It shouldn't surprise you that Patty's school was not one of those elementary schools.

So, I asked myself: Is Public School Separate but Equal? 

I had previously heard that some schools have art programs and some don't.  Some have music and some don't.  I had noticed this past school year that some schools have more "events" than others.  It's no secret that some schools are in better repair than others.  Instead of depriving students based on race, we are depriving our students based on what?  Zip code?

It feels like each school in our district operates independently.  This really surprises me since all of our public schools are PUBLIC schools.  Shouldn't each school be equal?  Shouldn't each school be using the same curriculum?  Offer the same electives?  If a school in a larger zip code can provide art class to it's students, my children in a smaller zip code should be experiencing the same thing.  The more exposure kids receive, the more well rounded they will become, right?  But only if you live in the right zip code?

It really aggravates me that Patty and her kindergarten classmates did not get to enjoy a graduation ceremony.  That we as parents did not get to watch our kids sing and dance and receive their little diplomas.  I'd really like to know why we missed out?  Does it come down to parent involvement?  Is the decision left up to the teachers?  The principal? 

Since these things are taking place at the school level, I've got to assume that the difference is inside the school.  But, isn't anyone in the Board of Ed taking note that some schools are doing more for their students?  Where's the report card for each school?  I want to know how my kids school compares to the school down the road or across the county.  Don't you?