Private sector model for the schools?
I learned something interesting the other day. Santa Clara County uses a private-sector model for it's k-12 schools. This increases efficiency and enables a draw of best practices from the private sector to make the most of our tax dollars.
Here's how it works. The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) provides services to 32 school districts in Santa Clara and San Benito counties. These services include HR, payroll, assessment, IT, etc. As I understand it, the school districts may choose to use these services or not. And the SCCOE is run as a for-profit organization. This drives a management and operational model that strives for efficiency and customer satisfaction.
I find that to be extremely interesting. It's a model employed in only 3 other counties in California. I haven't been able to determine where else in the country the model may be used.
I think that's very forward thinking and an excellent way to leverage the strengths our country's approach to private business brings to most aspects of our life.
