Don't know any of you personally, so not saying this applies to anyone here, but in my life experience it always seems like the people who rail against public schools the loudest are also the ones who vote against local bond measures to fund said public schools and vote for state and local politicians who promise to cut the budget. People need to understand they can't have it both ways - if we starve public schools of resources, the education will necessarily suffer. A desk, a slate board, and a piece of chalk are not sufficient to educate people for the 21st century economy.
Funny enough, the people whining about public schools are often also the ones screaming about "personal responsibility" - but never take the time to actually teach their children anything. My 6-year-old can make change - though not necessarily with the most efficient use of coins - because I taught her what the coins represent and combined that with a basic lesson in addition and subtraction.
Also, if you think things are bad now, imagine what the population was like at the time it was determined that compulsory education was a matter of national security.
I'm sure I'll get a point for this because what's considered "political" on this board is clearly more a matter of viewpoint rather than strictly based on subject matter. But, it needs to be said.