The author explains how the traditional (hierarchical and bureaucratic) school district model inhibits citizen participation, and he describes the effects on citizen participation of two other models -- a decentralized model or a community control model. Chicago's experience with a decentralized model and New York City's experience with a…

Author suggests drastic overhaul of the public school system to eliminate the various levels of repression to be found within it. (AN)

Elected school boards' skeptical eyes can guard against bad management practices and ensure that different voices get heard. Problems with board governance are a product of too little democracy. A democratic reform strategy would make board elections partisan, hold them on the same day as elections for more prominent state or national offices,…