"The first time I saw that statistic* I was floored.  How could this be? One of the fastest growing cities in one of the best states to do business has an educational system that 35% of the kids cannot do the basics as it relates to Math and English.  I believe this singular issue should be what guides all educational leaders in their decision making along with two other basic ideas.  First, Parents innately dream of better lives for their kids which starts with education.  Second, Parents have dominion over their child."