Poster #69 - Schools for Scandal: Why School Scandals Simmer, but Don't Boil Over

• In Event: 21.063 - MTCC Poster Session Three
  In Poster Session: 21.063-6 - Research on the Superintendency Poster Session

Abstract

As a social scientist and school board member, I find existing systems designed to limit corruption in public schools inadequate. Accordingly, this essay categorizes types of school and school system corruption. Second, it outlines why democratic processes are insufficient to limit school system corruption. Chiefly, democratic theory pays insufficient attention to the complexities of power in small, largely non-transparent organizations with economic power and power over children. Finally, this essay suggests proposals to limit corruption, chiefly Madisonian approaches to school governance and better training of school boards and school leaders.

Author

• Robert A. Maranto, University of Arkansas