Obama's blunder in Central Falls

I very much appreciate the support from President Obama for the decisions we have made regarding Central Falls High School. Though these decisions have been difficult, I am confident that we have made our decisions based on the best interest of the Central Falls students. --State Supt. Deborah Gist

Instead of simply accepting Supt. Gist's version of what's in the "best interest" of the students, Obama should have talked with some before supporting the mass firings of their teachers. Now those current and past students are making their support for the teachers loud and clear.

I'm also wondering if Obama ever considered the potential economic impact on this small town, of the firings of 93 professionals, and their possible replacement with young, inexperienced TFA out-of-towners at non-union salaries. Central Falls is not like Chicago or New York, where teachers can move to other schools or maybe find jobs in the private sector. Now many will likely have to leave CF to find work, taking families with them, selling homes if they can. Central Falls, with a population of 18,000, is the smallest, most densely populated city in the nation's smallest state (possibly in the nation).

40% of youth live in poverty

The median income for a household in this, Rhode Island's poorest city, was $22,628, and the median income for a family was $26,844. Males had a median income of $23,854 versus $18,544 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,825. About 25.9% of families and 29.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.8% of those under age 18 and 29.3% of those age 65 or over.

Firing 93 teachers and staff, having them collecting state aid or moving, will likely have a devastating effect on an already suffering community.