Did Bill Gates Advocate privatizing public education?

Did Bill gates tip his hand to his ultimate fantasy agenda of privatizing public education?

He praises the private school model for its efficiency vis-à-vis traditional public schools, noting that the "parochial school system, per dollar spent, is an excellent school system." But the politics, he says, are just too tough right now. "We haven't chosen to get behind [vouchers] in a big way, as we have with personnel systems or charters, because the negativity about them is very, very high."

Perhaps privatizing public education is too hard because of those darn "status quo" defenders he complains about.

Teachers unions can be counted on "to stick up for the status quo," he says, but he believes they can be nudged in the right direction.

We have an email into the Gates Foundation for clarification of their position on this issue.

To whom it may concern.

In a recent Wall St. Journal article, Mr. Gates was quoted as saying: He praises the private school model for its efficiency vis-à-vis traditional public schools, noting that the "parochial school system, per dollar spent, is an excellent school system." But the politics, he says, are just too tough right now. "We haven't chosen to get behind [vouchers] in a big way, as we have with personnel systems or charters, because the negativity about them is very, very high."

Given this statement, is it the belief of the Gates Foundation that Public Education would benefit from privatization if the politics were easier?

Thanks,

You can email and ask them too, at media@gatesfoundation.org