Is this it?  Is this the beginning of the end of public education in America?  The news is full of school systems not able to survive, in current capacity, the economic state of our nation.  The New York Times is reporting on the extreme circumstances in Kansas City that have result in the school board's decision to close 28 out of 61 public schools.  How devastating that must be to the lives that are directly effected! And this is not an isolated event.  School systems across the country are taking a step back and evaluating the progress and necessity of each school, each teacher, each staff position, and eliminating those deemed not vital.  Maybe I'm naive, but I find this shocking and terribly sad.  And all the while, the Obama administration is promoting and encouraging the charter school movement.  I am unclear as to how the charter schools will be that much more successful that our public schools.  Sure they will have more freedom in curriculum and scheduling, but ultimately their funding and existence is tied to the public dollar.  It is sad that as our schools close or face drastic cutbacks, there is no real plan or hope for education's future.