I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the coordinated attack on public education, the Big Money that funds this attack, and the reasons that everyone should unite to defend our democratic public schools against privatization.

Diane Ravitch, former assistant secretary of education; author of "The Death and Life of the Great American School System"

Authors Jeff Swensson, John Ellis, and Michael Shaffer have written a tour de force that describes the struggle between free market schooling (choice education/privatization) and comprehensive traditional public education as these two perspectives vie for funding, enrollment, and the allegiance of policymakers. As they describe the perils facing public education, the authors offer recommendations to fend off free market schooling via continuous improvement of both policies and instruction that affect traditional public education.

Phyllis Bush, Co-Founder, North East Indiana Friends of Public Education

As a superintendent, I had the opportunity and good fortune to work with both Don Lifto and Barb Nicol on school tax election initiatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin, all of which passed. Gaining community support for these important initiatives directly benefited students and public education, providing essential resources to address critical funding needs for operations, technology and bricks and mortar. Planning and executing a successful school tax election is one of the most complex and difficult leadership challenges of a superintendent, requiring a comprehensive plan anchored in research, sustained engagement and solid execution. The authors have honed their individual and collective expertise through decades of providing quality consultation to school districts. The 3rd edition of this book provides a comprehensive and effective framework for this important work.

Stan Mack, Ph.D., retired superintendent and educational consultant, Fridley, MN