School's out of business.

ktownmom mentioned in 'Unhealthy schools', " ... Our public schools should be no more, they should all be private. The staff and administration should work at attracting and keeping students. Money should go to the schools that are doing their jobs. The "other" schools would go out of business and we would have healthy environments to send our kids every day. .... I know it's a difficult balance but sometimes the administrations lose sight of why we are all there in the first place. If you aren't there for the kids then get out." 

First, I agree that school administrators/ion should be held more accountable for the atmosphere and learning outcomes of their general school's population. 

I do however have a pet peeve about schools closing, especially public schools.  I understand private schools may do so due to financial or other reasons.  Public schools are our country's lifeline, whether the governments realize it or not.  Every effort should be made to support the education of American children (and in the 20th/21st centuries, adults too.)  if we are to remain the American 'power' globally as we once were. 

Shortly after I moved to Salem, Portland decided to close 19 schools and bus the students to 5 other schools due to limited funding and other financial problems.  That was 3 years ago.  They have since increased the funding in the new elections, but have also closed a few other schools down.  Someone mentioned under a 'Lottery' discussion about how those funds are being spent. 

Is this a case of money mismanagement, bureaucratic inconsistencies or an overall 'swiss cheese' school system that needs to be melted and reformed?