Historians Cite 'Steady Erosion' in Local Control

Public-school boards have over most of their history faced challenges from education professionals on the one hand and from larger units of government on the other.

But in recent years, analysts argue, school boards have lost the battle.

"In theory, local control enables citizens to determine the purpose and character of education in their schools, presumably ensuring a type of schooling that is consonant with, and responsive to, local community values,'' writes William L. Boyd, a professor of education...