The newsletter Dear Bubbie offers a reminder that public schools have produced our astronauts; maybe some folks should stop trying to dismantle those schools.
As long as public education continues to exist, the opportunity that any child can become President or go to the moon is a possibility. During the take-off of Artemis ii on April 1, 2026 the news blasted off its own sidebar: This event bridged the division of a nation.
I disagree with that narrative.
All three of the American-born astronauts onboard Artemis ii are products of public schools. Yet, as the Republican politicians get emotional over the exquisite launch, including Sarasota School Board Chair Bridget Ziegler, they’re also cheering for the destruction of the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) that funds the survival of public education.
Additionally, the USDOE protects equity, providing opportunities for all students – including those in marginalized communities, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and multilingual learners.
That is the divide of epic proportions – strengthen public education or kill it. Limiting opportunities will affect future space travel and every periphery that supports the greatness in America’s space exploration.
There are multiple public schools named after astronauts. In Montclair, N.J. Astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin, the second man to ever walk on the moon, has an elementary and middle school named after him. He’s a product of the public schools there, where he played football and was considered an “active student”
Christa McAuliffe was chosen to be the first teacher in space. Many adults still remember the tragic space shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986 when she and seven other astronauts onboard were killed. She taught in a public school setting only and has over 40 schools and educational facilities named after her worldwide.
Artemis ii Commander Reid Wiseman attended Delaney High School, graduating with the Class of 1993 in Baltimore County.
Pilot Victor Glover Graduated from Ontario High School, Ontario, California in 1994.
Mission Specialist Christina Koch attended White Oak High School in Jacksonville, North Carolina, before transferring to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM).
The NCSSM is a two-year, public residential high school with two physical campuses located in Durham, North Carolina, and Morganton, North Carolina, that focuses on the intensive study of science, mathematics and technology.
There has been an insidious ploy to destroy public education for years. Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, which is happening under the Trump administration will set standards back and disenfranchise millions of children from getting an education.
Throughout the country, billionaire owners of charter and private schools are corrupting state lawmakers with campaign contributions that align with their agenda to privatize education.