Maybe you would have learned a little about the benefit of universal education. Your ignorance of the relative positive influence of the federal government on the public school system is revealing -- and the feds do it on less than 6% contribution annually. However, it's in the national interest that the feds have some control over how the states educate their citizens (see Brown vs. Bd of Ed -- or is it pre 1954 schooling that you consider the good old days?).

You want to see a positive change in the public school system? Abolish private schools and home schooling. Force all parents to take responsibility for the schools in their states-- not just in their counties. Establish a European style national school system. Maybe then we'll end up with an educated populace that can compete in the global marketplace with Germany and Japan.