Our communities are rooted in "local control," in which members of communities dictate educational priorities. However, this localism ideal has led public schools to be funded by local and property taxes. Subsequently, schools in lower income areas are significantly underfunded in comparison to their higher income counterparts. Through gerrymandering and housing segregation, white districts possess more money and political power and therefore retain opportunities and resources. The author urges for reform of local control, claiming the educational gap will not be closed until we let go of these ideals.