GraphicaGirl is absolutely right when she says, referring to my article about Mission Statements (or see this Anglicised version):
We, in education, are in the kid business, and too often we get caught up in the day-to-day operations of the school and forget that bit.
Our business is kids, no matter how trite that may sound!
Exactly right: it is true (and it does sound trite, but what can one do?)
If you ever have occasion to visit a great bastion of education, not necessarily a school, have a look at the displays. Are there any pictures of youngsters? I think the answer can tell you quite a lot about the organisation.
See also:
What I look for in a conference