chucke, you say that resources are crucial, more funding is needed. Taking primary schools as an example, what resources do you think are needed? Or high schools if you prefer.
Comparing to fifty years ago schools have far more "resources" now. Libraries are far more extensive, computers, smaller classes, special schools, science labs and equipment (although they seem to use very little of it because of H&S concerns), a whole raft of admin staff, teachers aides, sporting facilities, playground equipment, pre-school now five days a week ..... but few would argue that the standard to which children are educated has decreased significantly over that period.
