Purpose: This paper aims to provide useful insights into educational under-achievement among Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel (PAI), investigating the perceptions of local educational administrators (LEAs) towards the education system and its "modus vivendi", to uncover difficulties and suggest directions to improve the processes and achievements of the PAI education system. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 stakeholders in local education (mayors, education department managers; school principals and parents' representatives) in four Arab local governments in Israel to elucidate attitudes toward education. Findings: The small random sample cannot claim to be representative however worrying problems were revealed: deficient resources in comparison to the Jewish education system; an ineffective political culture in local government; inferior status and problematic functioning of Arab education department heads and lack of inclusion of professionals and parents in decision-making. These factors negatively impact the education system and its products. Originality/value: The paper suggests local government should determine appropriate local policy, positioning education as a high priority with efficient education departments, more professional staff, and suitable education programs. Additionally state government should provide equal resources for the Arab education system, to lever Arab education in Israel. (Contains 3 tables.)