I have read the Governor's plan, and as much as I appreciate the Governor addressing some of the issues school districts have been faced with for the past 15 years, I remain convinced that the funding problem has not been resolved. It seems that politicians want to throw more money at something that has not been defined. As a result many school district are spending money on extracurricular programs that do not meet the needs of a 21st century education, are not for all of the children and ultimately feeds the needs of a few. As a 16-year veteran of a school board and active activist for public education, it is time for board members, mom and dad, and every tax payer in the state to stand up and demand that the funding problem get fixed. My suggestion is this:
1. define what a "21st century" education consist of in 4 areas (a) facilities, (b) curriculum, (c) services, and (4) teacher qualification.
2. once define, put a dollar figure on the program. This is what the Legislature will fund from taxes other than property taxes.
3. all extracurricular programs, such as band, choir, drama and arts, athletics, etc. would be funded from the property taxes in the district and the money would stay in the district for the district's children.
The Legislature needs to quit trying to make every district equal to other, thereby creating "robin hood". The equality among all districts would be the essential "21st Century" education. Should a child decide to go to another district because of an extracurricular program not offered in his, then at least he should at least get the same education.
It is time we stop trying to make everything equal. ......more to come.