Slash to the Future

There have been numerous discussions of late about school districts slashing budgets with everything from strings to teachers. And although I can understand the lack of adequate funding (even during non-recession periods), I can't understand how things are determined.

I have yet to hear trully groundbreaking cuts and supportive arguments for line items on the chopping block: yes, teachers aides, a few small extra-curriculars, perhaps some bus drivers and no pay raises for anyone. But teachers should be the very last thing considered to go; they are the key component of the institution.

How infuriating that sports are rarely ever eliminated; a few assistant coaching positions does not cut it (pun intended). If kids really want to play a sport for the enjoyment of it, they can join a local youth league or play with friends. In this budget era, no school can justify paying a head varsity football coach the equivalent of a college semester of tuition (in-state).

Other Suggestions:

Make students take ownership of their school by making them do custodial duties

Make home ec students prepare breakfast and lunch for their peers

Ask parents and community members to coach/tutor/etc

Place temporary caps on all administrative positions at a reasonable level - <$40,000

Invest in green technologies (perhaps make a major science unit lesson) to run school buildings more efficiently

Eliminate textbook purchasing by using online resources

Distribute education funds EQUALLY across all school districts within the state

No automative pay raises year-to-year for teachers

Build schools with strategically placed windows to reduce electricity use

Organize major recycling programs using as much school waste as possible

Require all seniors to complete an out-of-school internship in a their chosen career field for at least 1 semester to reduce the number of students in attendance at any given day and the number of teachers needed/reduce class load

Work out agreements with universities for students to take AP courses for the same reasoning above

Eliminate assistant principals and deans

Make athletic directors PT positions w/o benefits

One final thought: Try all of the above simultaneously. I know, I know, I'm such a radical.