Money:
Everyone is interested in money, but as teachers we chose this profession for the students that we teach. Coming into this career we knew that we won’t be making millions, we might not own fancy cars or maybe travel to exotic places but we are in this career because we choose it. So I have a hard time with districts, the state and the nation decreasing the money that we already don’t receive. But with that the government wants us to have opportunities for students (athletics, extracurricular activities, and extra support) so who is going to pay for it??
The reason I bring this up is because of the current elections. Lakeville for example didn’t pass there referendum, so over 90 teachers will lose their jobs. Students will have to pay for athletics, middle school students won’t have extracurricular activities, and what are they to do? Is crime rate, teen pregnancy, drop-out rate all going to increase? The “rich” kids can participate in sports and activities, but what about the kids with parents in the lower economic bracket.
I was reading Minnesota Educator today and it stated that “Districts could feel pinch from recession for decade.” Districts have already laid-off teachers, froze salaries, changed the school week (Northbranch). Shakopee is a growing district, but what is going to happen when we get the next referendum? A new referendum means tax increase, and with people suffering from the recession who really wants to have their taxes raised?
This is a lot to think about, and I am sure that I am not the only one thinking about theses aspects. I luckily don’t have kids yet who might have to deal with these aspects. They might one day unfortunately have to pay for playing in band or shooting a puck around.
It's scary and frustrating that there never seems to be enough money for education and school activities. I know there are lots studies that show how important athletics and other extracurricular activities are for students. Students who are involved in school activities typically have higher grades and are more motivated in school. Sometimes those activities are the only reason they stay in school. Not every student has the academic ability to earn scholarships for college, and by eliminating those extracurricular opportunities, you may be eliminating their college opportunities as well. Some students need the additional adult support that coaches and activity sponsors can offer them. In these stressful economic times people have the right to worry about where their money goes and that it is going to used wisely. I just wish the legislature and other government officials would realize that the education system needs support. This financial support will eventually have a huge pay off because by keeping students in school and providing them with a strong educational foundation we are providing them with opportunities to go on to post-secondary school, we are going to improve our work-force/unemployment rate, keep kids out of trouble with the law, and hopefully improving their self-worth and sense of community. We can't be champions for our students if we aren't there.
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