Back to School
(Helping Our Public Schools)
by Senator Brent Hill
August 2, 2010
As our children prepare to return to school, they are faced with dwindling financial resources. In some cases, supplies will be inadequate, textbooks will be outdated, athletics will be curtailed, and the school year will be shortened. Faced with pay cuts, some of our good educators have left the teaching profession and others are poised to jump as soon as the job market improves. Parents, teachers and even students are concerned about the future of education.
The citizens of Madison and Fremont counties have always expressed support for education. Our school districts enjoy excellent facilities thanks to tax levies passed by a super-majority vote. Our children are blessed with dedicated teachers and caring administrators. Yet they are performing their duties in a financially disadvantaged environment. Twenty-six states have cut their public education budgets—most of them much more than we have. Idaho eliminated hundreds of state jobs and cut other agencies trying to protect the education budget as long as possible, but when the money ran out, even public school budgets were decreased.
I recently attended a conference in Boston (not at taxpayer expense!) where legislators and educators from across the country examined the challenges facing public education. Their problems with inner-city schools, gang activities, and violent crimes made Idaho's difficulties seem almost manageable. I came away with lots of warnings, but few solutions specific to our situation in Idaho.
Yet, I am convinced that there are solutions to be found. We have in our communities intelligent, creative people with good ideas. I invite you to share your ideas with lawmakers, schools boards, teachers and administrators. Not all ideas can be implemented, but your input will be appreciated. And, while you are sharing, I invite you to share your time and money, particularly during this challenging time:
Volunteer: Families and youth groups can help clean up facilities, sweep parking lots or improve the landscaping around our schools. These acts of service may seem trivial, but they contribute to the learning environment for our children. Volunteers can also assist individual students who are struggling, chaperone activities, or help teach specific subjects. "I began volunteering three mornings a week," said one mother, "and I could see there was no magic, no secret formula in teaching kids how to read. I was able as a parent to come in and work not with my own child but with other kids. But by doing that, I learned what my child was learning so I could help her."
Donate: Idaho's income tax credit that reimburses you for half of any monetary contributions you make to educational institutions (with certain limits), makes giving to our schools even more attractive. That means for each $100 you donate, you get $50 back when you file your tax returns. What's more, you can specify that your donations go to a specific school or classroom, the music program, athletics, etc., and still qualify for a tax deduction and the Idaho credit.
Finally, our greatest responsibility to our school system is to properly nurture, train and educate our children at home. It has been said that the strength of a nation comes from the strength of its families. Certainly, that is also true about our educational system. No facility, curriculum or teacher can provide the advantages to a child that parents can. Taking time to read to preschoolers and teach them basic skills will insure their academic success in school. If all children were taught self-respect, courtesy and social skills in their families, discipline problems would virtually be eliminated. Demonstrating a sincere interest in our children's progress by assisting with their homework, attending parent-teacher conferences and recognizing their achievements will generate better students, more effective schools and a stronger society.
I welcome your ideas on creative ways to help finance our schools and better educate our children. Send your suggestions here.