Lead on Education

An editorial titled ‘Lead on education’ posted March 30, 2009 in the Fort Worth Star Telegram brings up the debate of Texas public school funding. The author is asking House Speaker Joe Straus “It isn’t enough that superintendents across the state are pleading that their districts will have to deplete savings, slash programs or increase local tax rates substantially — all of which some have already done?” He continues to say that the funding mechanism that was adopted in 2006 as a temporary solution to the problem needs to be changed in order to help out funding in our state schools. Straus recently replaced Tom Craddick as House Speaker, and the author feels that he brings a new, welcome open-mindedness to the speaker’s chair.

This editorial is presented to the general public of Texas. And though the Fort Worth paper tends to lean towards a more conservative audience, I feel the author presents a concern that arises from conservatives and liberals alike. Though the approach might be slightly different between the two parties on how to handle the state public funding, the concern still remains. The author brings up the concern of Straus’s comment, "We tend not to address situations until we absolutely have to, and we don’t have to this session. The political will doesn’t exist to do anything major.” What is it going to take to get more funding for state education?

The author makes a clear claim and stance in the editorial. After discussing the opposing statements that Straus made regarding the federal stimulus package and its effect on the public school system, the author sums up by stating that one proposal would inject $1.9 billion dollars into the school finance system, all that is needed is some leadership to help it find its way.

Personally, I agree with this editorial. I feel that the funding in our public school system is a huge issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. As a soon to be teacher for the state of Texas, I would like to know that the appropriate funding for not only the basic school needs but also other programs that each school offers to ensure learning and the safety of our children will remain intact. Education is something that cannot be taken lightly, even in a time of financial hardship around the country. If we do not have educated children, if we do not strive to make individuals in our country better, then how to we expect to come out of the fiscal problem that we are in. Education to me is the key for success in our country and it should never be over looked.