Commentary; Posted: 9/18/02

Make school elections count this fall

Don Heinzman

Much is being publicized this week about the effect of budget cuts on programs for students.

Parents are learning their children have to walk longer distances, fees are required for their children to be bussed to school, activity fees and fees to play athletics have gone up and some special enrichment classes have been discontinued.

It should be clear that budgets are being cut to pay all staff and administrative salaries that are going up faster than most school districtsí revenues. Teachers deserve salary increases but school districts should be required to pay only what the district can afford.

The result of not doing that is to take away programs from students.

Parents, unfortunately, fail to attack the problems of budget priorities at their source: the school board elections. This November, 158 school board elections will be decided.

Most parents pay little attention to whom is running for the school board and they pay even less to the voting record of incumbents who seek reelection. Next spring these same parents will be wringing their hands over school boardís cutting programs for students.

Now, ask school board members why they are running and you get such responses: ìI want to do whatís best for kids.î ìI want to make sure we have a good educational system.î

All those are generalities so they cannot be pinned down.

Itís time parents woke up and ask the tough questions:

Q: What are your priorities on cutting the budget?

No one can recall a recent school board election campaign when a candidate said, ìIf Iím elected, Iíll reduce bus routes by making students who live fewer than two miles walk. If Iím elected Iíll increase the activity fees and the athletic fees so only the rich can afford to play sports. If Iím elected, Iíll increase the cost of the lunch menu. If Iím elected Iíll cut more custodians so buildings wonít be kept up.î

Q: What about teacher salaries?

Who can recall the campaign when a school board member said, ìAnd if Iím elected, Iíll vote only to spend the money we have on staff salaries without cutting services for youngsters to pay for those salaries . . . even if it means taking on a strike by the teachers.î

Q: What about class sizes?

Look for the candidate who says, ìIf Iím elected Iíll do all I can to protect class sizes, but Iíll examine the research on the effect class size has on teaching youngsters, and if that research shows too much emphasis is placed on class sizes, Iíll change my priorities.

Q: What about enriched programs for youngsters?

What candidate in the last election said, ìIf Iím elected Iíll cut out challenge programs and programs for high potential students in the interest of paying more in staff salaries.î

In November, voters will be deciding on candidates who want to be school board members.

Parents need to get involved and vote for candidates who can balance the needs of the students with the resources of the district. . . someone who is committed to public education . . . someone who has common sense and can keep both the interests of the students and the needs of the staff in mind.

Candidates want your votes. Make them earn it. ó Don Heinzman

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