Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010

Now more than ever, it seems as though special attention must be paid to the future of our educational system.

Michigan sits waist deep in special circumstances: the strain of a toxic budget crisis has put a lot of pressure on schools to find ways to make up for continued reductions in funding. But the snap of the neck, so to speak, of states across the country at $400 million being offered by the federal government in a “Race to the Top” is yet another example of why our schools are starving for money.

Navigating the now financially-restrictive waters of small community school systems can be a slippery slope. When it comes down to it, many difficult decisions will have to be made on where money can be saved. And the classroom will likely not be spared much longer.

Lawmakers and school officials will have to deal with the financial pressures up close and ultimately, the changing face of education will be in their hands.

Nobody really wants to say it out loud, but elective courses could be a very realistic casualty. Though it’s hard to imagine that sports and certain programs like band would really be hurt in the long run, they may be tougher for some students to participate in. Some students are already struggling for some sort of outlet as everything gets tougher at home.

It’s hard to lay blame on officials for the necessary adjustments and even hard to lay blame on legislators who are working through a mess so old and knotted it’s hard to find just where it started.

But as a community there should be a shared hope – to see the area’s youth succeed and be given the best possible chance to move on to the best possible secondary education available to them.

That support can come in a multitude of ways.

Community and church leaders can work with schools to determine how they might be able to help. Many students who are already feeling the pressures of the economy as they work after-school jobs to support themselves and their families may not feel able to seek out scholarships that could help them in going to college. This is something parents or community members can help with, armed with a little time and consideration.

The easy answer seems to be pack up and move out – find a school that offers more, but such ideas are the demise of communities and partially why schools continue to suffer.

Education is and always has been a necessity and something to be cherished.

But these days, it’s also a collective effort. If you’re in a place to help – do.