TV cable news recently reported that approximately 75 percent of American high school graduates do not qualify for military service due to varying levels of addictions, ignorance and obesity. Veterans can best realize the impact that has on armed forces recruitment. Military service aside, imagine the impact that has on American stature in the world economy.
A news article titled "Strings attached to stimulus dollars," which appeared in the Nov. 10 Herald-Standard, highlights some shortcomings adversely affecting public education in America. One attention getter is the U.S. is deemed "highly qualified." How can that be? It is because states were allowed to come up with their own definitions. It is a "Mirror, mirror on the wall" sort of thing.
Earlier on Nov. 6 both the Herald and the Greene County Messenger reported that Greene County schools are discussing cost-sharing options cost-saving measures. Greene County has five autonomous school districts having an approximate total K-12 enrollment of 6,000. The schools are supported by a population of about 40,000 and a state economy ranking at the bottom four percent. In that environment the five districts are comparable to a flotilla consisting of one glorious flagship and four shabby and leaking canoes.
Hence the quality of education, and thus the students, hopelessly suffer cultural stagnation. The general welfare in Greene County would be best served should all of five school districts be restructured as a consolidated single district at a single location.
But no, that would be too radical for lil' ol' Greene County.
The news article reports that agents of three districts "discussed" cost-cutting issues such as using the same textbooks (imagine that). Other issues include using specialists in multiple districts, standardizing food service practices, sharing advanced courses, analyzing transportation and merging some sports and marching bands.
What will it take to enlighten school agents to the principle that separate is never equal? Believe it or not, precedence exists in Greene County where consolidation of public school courses is highly successful.
Old timers recall Home Economics and Industrial Arts courses away back in grade school and high school. For many years, those courses have been consolidated in the immediate vicinity of the Central Greene School District. The school is named the Greene County Career and Technology Center. If some are wondering if that school is longing for the good old days of disbursement, they should arrange for a visit and ask that question.
My Dad was right, again. There is nothing new under the sun. While Rome burned, Emperor Nero played his lyre. For anybody wondering what my point is, they are certain to find out if they fail to recognize the need to reform America's public education.
Paul Lagojda
Cumberland Township
November 27, 2009