It’s “that time of year.” Schools are out.
And if there are any people more excited about it than the students, they are the teachers.
But the local officials who must decide about taxes and appropriations for our schools have no vacation. They have the job of planning ahead for next year.
Aside from police and fire protection for the general safety of our people, there is no higher priority for most citizens than assuring good educational opportunities for our children.
That is very important. And it is very expensive. Schools require a big share of our local tax money.
While we have many student achievers, many able teachers, many supportive parents boosting their beloved children, and a desire on the part of all to have good school results, there is a nagging feeling that some children aren’t getting as good results as we wish they would.
We live in an increasingly challenging, competitive, complex society. There is no substitute for a good education for each young person to “get ahead,” to be self-supporting, to make progress, and to have a satisfying and rewarding way of life.
There is no easy way.
Intellectually energetic students, good and dedicated teachers, sound courses of essential studies, adequate funding and more are necessary parts of “the basics.”
The only thing more expensive than assuring we have good school results is failure of some of our children.
Final report cards for this year have come. Some students have graduated into “real life.” But for others, planning will continue, because summer will swiftly pass. And challenges will persist.
All Americans appreciate the “can-do” ideal. We all want “success.” We want it especially for our children. But there is no “magic wand” for success. Many theories have been applied to education over the years. But “the basics” — and hard work — remain the key to real progress.
Yes, we need money. Yes, we need good teachers. Yes, we need student effort and parental support.
Not having a successful combination of all those things — and more — may be the most expensive waste of all.
Schools are out. But getting ready to make the most of future opportunities should never end.
There is no substitute for effort — personal and financial. There is nothing more costly than failure.