We can’t let our school system fall to pieces
As the state of Tennessee is crumbling around each and every one of us, there are still those who are too blind to see the writing on the wall.
That saying might well be appropriate if state lawmakers don’t snap out of their daze. Due to lack of funding, our public school teachers may soon be forced to write on the walls because we can no longer afford chalkboards.
The latest outcry has teachers storming Capitol Hill begging lawmakers to pass some form of tax reform that will allow the state to make at least a modest stab at funding education. The DOGS budget currently receiving consideration is nothing more than a cruel joke.
The words of County Commissioner Jeff Killian fit almost perfectly. “I’m opposed to an income tax, but I’m more opposed to my kids and grandkids not getting a quality education,” said Killian.
To that statement, the Standard says, “Amen.”
Nobody likes the thought of more taxes. The rich don’t like it. The poor don’t like it. And that also includes everyone in between.
To coin a phrase from gubernatorial candidate Van Hilleary, Tennesseans don’t want taxes jammed down their throats.
That is true, but most Tennesseans also don’t like the thought of uneducated children. Most Tennesseans don’t like the thought of state government crumbling to the ground.
Let’s just examine a few of the worst-case scenarios which are very real possibilities for Warren County. If state lawmakers pass a bare-bones budget as they are threatening, dozens of local teachers – possibly hundreds – could be left without jobs.
Just as bad, the county could be forced to operate next school year without bus service. While that may seem a more palatable option than eliminating teaching positions, it’s of vital importance to remember budgets are passed on an annual basis. And once bus service money is gone one year, it would be nothing short of a battle to bring it back.
What about state universities? We should be making a serious effort to have more Warren County students obtain college degrees.
But just look down the road at MTSU, one of the most popular universities for students around these parts. MTSU just had a 15 percent tuition increase this year. If a bare-bones budget is passed, officials announced Wednesday a 15 to 20 percent increase would be expected next year.
That’s only a brief glimpse of our education woes. We could be without teachers, without bus service, and with very expensive state universities. Just think of all the money taxpayers could save if we eliminated public schools completely.
Some politicians might say paying for education is jamming taxes down the throats of Tennesseans. However, most logical people – who are smart enough to realize you get ahead in this world by using your brain – would say it’s the right thing to do.