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E-mail Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2008 > December > 03 > Entry
Should we be bailing out schools?
That’s what former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich says. Here’s his argument. In an economic downturn, local and state revenues get hit hard. And it’s those very tax dollars that primarily support schools.
As state revenues decline right here in Ohio it is likely the state will, as it has in the past, soon curtail education spending. That will force local districts to make corresponding cuts.
Reich argues that when we bailout banks, the money can move easily oversees. It may help the U.S. economy, or it may not. He says if we were to make a similar investment in schools the result could only be good for our country, as it will contribute to improving the “human capital” of our country — that is the smarts and innovative brain power that can fuel the U.S. going forward.
What do you think of Reich’s argument?
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: Schools and Politics
Comments
By Concerned Mom of 3
December 30, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
The Ohio politicians will ask the federal government to bail out the education system… They would be missing an opportunity if they didn’t. The thing I am most concerned about is the potential changes that will preceed “the ask.” I worry that the schools will make more than necessary cuts- so they look all the more desperate for the assistance… I am fairly certain my new Physical Education job will be one of the first cuts… Further, that will leave me and my family in a real pickle- since my husband was recently severed from Delphi. I am thankful to the voters of Dayton for passing the levy, but I am still worried about the potential for lay-offs. From everything I am hearing, there are difficult cuts in education on the horizon.
By Bill
December 29, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
So the govt bails out school districts, who continually shove tax levies down our throats as they whine about not having enough money from the previously passed tax levies. Then they have the stones to ask the voters WHY they keep voting down these levies? Let’s see if this makes sense to anyone…. Force the school boards open up their books & show how the money already given to them is being spent BEFORE another levy even gets put on a ballot or the govt considers bailing them out?
By Rick
December 6, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
I agree with JT and Mary. I don’t like bailouts. Those banks and auto companies should be forced to declare bankruptcy. Schools are more immune from the crazy economy.
By TRS
December 5, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Much as we expect the auto makers to come up with plans to make them viable for the future, shouldn’t we expect the same of schools? Much as the UAW will have to make concessions on work rules and requirements, shouldn’t we expect the NEA/OEA to do the same, ie merit pay? While the financial side of it is important, it is not the total picture. Its my understanding that DC spends about 13K per child; yet, is the poorest rated system in the country. They have a real reformer, Dr Rhee, in place now; yet, the teacher’s unions are fighting her tough and nail trying to preserve their bureaucracy. That is the danger of any bureaucracy in that eventually its goal ceases to do what needs to be done; rather, it seeks to preserve itself. That being said, the issue is not only unions, legislative mandates eat of most school budgets and certainly there is the school bureaucracy and some imcompetent administrators as well. Sounds alot like the big 3 doesn’t it?
By JT
December 4, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Well, I suppose that the horse is already out of the barn but where does it stop. The federal government is on a very slippery slope and it can’t bail every entity that is struggling due to the economy. Everyone needs to tighten their belts and do more with less. Maybe the feds could suspend the unfunded mandates that it imposes on states and districts, rather than give out money as bailout. That idea would work across the board, less government regulation and taxes, more money and latitude for businesses.
By Oldprof
December 4, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Duh.
By Lea
December 4, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Tell this to all the people who turned down the Springboro levy, saying things like “My children have already graduated, why should I pay for someone else’s?”. (I can answer that: So they don’t burglarize your home because they don’t have a decent education and can’t get a job.) Used to be enough farms to ensure work. Now you have to have an advanced degree. Subsidize. I can’t even afford my 2 kids’ school fees. Bal ME out! LOL
By Mary
December 4, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
An article on the front of today’s USA Today seems to think schools are being sheltered more than most institutions during this economic downturn because of how property taxes and appraisals work in some states during these circumstances. They gave an example on Jay Leno’s property tax for his mansion. Even though Leno’s home value has drastically declined, he will be paying a lot more property tax. A lot of people have been concerned about how much money schools have been getting long before this economic downturn. So I doubt their sentiments for schools have changed. Long before this economic downturn, many others and myself have resented both extravagant CEO pay and wasteful government spending. Many government officials and boards of directors are like irresponsible kids in a toy store spending themselves silly with our money as taxpayers and shareholders. They have had no concept of financial limits and priorities and long term fiscal responsibility. I include schools and school boards and other politicians as immature and reckless managers of government functions and resources.