Growing up during the Cold War, I remember the school budget was never in question because education was a priority; it was relevant and it was taken seriously. Teachers tried to project dignity and …
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Growing up during the Cold War, I remember the school budget was never in question because education was a priority; it was relevant and it was taken seriously. Teachers tried to project dignity and promoted self-respect. School events that were aimed at academic excellence and achievement made the paper. However, in today’s difficult economic times, taxpayers want to know what we are getting for our money. I noted with dismay the juxtaposition of public school news on the front page of this week’s issue (Feb. 22-28). Under a well-written article about inequitably slashed school funding was a picture of the principal dressed like a circus clown. I know Mr. Jenne to be a dedicated professional passionately concerned with the success of his students. I understand that wearing silly clothes, sitting on roofs and similar gimmicks are intended to be lighthearted motivational tricks, but more and more of us are asking: motivational to do what? With fewer articles about fun and silliness and more articles about teachers as catalysts for educational excellence and achievement, maybe we wouldn’t have to fight so hard for adequate funding.