Learning about the struggles that the Independence School District is going through in terms of funding has made me realize how the decaying public education system is cheating the youth of this nation of their futures. In recognizing this, I have some serious concerns regarding the way in which our state government prioritizes funding for certain entities. When you think about it, kids going through the public school system across the state are, in essence, the future of Wisconsin. If they are not provided the proper education they rightfully deserve, chances are the state will suffer – likely in more ways than one.
First of all, the declining funding from the state level will, unfortunately, mean that school districts will need to be dissolved or consolidate with other districts. Teachers will lose jobs and will seek employment in other states. Due to larger student-teacher ratios, grades and test scores will suffer, meaning students will not get the education they need to prosper in the future and thus hampering their success in the college and in the work force. And when those individuals decide to start a family, I wouldn't be surprised if they would seek to have them schooled in a state in which their children can get a quality education. So, in reality, what the Independence School District is dealing with will, ultimately, be an obstacle that many other schools will encounter if the state continues to cut funding.
Believe me, if I were a parent, I would be calling my legislators constantly to gripe about how wrong these cuts are and how harmful they will be our children. While I am on board with Gov. Scott Walker's plan to bring the business climate in Wisconsin back up to par, it seems that other areas of need are being shoved on the backburner. What's even scarier is that one Wisconsin legislator, Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, has proposed eliminating funding for 4-year-old kindergarten. That's insane. When every year of a child's youth counts – particularly when it comes to learning – it's hard to fathom that people actually think cutting such programs would be beneficial on any level.
What I think really needs to happen is our representatives in government should help contribute to saving our schools. Maybe, instead of taking health insurance, perhaps, they might consider taking a stipend. Or maybe just plain, old, goodhearted charity would be appreciated. I'll bet if each of the elected officials and justices for the state of Wisconsin donated a portion of their salary to the education fund, it would be genuinely appreciated. When Gov. Walker served as the Milwaukee County Executive, he voluntarily reduced his salary to save money, which makes me wonder if he would be willing to consider doing the same thing in his new role. It certainly would give constituents some newfound respect for politicians – and government in general. At last check, the salary for Wisconsin's governor ranked 19th in the nation. Add to that the fact that our Chief Justice makes over $150,000 a year (and the six associate justices each make about $144,000 per year), it's no wonder state expenses are exceeding its revenues.
But, I digress; something needs to change; we can't just keep pretending that referendums that increase taxes for the general public will continue to solve this problem. A great deal of families are already struggling as it is. And cutting funding to schools is about the worst thing any state government could do. Here's hoping there is some semblance of light at the end of this dreary tunnel and that politicians in Madison will begin to see the error in their ways – hopefully, sooner, rather than later.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
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