The budget continues to be unresolved and school districts along with other local agencies struggle to figure out what happens next -- and how to survive. However, things are even getting somewhat interesting in Sacramento. While it is not a "huge" issue or event, it is interesting to note that the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) recently cancelled the California Distinguished School Awards Ceremony for this year. His rationale was that the California Department of Education (CDE) couldn't afford it. He went on to say that the vast majority of the recognition event was paid for by corporate sponsorship -- while the CDE cost was staff time?
We are all struggling with budgets and finding enough resources to do anything. I understand the concern of the SPI; however, I wonder about the merit of cancelling THIS event. It seems to me that when we fail to recognize excellence, than we begin to see mediocrity as the standard. In a time when the LA Times and others are unfairly targeting teachers with inappropriate assessment instruments, this is an event that recognizes the team and collective efforts of teachers et al -- which is far more desirable and appropriate. I understand the budget, I don't understand the loss of recognition.
Until parents see the effects of the Budget mess, recognition of their children's school accomplishments, etc, they will not fully understand how it truly does effect their child, their community. Shine the light brightly, parents need a glaring view of what is yet to come. We cannot conduct business as usual, we cannot continue to hide the problems we face in our schools. We are set to lose programs that educate the students in our community,in addition to losing teachers and staff to accomplish the task.
ReplyDeleteWhile our schools are facing losing programs and teachers, it's a responsible move to cancel non educational activities. Corporate sponsorship should be redirected to fund education and activities for the students. It is important to show students that prioritizing is exactly that, important.
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