The current method of funding schools was determined to be unconstitutional within the state of Ohio. The legislature is under court order to come up with another method of funding. They have not done so yet - we are all anxiously awaiting a solution from the state legislators. Currently, in the state of Ohio, funding for a school district is largely collected from local property taxes. So in a poorer district, the local school district has less funding. Which results in large classrooms, less money to repair aging infrastructures, less money for classroom materials, etc.

I believe that more than money is needed for our public schools both in Ohio and across the country. More money is not the total answer. Local school districts need leadership and community involvement. More money is great but what is really needed is good role models, community leadership. We need people in the community to volunteer within the school and get involved with the students on a personal level.

If one dad could take one vacation day a month and volunteer to be on the playground of his son or daughter's school and engage the kids in a game of catch or football .. that would be a wonderful teaching opportunity. Some of the kids never hear a kind word from an adult in their life. Some kids don't have parental involvment within their home or maybe they do but just on a limited basis. Caring adults spending time with youngsters teaches more than money can purchase.

I feel that as citizens of this country we need to save our public schools, we need to volunteer and get involved so that all children have the opportunity for an excellent education. Every school has different challenges that are unique to that school. One school might need a more peaceful playground experience and need adults to step forward and help. Perhaps the science teacher would love to have an outdoor science learning module but doen't have the ability to ready a garden area outside. Wouldn't it be great if a parent could volunteer to bring some rakes and shovels for the students to use to ready the soil, etc. Wouldn't it be great if another parent could bring in some seedlings or seeds. The teacher could teach the science lesson but the entire experience would be enriched beyond measure by the adults within the community being involved.

If an urban setting, wouldn't it be great if one of the parents knew about hydroponics ?? and could actually setup a hydroponic garden for the kids ?

Those are just examples - I am sure that once community leaders, parents etc got started that all kinds of great ideas would develop. This is more than money - this is giving your time and knowledge. This is what I am suggesting.

peace