While I was at NI Week discussing the importance of educating our young people in science, math and engineering, my local school district was voting down a property tax levy. We have not passed any new tax for 14 years. But in Ohio’s arcane school funding legislation, the state gives a minimal amount and then the local districts are expected to pass property tax levies to provide an adequate education.
So, in order to save $200 to $400 per year in taxes to support the schools, these people will see their property values decline faster than the general market. It’s possible I saw $10,000 or more drift away from the value of my house.
I have to ask myself the question “what did I do to help.” The answer is very little. It’s a question we all need to answer honestly when it comes to things we think are important. Since I left the school board in 1990 after two terms, I really haven’t done much. Well it’s time to change that. I don’t have kids in school, but in a sense I do. It’s as much my responsibility to educate the next generation as anyones. And if we’re going to have a thriving society, we all need to adopt that attitude. Most if not all of my readers are college educated. Do you want the next generation to grow up with GEDs? There are many opportunities to help. And actually, it doesn’t matter what country you’re in. I have many readers in Europe and India (maybe a few in China, too). It’s the same problem worldwide. What are we doing to educate our young.
I’m challenged to do something. How about you?