Good news...an increase in your allowance!

I've heard many comments about school funding in the new budget, and I have heard about the increase depending on whose account you accept.  Well, let me explain it to you very simply, and you tell me if it is an increase or not.

OK, let's pretend that I am your mother, and I am going to give you $10 in allowance each week.  You are committed to spending $5 of that at the movies each week and have made other committments for the remaining amount.

This week Grandma calls and says "I'm going to give the kids an additional $5 to spend at the movies this week and next, but they have to spend it at the movies, nothing else."

So, I come to you and say "Good news, you are going to get an increase in your allowance this week and next thanks to grandma.  I'm going to give you $13!  After next week we will just have to see what happens.  Now remember, you have to spend your regular $5 at the movies, and also spend $5 of the increase at the movies too.  Have a nice week."

Now you say, "Wait, if I spend the regular $5 at the movies, and then the additional $5 at the movies, that will only leave me $3 instead of the normal $5.  I already have plans for that $5, what do I do?"

Now I say, "Well, times are tough all over, you will just have to cut the fat and make it work.  I gave you more than you normally get.  Isn't that enough?"

Finally you say, "Well, I do appreciate that extra movie money, that will be really great, but...now I have to cut so much of the rest, I won't have any money for popcorn at the movie"

I'm sure that you get what I am trying to say.  Yes, education will get more money than before, but much of that increase comes from the Federal Gov. and is tied down to specific funds (this is greatly needed, thank you)...in reality, there will be a decrease in the general fund dollars (used to pay the teachers, buy the books, heat the buildings, etc) in more school districts with declining enrollment (such as Anderson).

I predict that in the next 5-10 years you will see a MAJOR change in public education, not just in Anderson but statewide, even nationwide.  Some of that change will be for the better, but I fear that much of it will not.  (less local control...more private/charter schools  **as a side note, the state is wanting to consolidate smaller districts, but encourage the opening of single school "districts" seems to contridict**  )  I hope that the ones who lead that change have an understanding of education, and compassion for the children and parents,  and look at the whole picture and not just the financial bottom line.