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Caleb Fischer graduated from Linton-Stockton High School in 2006 and Butler Uniersity in 2010 with a degree in biology. He just started at Yale University in a PhD graduate program in Molecular Biology.
Nobel Prize winning poet W.B. Yeats proclaimed, "Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire."
In a recent online poll issued by the Greene County World, readers were asked whether they would be willing to pay more property taxes in order to insure a financially sound school system. Only 20 percent responded yes. In essence, it asked whether you would be willing to pay more to help educate your children better. You said no.
It is no mystery that parents hope that their children have the best opportunities to succeed. This is why, in many cases, the parents endure arduous hours in the workplace; they are willing to sacrifice their time and energy in exchange for providing financial security for their household. The same logic as to why a financially secure household is important for parents, also applies to why parents should enthusiastically support a financially secure school system.
It gives their children the best opportunity to succeed. Much like parents are willing to sacrifice longer hours in order to provide more opportunities for their children, parents must be willing to pay property taxes (or whatever is necessary), knowing it will enable a healthier school district and a brighter future for their children.
How could a financially sound school system provide more opportunities for the youth of the community? When the youth of a community are fostered in a healthy educational environment, they are able to aspire to be the next generation of doctors, engineers, artists, scientists, politicians, teachers, etc. While the parent must instill in his or her child the importance of setting goals, the role of the local school system is absolutely critical as well. It is within its corridors that students are challenged and believed in by teachers, and where they wish to become a teacher themselves. It is where they take part in an experiment and learn to ask questions about how or why something works and, in turn, want to become the next scientist or engineer. It is where they learn how to play an instrument, read music, think creatively and aspire to sing and create art. It is where they join clubs and hold leadership positions and realize the value of being part of a cause bigger than oneself. It is also where they compete on sports teams, form social cliques and interact with their peers. In sum, the child becomes educated on how to navigate in this world.
Perhaps you conclude that a financially sound school system does not guarantee a successful one. True, money in and of itself does not create the proper environment conducive to a prosperous educational system. However, money is an enabler. How can a child be challenged and believed in by teachers or fascinated with a biology experiment or history project without the financial support to hire engaging teachers and fund basic laboratory equipment?
In short, the money provides the means to hire more and better teachers, to support the arts, to encourage after school programs and to provide additional courses that will broaden a student's view and increase his or her chances to succeed. While the details and priorities of where the money is allocated are paramount, the willingness of the parents and citizens of the community to invest in it must first be met.
That is why the poll question struck me so hard. The question guaranteed a positive outcome, provided that you would be willing to sacrifice money. The question did not state if you pay more property taxes, then the school system might be financially sound. It stated that if you would pay more property taxes, you would help it maintain financial integrity.
While some may say money could be invested elsewhere, I would respond, where? Where else could you invest money with a better return on investment than in the hub of where creative tinkering and exploring occurs each and every day: The local school. The benefits of a better-educated youth are astounding and exceed the scope of this article.
Better education leads to a more engaged citizenry, and one that is armed with the ability to succeed in multiple arenas of life. A well-educated youth goes on to invest in the local community and a greater percentage will go on to college.
To the parents, it is especially important to know that your child is getting the best education possible, no matter what that cost may be. Unlike in the previous generation, our generation and future generations are not only competing against our neighbor for jobs; rather, we are competing against the rest of the world. Because of the rise of technology, advent of global Internet access and the willingness of the global community to invest in education, people in China, India and other countries, who prior to our generation were not major competitors, are eager to use their education to edge those who have not had an adequate education.
Finally, I plead that you rethink your answer to that seemingly innocent question. While the question was hypothetical in nature, it has real life implications. The youth of any community is the lifeblood. They are worth every penny of your investment. Yates was right when he said that education is a lighting of a fire.
With more resources, Linton-Stockton and the surrounding school systems will have the proper tools to ignite more fires.
Caleb is a Linton-Stockton High School and Butler University graduate. He can be reached by e-mail at cnfische@gmail.com.
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This man has a lot to learn about life and having to pay taxes on your property. What good is having a "high on the hog" school if you can't afford to live in the district because of the property taxes.
Perhaps this article would be more relevent if the author had ever had to pay a property tax.
A PhD student complaining about education funding? SHOCKING!
Most people in Greene County struggle just to pay the high property taxes now! We pay enough taxes in this county with the county tax, property tax, and wheel tax. Anyone ever figure what percentage of your pay check go to Greene County for taxes?
It's not that we wouldn't be willing to pay more for our children's education,the fact is most can't afford to.
I love having the opportunity to debate on some of these topics. I agree that parents want there kids to succeed, theres no denying that. Coming from a financially secure home it seems you may have forgot the obvious. Many parents struggle now to afford there bills. Why should parents give even more money to the city/state in which there are funds already placed to help schools. If schools need more money find the money elsewhere. There are rediculous amounts of money being spent wildly around the country. Welfare, unemployment, thats just two of the major systems I personally think waste millions to whom dont deserve. Your strong opinion on this poll has really made me realize that people forget about others who are not as financially secure. You need to consider everyone before making such a strong statement.
Someone once told me, you cant give lessons on something you know nothing about!
Obviously, the people who are posting care more about money than they do a quality education for these kids.
The Indiana Constitution guarantees its citizens the right to a quality education. Nothing this young man is saying is incorrect. The bloggers just don't want to pay for it.
But, more importantly, you are missing a main point in the article. The government IS going to spend that money on something. Why shouldn't it be education?
Ignorance is a lot more expensive than education.
Caleb, this is a great article!
By the way, go ahead and write what you want. It isn't your job to pay taxes yet. People did pay taxes for THESE people to go to school. Now, they don't want to do their part.
But, there will be a time for you to pay taxes. You will pull out their checkbook, shake your head,..... and then write the check because you are smart enough to realize that people sacrificed to give you a chance at a good education.
The End, I do not think anyone is saying spending money on education is not a good thing. It is how they get the money to pay for it. It is supported mostly by property owners. Most of the people who's children get education do not own property. Property owners pay an unfair share of not only education, but other services the county and cities provide. It is getting to the point where it is hard to be able to afford to own property. 2 years ago I paid about 150.00 a month for property taxes. I know people who had 5 kids in school who paid none and in fact got food stamps and welfare and medicaid. I don't mind paying my share, but everyone should pay not just property owners. Sharing the wealth is socialism and has not worked in any society. Our country is headed for that and it will not work here either.
I am amazed at how many of these responses argue the person and not the point. It's almost like some are saying that Caleb has no right to his opinion just because of who he is or where he's at. Further more many go on to argue a subject not even related to what Caleb is proposing. Caleb, you are in a wonderful position because of your hard work and the enthusiasm for education you, and the people around you, have. I don't think you lack empathy for the "common folk", quite the contrary; you're simply challenging the mindset. Whenever a mindset is challenged, feathers get ruffled. Congrats. I know this guy who challenge people's mindsets and ruffled a few feathers. They nailed him to a cross! You're in good company. You all enjoy your 1% property tax cap while your schools close, cities discontinue services and you smack a few more chuckholes on your way to Wal-Mart. (sorry, did I hear feathers ruffling?)
Caleb---nice article. If this wasn't so sad it would be funny. There are people on here complaining about something that would help our teachers and some of them, and ones like them, will be complaining about RIF'ing teachers and the need to improve our schools.
I don't like paying higher taxes anymore than the next person but it is a fact of life. If you don't like where your tax money is going then quit complaining on a blog about it and do something that will change it and channel more of that money to our schools.
Hilltop--whether you rent or own someone pays taxed on a property. If you are a renter, the landlord takes part of your rent payment and pays property tax with it. Leave the welfare/food stamp argument out of it because that is not what the article is about and we can spin that any way we want.
I agree with Caleb, and none of my children will ever set foot in a Greene County school.
If you think education and social programs are expensive, how you ever checked out the costs of war and corporate welfare?
You can raise property taxes as high as you want but none of the revenue goes to the general fund of your local school. Our current state politicians saw to that, general fund is mostly funded by the sales tax. Since everyone is not buying as much....you do the math.
Great column, Caleb! And kudos to THE END and Music Man...you guys hit the nail right on the head. We all may not be fortunate to have money, but we should be fortunate enough to have a quality education that will help us get good jobs, be contributing members of society and maybe make some of that money. It starts with solid schools, people.
I understand that the local gov. can raise the tax and the schools get the difference. The point is that the state has taken an almost non-fluctuating source of income for schools and put it to other uses. Then taken a source of funding that fluctuates with the economy and try to fund the schools which need to know how much money they will have to spend on the next year's budget. That is nearly impossible. When you place an additional tax on a tax, that is how people will see this, you are just asking for people to get mad. Before the change people complained but they knew a certain percentage was going to the school. Now can anyone tell me where the bulk of the property taxes are going?
If the majority of Americans weren't so ignorant about money matters, we wouldn't have the problems we have.
The Raven:
Are we not the fortunate ones? Just trot down to the next Linton-Stockton School Board meeting and
divulge your vast knowledge of "money matter". With your expertise and guidance all of our financial concerns will be addressed in record time; and, we will be rolling in dough. I doubt our local banks will be able to handle the new cash flow that you generate.
I think there is a inordinate amount of money spent by schools per student in the first place when you consider the education they receive. Why would I want the county to 'throw good money after bad'?
Give me the several thousand dollars per student spent by the county to use for my homeschooled students instead and I would be happy indeed, and likely more effective.
Is it really that revolutionary to envision a world in which parents hold responsibility for educating their children?
For Christians out there, consider Deuteronomy 6:4-9, it says:
"4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. "
If the Lord entrusts the education of our children in a matter such as His law, how much more are we capable to educate them in lesser things?
For Christians and non-Christians alike, in the end no one has the obligation to educate your children but you. The State should not force taxpayers, under threat of imprisonment, to support the education of children.
Finally, the author of the article quotes "Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire.". You don't need millions of dollars, nice buildings, sports programs, ISTEP testing, etc. to "light a fire". Those things are "bucket fillers".
Just to clarify the numbers a bit....
The 05-06 budget for Eastern Greene Schools was $14 million dollars according to http://gcdailyworld.com/story/1261646.ht...
The enrollment was 1400 students, according to http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/TRENDS/co...
That is $10,000 per student! How much more money is needed?
(I realize the numbers are old, but I believe them to be similar to 2009-2010 numbers, I welcome any correction though)
For Liberty---If you are suggesting that home schooling is the answer to our education needs in this country, then you are painting with a very broad brush. While I think some parents are perfectly capable, and have the time to teach their children, I don't believe that applies to the majority.
Caleb,
You have created a very intresting debate. It's unfortunate that some folks in Green county still don't get it. I guess that is what education is all about.
When you live in a depressed area with no jobs and folks with a less than a high school education frankly, you get what you pay for.
Keep the debate alive and never be discouraged by constructive criticism.
For Liberty,
You lose a little credibility when you question the value of education...and then write "a inordinate amount of money". I think you just made the point for the pro-education people on this site.
sparky,
A couple things from us uneducated folks here in Greene County. Greene has an "e" on the end of it and county should begin with a capital "c." Also, the "a" before "less than..." is unnecessary. Maybe next time use proper grammar when criticizing other's level of education. Just some constructive criticism.
Thank you for the correction. I' m not the best at the keyboard. I didn't say that all of the people in Greene County were uneducated,but that I would hope that they would support education funding. I'm sorry if I offended you. I love Linton and it's a great city. I have alot of good memories there. My family members and friends got an excellent education in the Linton public schools. Please remember your children and grandchildren when and if you are ever ask for help to fund your great schools in Linton. Good dedicated teachers are very hard to come by. They deserve our financial and moral support.
BRAVO!!! Excellent insight and outstanding article.
When families move they consider school districts. Good schools bring more people and more money, tax dollars and otherwise, into a community. Schools that offer fewer and fewer choices and deteriorating outcomes encourage families to move away to better school districts. I was fortunate to graduate from a larger school district in central Indiana, which twenty+ years ago offered more to students then than these small schools are able to today. I worry that many students will fall through the cracks for lack of opportunities and quality education in grades K-12 in our entire county, with the exception of those whose families are able to supplement their student's education through other means and opportunities outside of the public school system.
The End- Apologies for the error. You are right, it should be "AN inordinate amount of money". Good catch.
POP- Agreed, Homeschooling is not for everyone. But, as I said, in the end it is the Parent's responsibility to ensure their children receive a good education. This can be done through private education, a new school district, homeschooling, tutoring, or any number of other methods.
Why do you think you got a poor eduation, Caleb? It seems to me you are doing quite well.
When the salaries of the parents go up then yes maybe the schools could get more money, but I don't know of any parents salaries that have gone up, in fact if they work for the state they have went down.
I do find it odd that a student, who does not pay tax's would know how it is in the real world to be perfectly honest. Why don't you write us again in say about 8 years after you are paying tax's and tell us you want to pay more tax's. Then maybe the recession will be over and we would be willing to do so.
Just my opinion 3.....
Read the other posts...and you will know why many disagree with you.....By the way, it is taxes...not tax's. LOL
By the way, if Caleb purchases something in Indiana and pays sales tax, he is paying for schools.
I am sure that you weren't posting these comments when someone was paying for YOUR education.
I pay taxes, I'm a full-time student, and I agree with Caleb. Funny how different people can have different opinions.