Texas schools are in big trouble. The government is currently at a loss for money due to the economic downturn and is unwilling to raise taxes and to dip into the 'rainy day' reserves (about $9.4 billion). There are reports of up to 100,000 state education employees who will be let go. Incentives for early retirement and attrition will help some of this but not most of it. My best guess is about 80 percent of it will happen.
As I have previously written this causes problems. Check my earlier blog where I examine these issues. The reality of this situation is that it will happen. Young teachers, the lifeblood of the school system will be let go. No one will replace them. A state that once advertised all over the nation for teachers will not be culling the education departments of our colleges looking for new teachers. Why? Because there will be NO new jobs available. What are these young minds to do? Where will they go and what will they end up doing? This is serious and we must think of ways to head it off at the pass.
I've been thinking about what might help here. Some districts are getting creative and are selling advertising, trademarking mascots etc. and that might help somewhat but I feel will only be a drop in the bucket. I've got an idea that just might work but it will take some work and creativity to get it done.
What would happen if the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor would ask their buddies, big business, to get involved in supporting education? I don't mean just advertising or mentorships but strings attached grants. Just think- business gives money, lots of it; schools educate according to the needs of local business and everyone flourishes. This is not only a risk for the business but also a chance to invest in their future. Throw in a tax break for participating corporations and I think you can sell it to them.
I've often felt that education should be more contemporary. That is if a corporation had a need, for example, computer programmers, then schools start emphasizing computer studies that would directly impact that corporation. For every dollar spent by the corporation on math, computers and science they would get a multifold return by hiring those students who have been successful. These students could be sponsored to go onto colleges to hone their skills and knowledge. They would glean the best minds available and minds that have been cultivated in their mold. Or an oil company stressing engineering, chemistry etc, in order to have a better worforce. Texans know how to get things done and I believe with some creative management of funds then this can happen. It will be a win-win situation.
Now multiply this by numbers of corporations that have an interest in a more educated and therefore more competitive workforce and we have jobs subsidized by the private sector. Maybe this will help. I haven't got it all worked out yet but with your help, if I ran the schools we could get it done. Anything is possible if we just dream and then turn our dreams into reality.
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