Published: October 03, 2008 01:52 pm            

In search of excellence in education: The case for HISD

The acid test of the nation’

s commitment to providing quality educational opportunity for every child is what a community does to enhance teaching and learning.

The public schools’ reliance on local taxes, most often the property tax, means that school in small communities have far fewer resources at their disposal than schools in urban and suburban areas where property values are highest.

In some instances, smaller school districts must do more with less, as they face greater challenges and must meet greater needs. While state funding for public schools helps to reduce disparities, it rarely eliminates them.

Despite limited funding, the Federal government’s “No Child Left behind Act” in concert with national educational organizations has called on residents to make quality education a top priority.

On Oct. 10, the residents of Huntsville and Walker County will be asked to respond to a “Rollback Election” to increase the tax rate in order to generate additional income for 2008-2009. This would allow the Huntsville Independent School District (HISD) to balance the budget and provide salary increases for employees, according to information contained in The Huntsville Item (9-30-08). This election is critical not only for HISD but it is central to the economy of Huntsville and the continuing population growth and vitality of Walker County. As the county seat, Huntsville is an indispensable element in ensuring a high quality of life for those living in the confines of the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA).

The population of the area comprising Huntsville proper and contiguous areas has steadily increased for each decade. Beginning in 1990, the population of Huntsville and surrounding areas was 50,917; for 2000 (61,758); for 2007 (63,466); and the population is projected to increase to almost 65,000 by 2012. With an increase in the number of residents — especially school age children — comes expectations relative to a quality educational system, adequate housing and shopping areas, opportunities for employment, transportation, and an improved quality of life.

A quality educational system is the “fuel” that drives high expectations of current residents and newcomers, and it serves as a common denominator for new development, including recreational, educational and cultural facilities.

The public schools’ reliance on local taxes, most often the property tax, means that schools in mid-size communities have far fewer resources at their disposal than schools in middle and upper income areas.

They are faced with the challenge of “doing more with less” unless the majority of residents make quality education its highest priority. A quality educational system serves as a stimulus to growth. But quality education has its costs.

Public education is important to middle class, working people who cannot afford to or choose not to send their children to private schools.

Also, as the economy grows and becomes more diversified, so will the demand for skill workers for leading industries, retail and building trades, educational institutions and professional positions, particularly in the health care professionals.

Quality education can only take place with quality teachers and administrators and a committed community of “scholars, parents, community residents and business leaders.”

While state funding of public schools helps reduce some disparities, it rarely eliminates them. Only local communities and “soft money sources” can fill the void. Therefore, it is urgent that we vote 'FOR” the tax increase on Oct. 10 because inequities in resources can and often result in low performing teachers and students. Inadequate funding contributes to low quality schools. The result: “Flight from public schools to private schools.” The losers: Innocent children in search of knowledge and experience of sufficient quality to guide them through the 21st century.

What are the reasons for voting in favor of the measure?

I agree with many of the issues posed by Stuart Williamson in his “Letter to the Editor,” (Huntsville Item, 9-30-08) in which he expresses concerns about making salaries for teachers, including substitute teachers, competitive.

With this plea, however, we must increase our demand for quality teaching for the 21st century if we are to improve student performance among all groups. In Texas there is no system in place to pay for rising costs of energy or fuel other than increasing local taxes. Recent data indicate that HISD’s average tax base per student is $226,097 compared to $305,028 for the State average tax base per student. This differential looms larger as it impacts the quality of teaching and student performance. Vote FOR improving education for our children.

Both reduced income and increased expenses have negatively impacted HISD finances since 2006.

Like the district’s income, expenses have not remained constant since more than two years ago. Fuel costs have doubled, personnel-related expenses (including salaries and benefits) continue on an upward spiral.

The missing link in the quest to ensure that “no child will be left behind” is to launch a concentrated effort to attract highly-skilled teachers to help high achieving/underachieving students increase the critical thinking, analytical, and technological skills needed to succeed in the 21st century. Let’s do it!



Naomi W. Ledé is a retired Senior Research Scientist, Distinguished Professor, and former University Administrator. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Samuel Walker Houston Museum and Cultural Center in Huntsville, Texas.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.