Education spending

Sunday’s Tribune-Herald published a full-page ad noting that Texas ranks 44th out of all states for education spending per pupil. The ad says, “How can we think of cutting it even further?”

The hidden assumption in this is that student performance is simply correlated with spending per student and that a cut in spending necessarily comes at the expense of the educational outcomes of our children. If this were true, then why have the huge increases in per-student spending the past 30 years produced such small increases in student achievements? Recent studies have shown that increasing education options through charter schools, subsidized private schools and home schooling improve student academics. Increased accountability also has been shown to be highly correlated with improved student academic outcomes.

Maybe education budget cuts should be coupled with additional reforms in school choice and accountability. The private sector has been making painful cuts to make their operations more efficient since 2008. It’s now time for the government to do the same.

Walter Bradley, Woodway

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The fact Texas ranks 44th in education spending has nothing to do with academic performance. Washington, D.C., spends more money per student than most states, yet has one of the poorest academic records from its students and one of the highest dropout rates in the country.

In 2005, Republican Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman signed a measure defying George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act, despite a warning that it could cost $76 million in federal aid. Their schools and students have since been doing great without the bureaucratic strings that are part of this obvious boondoggle.

Texas should follow suit. Money has nothing to do with it. It boils down to personal choices. Until we raise our standards in behavior and accountability, for students and teachers, results will never change.

G. R. Harper, Waco

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I appreciate the Tribune-Herald ’s extended coverage of Midway ISD schools. Certainly, Midway is one of the notable districts in Central Texas.

I specifically enjoyed Midway board member Tom Pagel’s March 13 guest column explaining public school funding [“Science of school funding”]. The column helped detail the challenges currently facing Texas school boards.

Trib Senior Editor Bill Whitaker’s column Sunday [“Education crosscurrents arousing strong feelings”] clearly explained Midway’s approach to cost-cutting and solicitation of public comments. I also compliment the Midway school board for its willingness to patiently listen to extended citizen complaints.

Gayle R. Avant, Woodway

EDITOR’S NOTE: Gayle Avant is a candidate in the May 14 election for a seat on the Midway ISD Board.

Give a little to others

With so many needy families in our community, I ask that everyone take money they would have spent on hobbies or entertainment between now and Easter and instead help a needy child or person.

Daniel Younger, Itasca