Like many Lee County residents, when the school board proposed to hold a special election for a sales tax referendum to fund capital expenses for public schools, I was skeptical. A general election seemed more appropriate.
Yet, bill 7087 complicated the process by requiring a performance audit ahead of the election. How do we ensure our teachers and the increasing student population have schools designed and maintained to meet challenges in the 21st century?
The challenges of funding education are not unique to Florida. Recent events in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Oklahoma underscore how the decline in funding for education since the 2008 recession has impacted schools.
Over the past two weeks, my sister-in-law, a schoolteacher in Oklahoma, provided my family with daily updates on the teacher walkout that closed down schools in her district. Raised with a strong work ethic and a commitment to her students, the controversy highlights how the failure to address deficiencies in teachers’ salaries and revenue for supplies and maintenance has led teachers to a breaking point.
Ranked 49th in the nation for teachers’ salaries, individual stories from Oklahoma emphasize the personal hardships teachers face to provide for their families. My sister-in-law is “lucky.” Her spouse’s job provides extra financial security. More so than salary, the teachers are protesting the neglect of their schools as evidenced by the lack of desks and dilapidated and dated textbooks that hamper a teacher’s ability to provide a sound education.
Granted Florida may be ahead of the curve when compared to Oklahoma, but the proposed construction and renewal projects put forth by the Lee County School District need to be addressed. How will the district create an estimated seven new schools to meet the county’s growing student body? How will the district continue to maintain and revitalize our schools to ensure they are equipped with the latest technology to educate students for the future?
Even without the requirement to complete a performance audit, the school board faced an uphill battle. The failure to accurately predict the cost to build Bonita Springs High School heightened the culture of mistrust that surrounds public officials. Yet, this criticism does not change the estimated 1,500 to 2,000 students to be added to the district on a yearly basis.
Largely missing from this discussion is the capital outlay proposed to maintain and revitalize existing schools. These projects range from security enhancements and building improvements to technological innovations. Seemingly inconsequential at first glance, improved school facilities can have a positive impact on student outcomes. A summary of a report on school spending in the Northwestern Institute for Policy Research concludes overall increased spending can improve graduation rates, result in higher adult wages, and reduce the likelihood for adult poverty.
Everyone benefits as a result.
As recent awards and recognition have demonstrated teachers and students in our schools are continuing to raise expectations. The Golden Apple winners are a testament to the commitment of Lee County teachers. And, the recent rising stars recognized by The News-Press are indicative of a new generation of students that strive to balance their own personal commitment to success with their desire to give back to their community.
The walkout in Oklahoma ended on Thursday. My sister-in-law reported feeling “defeated” and “embarrassed” for public schools in Oklahoma. Regardless, she looked forward to returning to her students to “give them the best that I can give.”
Hopefully, the conversation on how we fund education in Lee County continues in order to make certain students have the best schools to meet the needs of today and they do not fall behind the curve.
Brian Page teaches history at Florida SouthWestern State College. He is a citizen member of The News-Press editorial board.