Spend money to upgrade books

Spend money to upgrade books

I write in response to the Feb. 24 article in The Vindicator regarding the school district’s plan for expenditures of the federal stimulus funds. I had hoped that the students would be the direct recipients of that money. Supplies, updated computer equipment, software, and certainly textbooks/workbooks would help bring our children into the 21st century. These hard copy products would remain long after the stimulus funds are gone.

It would appear, however, that no thought is being given to how the guidance counselors in these lower grades will be paid when the stimulus money is gone. I do agree, however, that building principals are at the best vantage point to determine their individual school’s needs. They know when a student needs to be referred to a social service agency. Yet, what will happen when those guidance counselors cannot be funded with the already distressed district budget? I hope the school district doesn’t expect property owners to pick up the tab again. We all need to think about where we will get the funds to continue to pay these guidance counselors once the stimulus funds are depleted.

I want to see all of those dollars used for our children. They are the ones that need assurances like, “Yes, Chris, you can take your book and your workbook home.” Teachers should not have to use outdated textbooks. By the time they leave the printer they are already dated. Our children often have computer monitors at home that are more updated than those at school. Our children need to have access to the latest software that almost forces you to learn. I know, I have used it.

They need up-to-date learning equipment. There is also software available that is state of the art for kids to learn. Purchase enough so that all the students have access to whatever developmental software they might need for academic mastery. Educators know what kind of software and equipment is out there. Let’s give the children and the educators the tools they need to get the job done.

Delores T. Womack, Youngstown