Coverage of the Graham County budget does not compute. School board member Rodney Nelson referred to the county commissioners’ decision to deny a request for $85,000 in capital improvement funds as a “slap in the [children’s] face.” He argued that the county spends twice as much hauling trash as it does on the schools, but no details are provided about how much trash Grahamites generate, miles traveled to the dump, or other possible excesses. School board member Vickie Walsh argued it was wrong for teachers to be spending money out of their own pockets – on capital improvements?
The gist of the article was that throwing money in the name of children is supposed to have some kind of positive, magic outcome. Before reprogramming yourself to respond consistently with the educators’ advice the next time you are in a candy store, you may find consolation in the remarks of one:
Shane Laughter, elementary school principal, said despite the school system’s rank at the bottom of the state in per-pupil funding, the system typically ranks in the top 20 or 30 percent in academics.
The school board has since decided to challenge the budget. Following general statutes, the matter will be mediated. That failing, litigation could ensue. The logical conclusion is that what kids are denied should be given to lawyers.
