Education should not bepolitical collateral

Staff Editorial | The Chronicle

The normality of Ohio public schools is currently threatened by House Bill 96. Governor DeWine’s proposed budget will cut around $100 million that funds schools and instead enhance school voucher programs for charter schools. Mason City Schools has received steady funding from the state for the past 10 years. Consequently, Ohio residents could be faced with higher property taxes and a worse quality of education. Along with the Ohio legislature’s fight to cut funding for our schools, similar bills are being presented in states such as Colorado. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that will dismantle the Department of Education, standing as one of the many threats to education in America today. Only Congress has the ability to abolish the Department of Education, but President Trump has already fired 1,300 of its employees. This department has the vital role of regulating student achievement, enforcing civil rights laws and distributing federal education funds. Furthermore, it also supports college-aged students in managing federal college loans. The constant news alerts on the basis of education have led us to wonder, are students just political collateral? Are we just pawns in politicians’ agendas? Since the beginning of the United States, Americans have prided themselves on the outreach of education. With many developments to make schools more diverse and safe environments, students have the opportunity to feel supported in their learning environments. It is known that when a student feels unsafe or unsupported in their learning environment, they cannot put all their focus into learning. Many people view the evolution of the school system throughout generations as negative, but change will always be needed to create a successful school system. Public schools are undoubtedly political places. School board members are elected officials, tax dollars pay for much of a district and curriculums are instituted by the state. However, when parents’ and politicians’ motives move beyond the well-being of students, communities can become more divided. Something that should be considered is that all Americans must receive an education to some extent. School moments of getting off the bus in elementary school, talking to a favorite teacher, or meeting a new friend in the lunch line should be good memories. Instead, students are facing schools that are scared of a lack of buses for the disabled, fewer teachers and free lunches getting cut. Education should be a bipartisan issue because all Americans have to attend school. It does not matter your party affiliation, race, gender or sexual identity, school should be a safe place for everyone. It is increasingly hard to comprehend how a decrease in public school funding could be a positive for students as a whole. The Mason School Board and Mason City Schools administrative teams are keeping a watchful eye on the issue of education in our government. Promising to remain fiscally responsible, the Mason way should not be devastated in the wake of state and federal cuts. Public school education is currently under fire, and students’ rights will be diminished in the process. Taking actions to educate peers or contact Ohio legislatures could help in this budgetary situation. All students must be aware of threats to their everyday instruction and must stay educated on the current political climate.