Up standards with funds

Changes have been made to raise the standards of Ohio schools, but the money needed to make these changes possible still is not available.

Although the state hasn't mandated any specific improvement programs, the expectations from the state and rivaling school districts have raised the bar.

If the state continues to not take financial responsibility for these rising standards, just because they weren't officially mandated, we think a breaking point will be reached and schools will not be able to continue to compete.

Virginia W. May, superintendent of the Athens County Education Services Center, said sometimes the state mandates changes without supplying enough money to allow schools to reach heightened education standards.

Students are required to take more classes and pass proficiency tests, while taking competency tests in various grades. The teachers shouldn't be expected to keep up with other school districts that have more money and resources.

If Athens County teachers had started at the same point as other teachers in the state Ñ with up-to-date textbooks and technological advances Ñ they wouldn't be worried about raising standards, because they would have the resources to meet higher expectations.

But the public is not willing to give these schools, which are already at a disadvantage, the money to put them at an equal level with other districts.

We still believe parental involvement and quality of teachers also play an important role in the success of the students.

But society raises standards for everyone, and when it comes to putting money into the schools, people who don't have children in public schools won't give anything and look out only for their own children.

State officials reward the districts with higher test scores. The state shouldn't look down on Southeast Ohio because of its low test scores, it should consider the money given to this area as an investment in the future.

If the proper changes are made to ensure quality students are produced from this area, each class from now on only will get better.

The state already has mandated the appropriate changes to raise the lever of education, such as the proficiency tests. Now it needs to give the schools the money to make those changes a reality.

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