Published: May 09, 2008 12:11 pm         

What would be the best reason for a school levy?

Since we're up against making a decision whether we should vote, or should not vote for a school bond levy, I think every concerned citizen about education here in Mineral County should sit down and write their opinion for what would be the best reason for a levy.

My personal feelings are first to figure out here how best to spend that money. I think the best way to start, is to realize that there are three major components to a school system. Those three are as follows;

1) The teachers would be ranked first in my opinion. 2) The children would come in second. 3) The buildings fall in as the necessary third part.

Now, since approximately 70 cents of our tax dollars goes to education, I believe it would be fair to say that half of that should go to the teachers and the other half between the children and the new buildings and renovations.

My understanding is that there are approximately 4,600 students in Mineral County schools. Therefore, what ever is set aside for the benefit of the children, this money should be distributed in accordance to performance.

The following, I think, would be a good guide to consider:

1) The homeroom teacher of every student would record the answer of one out of many problems taught, at the end of every school day.

2) The students would also record that problem, with instructions to remember it for an "End of the School Year Test." This would amount to 168 problems to be remembered.

3) To receive what ever money is figured out for them, each student would have to produce the proper answers to 168 problems presented to them, at an "End of School Year Test."

4) The percentage of proper answers would determine the amount of money each student would receive.

5) All the money from shortcomings of the tests would be applied to special education classes.

Should this plan or something similar to it be adopted by the board of education, then I would vote "for" a bond levy. If they do not, then I will "unfortunately" have to vote "against" it.

This is my say. What say you?

Nick Boinovych
Burlington, W.Va.