ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, January 29, 1996 TAG: 9601290067
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
FROM THE comic-strip world of ``Funky Winkerbean,'' we know it takes a lot of hucksterism to support a high school band's trips.
But should public school students (or their parents) have to go door to door peddling doughnuts, chocolate bars and rolls of gift wrap to support classroom instruction in math or foreign languages?
The answer is a resounding no, and Montgomery County schools ought to see that.
Parent-teacher associations and school ``booster'' clubs in the county say they often are expected to stage fund-raising campaigns for what they consider to be essential supplies and equipment. Granted, their definition of what's essential may differ from the schools' - and from ours.
Still, their concerns highlight an undesirable trend: schools' reliance on parents and booster clubs to fill budget gaps with outside money-raising schemes.
The PTAs and clubs in Montgomery County say they don't mind being called on to raise funds if that keeps certain school programs going. But these groups, no less than school administrators, should be able to draw a line between niceties and essentials.
Spiffy uniforms for athletic teams? Upgraded athletic equipment? If parents and sports fans want kids to go in style, a raffle may be just the ticket. The same can be said of other extracurricular school activities.
But Spanish, while it may be an elective course, is not an extracurricular activity - and aunts, uncles and neighbors shouldn't have to be hustled to buy candy they don't want to ensure that students have access to a Spanish dictionary.
Nor should math teachers have to turn to support groups to provide classroom equipment that the teachers say is needed for students to learn math.
Montgomery County certainly isn't the only school district that counts on parents' interest in good school programs to help sustain those programs. But these are, after all, public schools that benefit the public at large. Their educational mission should be supported by public funds, including tax increases if necessary. It shouldn't depend on successful bake sales.
LENGTH: Short : 46 linesby CNB