For this post I thought I’d talk about something that’s been bothering me. With the Corona virus and the stimulus packages rolling out a big question is being asked by many people that are struggling. With the schools being closed and children being taught online, should schools return a portion of the property taxes they have collected to help families? While teachers are still holding online classes many of the administrative and maintenance staffs are no longer necessary in day to day work. In addition, bussing companies, lunch staff and coaches are no longer filling a role. While we want to continue to provide payment for these people in trying times there is also the question of where the money that is normally spent on replenishing school resources is going.
One suggestion I heard was that schools should use the extra money to provide tablets or portable computers to students to assist the creation of a school atmosphere at home. In New Orleans for example, there is a backup of the laptops and mobile hotspots that students have access to. With families relying on limited resources during this time it may become necessary for the federal government to step in to either cancel the school year or stimulate the flow of these resources. Though some schools have the resources and have already spread this technology, others are requiring parents to pick up worksheets in person throughout the remainder of the year. This means that areas that have a disproportionate level of inequality are being forced to educate their children themselves. This can become a problem as many older individuals lack the ability to navigate the rapidly advancing realm of education and technology.
Another suggestion is that schools’ districts should be opening their doors in early august assuming that the pandemic has ended. This would provide students the time to reacclimate and learn the crucial information they otherwise would be missing. This also would allow parents to regain their sanity by getting the children out of the house.
Whatever the solution we chose to pursue, we must come together and be decisive. These children are the future of our country and it is important that no matter their location or economic status, we are providing the best possible educational opportunities that we can.
Tom Green Entrepreneurial Blog 
Hi Thomas,
You bring up good points. One issue that I always think about is child care. Without school most people can’t afford to stop working and stay home with their kids. Even if the are lucky enough to work from home, kids are a HUGE distraction. Can we expect anyone to be truly productive during this time, adults or kids? I don’t think anyone has a good solution yet.
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Over the last few weeks, I have read many articles covering this subject. Some schools have issued out computers and laptops, some have partnered with internet providers, and some have mailed worksheet packets to the homes of their younger students. However, these are the good news stories and there are plenty of stories that I have read where kids are sitting in cars doing homework because it is the only way they can get WIFI access from free hotspots. I am fortunate that I have old laptops that I can set up for my kids. However, I am not the norm from the statics. America’s education system was never ready for this issue, and when some sort of normalcy is established, I hope the education system is evaluated to be able to handle situations like this in the future.
Dustin
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Dustin,
Thanks for reading and commenting! You raised a bunch of good points. The idea that we have students working out of cars and parents struggling to coordinate their children education while working is sad. I agree that when this is over we need to take a long look at both the support structure and the quality of the education we provide to future generations.
Thanks,
Tom
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