Kansas City School Closings: Ryan John

I know drastic times call for drastic measures in Kansas City, but I'm pretty confident that those "above average" are going to quickly turn into the mediocre ones that lost their jobs.  I'm not sure why KC will incur a $50 million shortfall, but if they're like most states in the U.S., cuts and changes are an inevitability.  I'll assume that they could have predicted this budget problem was on the horizon if they paid closer attention in previous years.  It could have been a less dramatic change if done properly.

 I'm sure the overcrowding of the existing public schools will lead to an increased enrollment in charter or private schools, which could be a good thing for students.  However, the ones who aren't fortunate or resourceful enough to do that, they're public school experience could be negatively affected.  I hope the KC School Board will increase the number of classrooms and teacher's enough to keep the average class size relatively reasonable.  They could better utilize college students or anyone seeking a state teaching certification to assist the teachers and administration in the classroom.

Although the government is increasing it's size and scope, we still need to think creatively and innovative.  There is no reason why the Board can't accommodate these students sufficiently despite having to close down that many schools and fire as many teachers.  These kids, as all kids in this country, share no responsibility for the recent economic decline.  These were adult mistakes and now adult remedies.  I hope they at least will implement changes with the students in mind.  I believe it was Tim Geitner who said we shouldn't let a disaster like this go to waste.  Well now is the time for a young, creative and socially responsible person to make a name for themselves in the School Board and/or the political arena.