Last week Newsweek published the top 1000 ''BEST'' schools in the nation.
In general, Ohio scored very poor as a percentage of the total population of the Nation.
However if one was to give this survey or whatever you might call this listing of top schools a good look, one thing here in Central Ohio jumps right out at you.
The best schools in the Newsweek's opinion are located in built out areas of Central Ohio. Basically no growth is going on in these areas and the community is very supportive of the school system. Trying to keep up with a 5% rate of growth decade after decade is not working. Clearly the COMMUNITY must stand up and demand some reasonable planning and reasonable rates of growth.
One tool we do not have is a community which includes the school system not sharing data and figures on where this growth is coming from and how it will affect the schools in the future.
I think we need as a COMMUNITY erect a sign (billboard size) with the weekly numbers of building permits from Columbus, Pickerington and Violet Township. Then right below those figures we need to post the newly registered students (numbers only not their names)and where they live in the above three government sub-divisions. Not only the new arrival but the total numbers of students and their effect on the school system. Then take the total number of students and divide that number into this budgeted operating funds. Put the sign right in front of the ''Welcome to Pickerington'' sign on 256 at 204.
Just the facts lady.
By Joe Friday
In general, Ohio scored very poor as a percentage of the total population of the Nation.
However if one was to give this survey or whatever you might call this listing of top schools a good look, one thing here in Central Ohio jumps right out at you.
The best schools in the Newsweek's opinion are located in built out areas of Central Ohio. Basically no growth is going on in these areas and the community is very supportive of the school system. Trying to keep up with a 5% rate of growth decade after decade is not working. Clearly the COMMUNITY must stand up and demand some reasonable planning and reasonable rates of growth.
One tool we do not have is a community which includes the school system not sharing data and figures on where this growth is coming from and how it will affect the schools in the future.
I think we need as a COMMUNITY erect a sign (billboard size) with the weekly numbers of building permits from Columbus, Pickerington and Violet Township. Then right below those figures we need to post the newly registered students (numbers only not their names)and where they live in the above three government sub-divisions. Not only the new arrival but the total numbers of students and their effect on the school system. Then take the total number of students and divide that number into this budgeted operating funds. Put the sign right in front of the ''Welcome to Pickerington'' sign on 256 at 204.
Just the facts lady.
By Joe Friday
