I don't think anything has changed but for several years pre-k has brought in more in federal funding than it has cost so there has been a net positive to the auburn taxpayer as a result of the federal funding structure.
I took the unpopular position of voting against expanding it two years ago because I felt that if and/or when that funding situation changes, that would be when we would see the cost and regret it. So far I have eaten crow on that position and, unless something has changed significantly that we haven't heard about, it remains a moneymaker, and I do believe in the value of the program - especially if it continues to be paid by the federal gov't.
Part of the problem again is that the discussion is always focused on the ideal situation, starting from the top down rather than talking about how we can work in the right direction so that we've built something solid over time.
When you ask parents, students, faculty, and teachers what they want to have of course the first response is - brand new high school and a mega facility to maximize the education dollar.
But we're aware there is a cost and whenever the topic comes up it seems like it never starts with that as a reality. So it goes nowhere and then we all wonder why...
Joking aside I do feel bad for her - i think the article was a little harsh. I actually agree to some extent with what I perceive to be the intention of her comment - at least the way I would word it - that there apparently isn't much focus on the big chunk of kids who will inevitably end up working with their hands in some way or another.
On one hand that (college emphasis) is probably the safe route to take given limited resources, and along with that is the fear that if college isn't the primary focus, there is always the danger that some of those who may have been in the best position to benefit from a college education might end up going into a trade, and being less productive than if they had gone to college.
On the other hand, knowing that there are so many who underachieve in college and in life, it is difficult to avoid the question of whether or not they might have been better off honing a particular skill or being exposed earlier on to a different path...
I take some offense to this accusation - "vague generalities".
Courage to speak up and being appointed committee chairperson are both great things that I don't disrespect in any way.
But you began your editorial saying that other letters in support of various candidate are vague generalities and I don't really see much difference from yours and all the rest.
The reason I bring it up is because I wrote one myself and I think the issues I raised (here http://www.sunjournal.com/letters/story/928355) were no more vague than the ones you present here.
Support your candidate but please spare us the attempt at a quick jab - it only takes away from your points and suggests a hint of arrogance.
Not sure if I disagree with the conclusion - well thought out - I appreciate the read.
I do have a few thoughts though - I don't quite see how a new exit in "the middle" would not serve to redirect the focus of inbound traffic towards the downtown area. I get the fact that there isn't much of a time savings but just the fact that it is there will be a reason for people to take it - it will take time but I don't see how it could possibly hurt the area in anyway.
202-4 in Auburn is already a four lane truck route - yes, with noise and pollution - if the bulk of those trucks could avoid that stretch from downtown auburn south to exit 75 I think that could improve the area significantly.
Irving Travel plaza and Crossroads/Mobil wouldn't benefit from it immediately - nor would the many other businesses on that stretch like it - but without the junk flying up and down that section of the road, it would open up the door to an improvement in the area - away from a loud, dangerous, and bland industrial stretch of no-man's land to something with more of a welcoming residential and mixed commercial feel.
Overall though I don't have a lot of faith in the system to believe that if done, it would be done right... There are so many things to consider and so many things that could go wrong...
cool discussion
pretty cool that people are talking here. glad to see some passion for once
I don't think anything has
I don't think anything has changed but for several years pre-k has brought in more in federal funding than it has cost so there has been a net positive to the auburn taxpayer as a result of the federal funding structure.
I took the unpopular position of voting against expanding it two years ago because I felt that if and/or when that funding situation changes, that would be when we would see the cost and regret it. So far I have eaten crow on that position and, unless something has changed significantly that we haven't heard about, it remains a moneymaker, and I do believe in the value of the program - especially if it continues to be paid by the federal gov't.
part of the problem again
Part of the problem again is that the discussion is always focused on the ideal situation, starting from the top down rather than talking about how we can work in the right direction so that we've built something solid over time.
When you ask parents, students, faculty, and teachers what they want to have of course the first response is - brand new high school and a mega facility to maximize the education dollar.
But we're aware there is a cost and whenever the topic comes up it seems like it never starts with that as a reality. So it goes nowhere and then we all wonder why...
I agree!!
"Everybody doesn't go to college."
"Everybody's not ready for college."
“Sometimes I don't always explain myself well,”
Joking aside I do feel bad for her - i think the article was a little harsh. I actually agree to some extent with what I perceive to be the intention of her comment - at least the way I would word it - that there apparently isn't much focus on the big chunk of kids who will inevitably end up working with their hands in some way or another.
On one hand that (college emphasis) is probably the safe route to take given limited resources, and along with that is the fear that if college isn't the primary focus, there is always the danger that some of those who may have been in the best position to benefit from a college education might end up going into a trade, and being less productive than if they had gone to college.
On the other hand, knowing that there are so many who underachieve in college and in life, it is difficult to avoid the question of whether or not they might have been better off honing a particular skill or being exposed earlier on to a different path...
I should say were no less
I should say were no less vague - but you get the point I'm sure
Have a nice day!
vague generalities?
I take some offense to this accusation - "vague generalities".
Courage to speak up and being appointed committee chairperson are both great things that I don't disrespect in any way.
But you began your editorial saying that other letters in support of various candidate are vague generalities and I don't really see much difference from yours and all the rest.
The reason I bring it up is because I wrote one myself and I think the issues I raised (here http://www.sunjournal.com/letters/story/928355) were no more vague than the ones you present here.
Support your candidate but please spare us the attempt at a quick jab - it only takes away from your points and suggests a hint of arrogance.
GO BRUCE
Great guy !
thanks for publishing me!
link?
Is it just me or does the link to the study not work?
interesting
Not sure if I disagree with the conclusion - well thought out - I appreciate the read.
I do have a few thoughts though - I don't quite see how a new exit in "the middle" would not serve to redirect the focus of inbound traffic towards the downtown area. I get the fact that there isn't much of a time savings but just the fact that it is there will be a reason for people to take it - it will take time but I don't see how it could possibly hurt the area in anyway.
202-4 in Auburn is already a four lane truck route - yes, with noise and pollution - if the bulk of those trucks could avoid that stretch from downtown auburn south to exit 75 I think that could improve the area significantly.
Irving Travel plaza and Crossroads/Mobil wouldn't benefit from it immediately - nor would the many other businesses on that stretch like it - but without the junk flying up and down that section of the road, it would open up the door to an improvement in the area - away from a loud, dangerous, and bland industrial stretch of no-man's land to something with more of a welcoming residential and mixed commercial feel.
Overall though I don't have a lot of faith in the system to believe that if done, it would be done right... There are so many things to consider and so many things that could go wrong...
Anyways - nice editorial - thanks again
"to starts"?
?