I’m sure this was a very worthwhile program for HISD students…but it’s camp. A learning camp, yes. But it’s a camp, nonetheless.
And while going away to camp is a great experience for many kids, I don’t subscribe to the notion that it is a school district’s responsibility to fund students going to camp. This is where churches and non-profit groups could step in to fill a need.
In our own homes we must make budget priorities and when money isn’t as plentiful, we are forced to focus on the basics. Public education basics should not include $1 million for camp.
Now check out this quote from trustee Kevin Hoffman:
“It’s the low-income areas of town and low-populated schools that are going to once again feel the pinch, and these are the kids that stand to benefit the most from the program,” said trustee Kevin Hoffman, who cast the only vote against the budget, which included an extra $40.5 million in pay for employees.
“I love teachers just as much as the next guy, but not at the expense of these programs for our children.”
Screw the teachers, for the children’s sake!
It’s not the first time Hoffman has shown his desire to maintain the public education status quo.
Thankfully, here’s one HISD principal who gets it:
“The camp is important, (but) now our focus is almost entirely on instruction,” said Brian McDonald, principal of Gregg Elementary in southeast Houston. “It’s highly unlikely that I would provide any funding for that.”
If the camp is that important, then Hoffman should create a private foundation, and seek private funding to continue the camp. Tax dollars are not limitless, something Dr. Saavedra understands and has addressed with next year’s budget.
