It is that dreaded time of year again when our children must return to school. They have their new clothes, back packs rated to carry at least one half their body weight, the idea of seeing friends they haven’t seen since May and the idea of getting back to work. If our children dislike school so much, why are they so disappointed at the delay? That is the mystery of the ages.This happens in most school districts. However, in some it isn’t going to happen. The adults (?) have to argue about money. It is so strange that normally intelligent adults seem to think that population growth and inflation never happens in the cost of education. So the starting of school must be delayed. It is a tragedy that should never happen.Then, on top of that, apparently the schools don’t want those back packs that must be rated at least 40 pounds, must be filled and carried home so the parents can teach their children the wrong way to work math problems. Public education, like private schools, comes at a high cost to the parents. Before the students can take some “free” classes they must pay a fee to offset expenses. Many courses require extra fees. No payment could mean no course, which would result in no graduation. For the average student above the elementary level this could mean a minimum of $20 a child. To some this is no problem. To most, depending on their address, it could amount to a major problem, especially if they have several children. The problem doesn’t stop there. Now there is the dreaded “supply list” required for each student. It isn’t enough that the parents must purchase pencils, paper and binders. The students must report to class with certain types of pencils, paper and binders. Then there is the special equipment the parents must purchase, some costing close to three figures. For parents that have a tight food budget, this becomes a burden. Why are the students required to purchase these supplies? They have to fill those back packs with something to take home with a mountain of homework. Does this mean the teachers can’t teach? No. It means that the teachers are so busy passing evaluations to get high test scores in order to justify the budget battle for following school year which cuts into their instruction time. 

Dale C. Flowers

Hendersonville