By ENOUGH IS ENOUGH BY JENNA LINNEKENS
It seems that the city’s support of education is tentative at best.
It is clear that the current City Council must continually be pushed by devoted educational activists and community members for the critical funds needed to reinforce the crumbling foundation that is known as our educational system. It is the “holder of the purse strings” that should view this educational debacle as one of its top priorities. It is imperative to look at the immediate effects of a successful educational system, as well as the long-term effects.
By allocating more funds that would be supervised by a “community watch group” we would be assured that the money would go directly to specific areas that would avoid misappropriation. This would result in a significant increase in employed graduates, decreased crime and less homeless.
My grandfather used to say, “without your health, you have nothing.” I agree. However, I think it is equally true that “without an education, you have nothing.” Every child deserves basic and fundamental preparation to allow him or her the opportunity to be an active and positive part of society. The City Council must empower the school board by loosening its “purse strings” and reinstating the crucial arts and athletic programs. These programs have proven to strengthen children’s self-esteem, as well as their ability to work in groups. The number of young people who would engage in gangs would be significantly reduced when they are enriched by arts programs.
We also have so many children with special needs who deserve our attention. I wonder if Santa Monica restaurants, stores and the like are being supportive and willing to employ these special kids? We need to form a community wide awareness that we have high-functioning kids that have special needs that can, and want, to work. How would you feel if you could not go outside and run, take your favorite yoga class or do whatever it is you like to do? Imagine all you could do all day long was perform your daily work duties with no outlet for your creative instincts? Without these critical classes and activities the students of Santa Monica’s public school system have to go through this drudgery every day.
We must also focus on increased afterschool programs. These are not new ideas, but we must take them more seriously. There needs to be a demand by our community. Enough really is enough. To have a functioning and successful society we must start with a basic right to learn and to express ourselves.
I will share a personal story with you. I grew up in Los Angeles. My mom moved to a particular area so that I could attend the public school in the area. Kindergarten and first grade was super. Second grade was approaching and bussing began. The district wanted to bus me to a school hours away from my home that had a very low reading percentile. My mom, who has a lifetime teaching credential, decided to change professions and found a teaching position at a school that would allow me to attend. I am very grateful to the academic community that welcomed us.
Many families have to use life savings, take multiple jobs, or take out second and third mortgages to fund there children’s educations. It is not right that a wealthy city like Santa Monica cannot provide more enriched educational programs and activities for the children of its community.
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is going through big changes. With a new superintendant on the way and three seats up for grabs in the coming election, along with three seats available on the City Council, it is our responsibility to speak up and take action in the name of change. We must insist that the school board and the City Council act as a united front that will allow great change in our special city. (Reach Jenna Linnekens at)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 20, 2006. Read the original PDF.