I was very encouraged to read that Tennessee is considering doing without federal government funding for its schools.
One of Tennessee’s most influential Republican lawmakers says the state should stop accepting the nearly $1.8 billion of federal K-12 education dollars that help provide support for low-income students, English learners and students with disabilities.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton told The Associated Press that he has introduced a bill to explore the idea during this year’s legislative session and has begun discussions with Gov. Bill Lee and other key GOP lawmakers.
“Basically, we’ll be able to educate the kids how Tennessee sees fit,” Sexton said, pointing that rejecting the money would mean that Tennessee would no longer have “federal government interference.”
There's more at the link.
I think this would be a very healthy development. A lot of people don't realize that mandates such as allowing transsexuals to use the restrooms of their imaginary, rather than biological sex; race-based education programs that not-so-subtly program kids to blame racism for everything; and all sorts of other progressive left-wing policies, are imposed on any state taking Federal education funds. The states don't have a choice in the matter, and if they resist, they risk losing their funding.
I'm glad Tennessee's economy is doing well enough to consider this step. Several other states, such as Texas and Florida, could probably afford it, too. However, poorer states probably can't afford to cut themselves loose from Washington's purse strings in the same way.
The less the federal government is allowed to dictate to the states what they may or may not do, educationally speaking, the better, as far as I'm concerned.
Peter
If they look at the cost of complying with the mandates, they may find that it's less of a financial hit than they think.
ReplyDeletealthough they do need to factor in the lawsuits they will face when they cut some of the compliance efforts.
Peter. States don't need that "fed money". That fed money is money sent to DC. Just tell the feds "we are keeping our money to educate our children" and cut the fed sewer off. Look back about 50-100 years ago. A class room, a chalk board and a teacher with real text books (approved by parents or their elected reps (subject to recall for poor choices). 3 Rs plus basic sciences thank you very much. Everything else should be taught by parents/loved ones. Teaching freshman/sophomore level college courses I had to spend time teaching basic math skills. I just used my office and a chalk board. Back to simple ways.
ReplyDeleteBased on the general trend in the quality of education since the DoEd was created and the general removal of control from locals; this is nothing but good.
ReplyDeleteMassive piles of central .gov money is nothing but corrupting and corrosive to local control
I wonder if Tennessee gives more to the Fed than they get back in funding? I remember, back in the day, when Wyoming got into it with the Fed over the 55 mph speed limits, the Fed said they would cut off the funding for highways. Wyoming said go ahead; we will just keep what we send you because we send you more than we get back.
ReplyDeleteWhy the Hey is there even a Federal Education Department. Shut the damn thing down. The nation is comprised of united states not a nation of America with administrative districts called States.
ReplyDeleteAs a resident of TN (and 9 year transplant from NY), one of the biggest concerns of the residents here is how the influx of out of state people will affect voting.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many people....
In case any of your readers are one, please don't come here and vote the same way that fucked up the state you just left?
I'm old, I don't have a backhoe, and I don't like carrying sacks of lime after I'm done digging.
Theres a lot of TN thats fed up with the rest of the country, washington and its 3 letter organs merely tops the list.
This trend started in the 70's for private conservative colleges, led by Hillsdale and Grove City.
ReplyDeleteOnce they stopped accepting Federal funding, of ANY kind, they could, and have, done what they want.
Under Obama, some schools stopped participating in Federal lunch subsidies because they were wasting more than the subsidies brought in.
@ other Anon
ReplyDeletere: schools refusing funding, that's harder to do than it seems, the courts have ruled that is someone attends the school has any part of their tuition paid by the federal government, that counts as federal funding and the entire burden of regulations apply.
I believe this means scholorships, GI bill, etc.
David Lang
That's exactly what it means, so they've had to arrange their own financing options and work with banks for private loans. They also work to keep costs down so less financing is needed.
DeleteAFAIK, about half a dozen schools have done it; others are thinking about it but haven't due to financing issues.
They aren't perfect but they're standing behind what they believe and have found ways for it to work.
The problem in Texas is the federally mandated "Robin Hood" school funding. Also every child has to be allowed in public schools.
ReplyDeleteIn our local school district, 35 percent of the budget goes towards non-citizens or "refugees".