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Letter: Failing our children?

David Withee writes that around 45% of his property taxes fund schools in West Fargo and he's not happy with how his investment is performing.

Letter to the editor FSA

I see taxes as an opportunity to invest in our future. I don’t like it, though, when my investment is wasted. As with my financial investments, I periodically check on my tax investments. I have to admit, I am not happy.

You might think the majority of our taxes go to the city, with its police and fire departments, all of the streets, sewers, water, and more. Actually, the largest portion of our taxes, by far, goes to the schools. In West Fargo, over the last 11 years, that portion has hovered around 45% of total property taxes. For me, that’s now around $3,000.

You would think a school district proud of student scores on state standardized tests would splash that information all over its website. It’s not a good sign that the scores aren’t present and even the link to the state website is difficult to find.

What do I get for my $3,000 annual investment? For the last three years, barely 40% of students are even proficient (basic ability) in English language arts, math, or science. Around 30% are not even partially proficient! I expect better, much better, from my investments.

Students with a good education are not likely to become unemployed or homeless. They will be good citizens and contribute to the betterment of the community, including the education of future generations.

Of the 10 largest North Dakota school districts, West Fargo students only test better than Williston and are about equal to Mandan and Minot. The second largest district, but sadly also the second worst. Jamestown does the best, by far, in each of the three categories as well as overall. Fargo has nothing to brag about either, barely beating Dickinson and West Fargo.

If you were told you could only buy a Chevrolet (with a low satisfaction record according to Consumer Reports), you would not be happy and Chevrolet would have no reason to improve. That’s what happens with monopolies – they don’t improve because they don’t have to. Competition improves all players, or else they go out of business. Our school systems are monopolies and they act like it with their continued poor performance in educating our children. No wonder they don’t want school choice; they’re afraid of competition.

Just over a year ago, the West Fargo School District used federal relief money to send 22 staff to Arizona for vacation, that is, a “school conference.” Perhaps that federal relief money should have been spent improving educational skills programming.

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Grants and federal relief funds financed the trip's estimated $45,000 price tag. The conference spotlighted the "academy model" of education, which is currently in use at Horace High School.

I’m not happy with how my investment in local education is performing. It’s not a need for more money; it’s about focus by the school administration. We can best provide equity and inclusion by ensuring each of our students gets an education. Barely 40% of students proficient in basic subjects is not acceptable.

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David Withee, West Fargo, is a member of West Fargo TAP  (Citizens for Transparency, Accountability, and Professionalism) and a former member of the Forum’s Reader’s Board.

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