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Published: February 10, 2012
@Normal:Let’s change the term
I propose we officially change the name of what we currently call “school districts” to “child services districts.” No, I’m not being tongue in cheek, and please don’t take this as any sort of pejorative statement regarding anything.
School districts in Vermont have been tasked in law to provide many services that are related to but not explicitly a part of our kids’ primary and secondary education. The districts engage in early educational outreach to those under 4 years old so toddlers with the need receive early assistance rather than a lifetime of social supports. Districts have been told to oversee or provide pre-kindergarten programs. When our kids show up at school hungry or without proper clothing or lacking in necessary materials it is our school districts that are tasked with providing these things. Daily direct supervision of each student in our schools and the provision of a safe and healthy atmosphere is required. Medical care and provision of extra supports for extra-ordinary needs is mandated. And I’m still only scratching the surface.
My point is not that this is bad: there are good arguments to be made supporting the claim that child services are best provided where the children are. My point is that we right now put so much focus on the standardized test results and other explicitly educational measurements that folks often forget the money involved is not just for improved scores. Also lost in this is the reality that our educators do much more than just educate.
So I propose the “child services districts.” No need to change anything in law other than a substitution of terms. This change in name will help to fundamentally change the conversation, and then we can talk about budgets and education and child services in a realistic atmosphere.
Rama Schneider
Williamstown
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