DayMindXPression is a writing repository by Daniel Shin. The online magazine focuses on various subjects that come to mind. As a place to publish various essays and articles, Day Mind XPression and its content are copyrighted.
© 2007 – 2008 Daniel Shin
Although I recently graduated from high school, I still had an opportunity to be involved with my good ole school district as an alumnus. In New York State schools have their annual budget vote, and residents have the opportunity to either pass the proposed budget plan (For replacing all the dirty floor tiles in the high school) or fail it (Potentially - although not proven - to decrease taxes on schools). I proudly voted "Yes" to the budget proposals that would include replacing lockers in the girl locker rooms and more money towards technology "stuff" in the district.
I am not sure how things work in other states (let alone other countries) in regards to the school budget systems, but I really like the budget system that is done in New York State. By requiring school districts to have budget proposals to be passed by the residents in the district, New York State has a transparent environment in the education system, where residents are in touch with the district and the district is given incentives (or forced) to work harder each year to please its people.
Fortunately the town I live have a long record of passing its budget without any big hassles, but recently some neighboring towns had their budget proposal failed, causing headaches for the board of trustees and school administrators. Not surprisingly those same towns had a history of problems with their school administrators, creating a cloud of dissent among residents. Our schools on the other hand enjoy relatively good history of academic rankings (Our high school was within the top 15 public school in the nations) and residents' confidences.
After making my vote in the voting booth, I received a little yellow sticker that says "I Voted Today". I proudly walk outside, thinking how I made a modest contribution to my town.
