There was an AP news article that appeared in many papers
recently about several Texas high schools and their football stadiums. Allen
High School built a stadium in 2012 at a cost of $60 million. Another school
near Houston apparently is going to build a stadium that costs even more. It
may become the most expensive high school stadium ever built! Most other states
build football venues that cost considerably less, often between the $5-$10
million range. Texas school officials will tell you that they need more modern
facilities and the stadiums reflect the wants of the community at large. Allen
High school wanted an 18,000-seat stadium.
While I get the importance of high school football in Texas (I
read Friday Night Lights), one can
only wonder what other educational benefits such sums could provide.
How many library books can $60 million buy? How many
teachers could be hired?
How many students who don’t have access to computers could
get them. How many schools that are in
need of repair or demolition could be remedied? The shopping list is endless.
This story is just another example what people feel is important in high school-
not academic excellence, but athletic prowess and superiority. Until the
community at large changes their priorities, educational superiority and
excellence will be just a dream.
C.2016 J. Margolis
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