Housing Prices and School Districts

A recent article in The Newark (NJ) Star Ledger discussed the results of a study comparing home prices in certain neighborhoods with the ratings of the school districts in those neighborhoods. It is a given that many parents select where to live based on how highly rated the schools are.  Good schools attract families with school age children.  Parents are even willing to give up some housing options (like an extra room or garage) to live in an area with a more prestigious school system.  They are willing to pay thousands of dollars over budget to land a house in a well-regarded school system (high test cores, % of students who get into college). This raises the question of whether higher housing prices attract more affluent parents who want better education for their children or do schools with high academic ratings drive home prices higher.

One of the other issues to consider has to do with property taxes. In some states, the district’s taxpayers must approve local school board budgets. In districts with a high proportion of senior citizens, school budgets are often defeated as retirees on a fixed budget are reluctant to see their property taxes increased. In other areas, the local population wants the best for their children and is willing to pay for items like field trips, new technology, and experienced teachers. That is why you may find that local taxes may dedicate as much as 40% of their funding to run the schools.

These issues create a genuine dilemma for house-hunting families, especially those on a budget. It also points to the disparity in this country when it comes to public education. After decades of research and millions of dollars spent on trying to equalize education in America’s schools, the disparities still exist. As long as these issues persist, children in less affluent communities will continue to be shortchanged.

c. 2017 J. Margolis

School Trips to Washington, DC

It doesn’t seem to matter who occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, our nation’s capital is always a prime destination for tourists. During my recent trip to DC, I was gratified to see a number of school students, from all over the country, visiting historic sights and museums, learning about our nation’s history.

I had the opportunity to visit two museums and one historic home. The hot ticket at the Smithsonian these days is the National Museum of African- American History. The museum traces the struggles of Blacks in America from slavery through the Civil Rights movement and beyond. The museum is divided into two facets, historical and cultural. The upper floors pay homage to African- American leaders in art, music, and sports.

The second museum, one of my favorites, is the Newseum. It traces the history of journalism and news reporting throughout the world. There are newspaper headlines from around the world highlighting wars, triumphs in space and the evils of terrorism. Visitors can see what is like to be in front of a TV camera, reporting the news.

We also got to visit the DC home of President Woodrow Wilson. There were not too many students there but the few at the home took interest in his legacy.

There were hundreds of students at each location. They were all quite polite and appeared to be engaged in the museums’ offerings. My hats off to those teachers who organized and chaperoned these important trips. I hope that schools throughout the United States will continue to bring their students and engage them in an understanding of our history or government.

c. 2017 J. Margolis

Can We Prevent Suicide?

Suicide in the United States is on the rise. Approximately 121 people die every day by taking their own lives. For many years, social service agencies and school officials have provided lists of warning signs for parents and peers meeting a modicum of success. But for many families, the signs were either quite subtle or not there at all. According to recent research conducted by the Rand Corporation that may of may not be the case. Rand researchers contacted coroners’ offices to conduct research regarding daily routines, healthy or money issues and/or weapons in the home.

The team discovered that a number of the cases were people suffering from depression. Others were drug users. They looked for “ new behaviors” that people had exhibited prior to their suicide.

Schools are often in the forefront in the battle to identify and report student who exhibit signs of suicidal behavior. They include giving away valuable possessions, reading or talking about suicide, or students harming themselves.

Currently on Broadway there is a show, “ Dear Evan Hansen,” that deals with the teen suicide. The show, a musical, has garnered a great deal of attention.

The Rand article referred readers to a more definitive study. It is entitled “Opportunities to Intervene? Warning Signs for Suicide in the Days before Dying, by

Rajeev Ramchand, Enchante Franklin, Elizabeth Thornton, Sarah Deland, and Jeffrey Rouse and appeared in the January 2017 issue of Death Studies.

C.2017 J. Margolis

Two Schools of Schooling

I was recently given the opportunity to present scholarship awards at two area high schools, one public and one private. This was my first time at a private school ceremony and was surprised by the difference. More parents, student in clean uniforms, and a school facility with ample space, supplies and staff. What made this ceremony unique were its book awards. Representatives from major colleges throughout the United States, send representative to award books to juniors who showed academic merit. From a person who is a product of public schools and public universities, the distinctions were noticeable. It was also obvious that the student population was predominantly white. This was a glaring example of the education opportunities of the “haves” versus the “have-nots.” Sadly, it probably doesn’t matter how much money we throw at public education, there are just some cultural differences regarding the importance of education that cannot be changed.

We must learn to instill the value of education and its critical importance for the future of America. We must make higher education a priority and goal. Here however, providing funds for higher education can make a difference. As we say goodbye to the class of 2017 and wish them well, we must also motivate them to pursue their goals and achieve their dreams. Education is the catalyst for that.

C.2017 J. Margolis

Affordable Housing for Teachers

There is good news and there is bad news. The good news is that there are a number of cities and towns across the United States that are either planning are already constructing affordable housing for teachers, firefighters and police officers. This strategy is occurring in places where the cost of housing is high and most employees have to live far from their place of employment, having to endure long commutes and heavy traffic. Southwest Florida, for example, is one area that is considering such proposals. The general rule of thumb is that you should budget no more that 30% of your gross monthly income, before taxes, on rent.

Now for the bad news. Teachers and other public employees are being grossly underpaid, especially in more affluent areas where the housing market is above the national average. This is a sad commentary on the value many communities place on their teaching staff. How does a society value its educators? Respect and esteem in the community is one way. Offering a fair and livable wage is another. Teachers answer to multiple constituencies that include administrators, parents, school board members and the community at large. Teachers are diagnosticians, trying to ascertain the best way to present material to all students to insure mastery. Teachers are also evaluators, mediators, and sometimes surrogate parents. With a lengthy job description and an understanding of American customs and culture, teachers should not have to wait for public officials to build “affordable housing,” or endure grueling commutes to work. They have earned a place in the community.

C.2017 J. Margolis

Teacher Appreciation Day

Tomorrow, May 9, 2017 is National Teacher Application Day. This day, established by the National Education Association, is part of Teacher Appreciation Week.  The NEA noted that this is” a day honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make in our lives.”  Printable worksheets and activities can be found on the web site www.teachers.com.

Congratulations and thank you teachers for all of your hard work and dedication.