My Urban Studies class was recently given the assignment of coming up with solutions to several problems the New York City Public Schools system currently faces. Obviously, there is no huge vat of money lying around anywhere, so we also had to factor in how we planned to pay for it. I figured posting it might get me some additionally idea(r)s. So without further ado................................
Part Two- Lack of Resources.
It's a well known fact that in New York City, a lot of the public schools are lacking in sorely needed resources. These include (but are not limited to) textbooks, computers, art supplies, and spaces for artistic (i.e. theatres) and athletic education. Textbooks that are available in the school system are often outdated or in disturbingly poor condition. How are we to find these resources with the economy as is?
We proposed that, instead of the current school tax which is taken out of property taxes, there be a flat rate income tax. When you consider it, most people who live in the metropolitan area do not own their own homes. This means that the tax base is limited to a few apartment building landlords who end up paying only a portion of what resides in their buildings. If, instead, the income tax was instated, a fairer ratio would be supplied to the schools. For argument's sake, let's say that school tax is 1% of a person's income annually. A man on welfare working for 18,000 a year therefore only pays in $180 for his children's education. In turn, the CEO of a large company making $ 3.4 million a year will contribute $34,000 to the school system annually. This way, the school systems will make the money they need at a proportionate rate.
Additionally, we suggest a textbook recycling program for college students in which they receive a portion of what they paid for their books if they return it into the school system (sorta like when you return empty coke bottles)
It's just a thought
Stayed tuned for Part Three: Lose of Extracurricular Programs.
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