I heard my Dad saying that the city doesn’t have enough money to keep my school open, is this true?  Jimmy H.

You may have misunderstood your Father, Jimmy.  The city doesn’t have much to do with the school budget, although the city is indeed in serious trouble.  Money to run the schools comes mostly from property taxes and Federal money that is tied to enrollment and attendance.  There is also money that comes from the sale and leases of state owned land, overrides, earmarks and so forth.  Did you ever see the guy at the State Fair that has three walnut shells with a pea under one of them and after he moves them around you have to guess where the pea is?  The School Board and State Legislature does the same thing.  Except now, there is no pea.  The City, State and Federal governments are all short on cash and your dad is correct, some schools may need to close for awhile.  If that actually happens, you will still be able to attend class; it just may be at another school and/or will be overcrowded.

You didn’t mention what grade you’re in Jimmy, but this situation is a good example of why you should study Civics (or whatever it’s called now-a-days) when the course is offered to you.  If you learn how things work and pay attention to current issues, you will be able to cast an intelligent vote for those who represent you in government.  If we all kept track of the performance of our representatives and graded (voted) them accordingly you wouldn’t have had to ask the question.  In grade school, a friend of mine was Class President.  He won the election by promising to put root beer and orange soda in all the drinking fountains.  It’s the same now; voters are just as gullible and the promises are just as bogus.  You can help make a change, Jimmy—you just have to be wise enough to not give your money (vote) to the guy with the walnuts and pea.

Gramps.