Re: "Despite extra aid, poorest SJ districts struggle to show gains" (Aug. 21)

The story statistically reflected what we all know. The enormous amount of money given every year, under law, to the 31 poorest New Jersey districts has, over several decades, done nothing to improve student performance — even with $33,000 per pupil.

Student nonperformance is based on environment (i.e., single or no parents, crime, drugs, unemployment, poverty, etc.) Giving money to the school districts does little to help any of the root causes. So let's quit throwing away money under the Abbott formula. Let's also throw away Gov. Chris Christie's Fairness Formula, where every student would be given the same $6,599, regardless of their district's circumstances. Christie's plan, if possible, would probably be worse.

Let's formulate a plan somewhere between the two dumb ones we are offered. A plan where students, their parent (or guardians) and teachers "earn" monetary credit for performance improvement. Those with high attendance records and score improvement get rewarded directly with money to be kept on account for the student until the end of the semester. Funds — in the form of credits for Walmart or ShopRite, not cash — would be distributed under teacher supervision. Contests between classes could inspire interest for being in the classroom.

More money given to administrators and more taxes paid by citizens has not and will not resolve education issues. Students and teachers need to be inspired. Right or wrong, money and things inspire where other inspiration is not available.

Don Flassing


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