An impasse?

This article describes a major impasse in public school funding. 

Basically, research says kids need more time in school.  More hours in a day, more days in a year.  This is why charter schools go for more hours in a day and more days in a year.  In the article, a school district in Phoenix was even referenced about expanding its school year and how it positively impacted children.  Obviously, the more time the kids are in school, the less time they have to forget things they have learned.  And the more learning time they have.

Well then, why do we make it SO HARD for schools to do this?  Why do we allow them to cut school days when they have budgetary restrictions?  Why is the disconnect so large?

I fully understand that we, as a nation, are in debt.  I fully understand that we shouldn't be spending money we don't have.  What I don't understand is the irresponsibility in allocating funds by the federal government.

I will use one example.  I have a family friend who joined the military out of college.  He was in ROTC (to pay for school) and then after his commitment to the armed forces, he stayed on.  He made a choice.  He wasn't drafted.  He was not forced to be there.  He made a choice.

Did you know that he gets a salary and a living and housing stipend for himself, his wife, and his child?  Did you know that when he is away on duty, SHE still gets that housing and living stipend?  Did you know that the whole family pays no money for medical benefits?  Did you know that HIS son will get his ENTIRE COLLEGE EDUCATION paid for by the military and he doesn't even need to join the ROTC?

That angers me.  I am paid by the government.  My salary comes from taxpayers money (just like the military.)  Do I get a living stipend?  NO.  Do I have to pay for benefits for me and my ficticious family?  YES.  (Now I have to pay for them in my new job for me...before, it was only beneficiaries).  Is my child going to get to go to college for free?  HELL NO.


I understand that people in the military work to protect this country.  A good deal of what they do overseas is considered humanitarian.  They keep the peace and try to teach other countries how to form a government that functions.

Isn't that what I DO EVERY DAY OF MY CAREER?  Teach our country's future leaders how to form a government that functions? 

Oh yes, I forgot, it is.  But I'm paid in sunshine and rainbows.  And the federal government is telling my students, OUR CITIZENS, that schooling is not so important.  We can cut your hours and your days.  We can let you graduate being unprepared to be productive citizens.  BUT THOSE military families, they can have the money we should give to you.

So, if you're wondering where all that money went, I'm pretty sure that we can cut something from the military budget.  Because it is our tax money.  Buying them a house.