This is a great discussion. In thinking about what exactly is the role of the school, there are lots of viewpoints. Most of us would agree that the primary job of the school is to educate students for their future roles in the community (or somewhere on the grid, now that the world is flat). Their education should equip them to think creatively, logically, coherently, and from various perspectives to be able to handle what life throws at them. I am not trying to open the debate about whether we need to educate them for the work force or for higher learning, but let's just say they need to be prepared for future challenges. As technology and jobs are changing so rapidly today, it is not prudent to think we can teach them to use the technology they will use in the future. We have to teach them to think and equip them with some of the skills they will need to problem solve these future challenges.
So besides the cognitive side of the role of the school, there are also the social side and the citizen side. In order to become a well rounded person, students need to develop all three of these at a minimum. The students need some exposure to PE and athletics in order not to become too rounded:) The students have to be able to function socially and be able to communicate their ideas with others. Most classrooms have structured social interactions, but think about how the real world operates. I believe athletics not only helps fill this role by providing the concept of team and being a teammate, but it also helps foster leadership. This is especially true for those students who do not necessarily thrive in a classroom environment, but who have other gifts/strengths. Where do athletics come in to play? How important is it to this mission of the schools? Historically, sports were not included in the early schools but they sure have taken a featured role in our culture over the last 50 years.
Different districts handle the financial pressures in different ways. While Fort Mill is looking at cutting Middle School athletics, Kershaw last year decided to cut its Gifted and Talented program and fine arts coordinator and some others in order to preserve middle school athletics. Don't tell me those programs won't suffer without competent leadership of a knowledgeable educator. Is this the right call?
If we are not careful, not only will school districts be looking at cutting athletics but so will our legislature. Do we think athletics are critical to the mission of schools? Or is it just a glorified baby sitting service with structured activities? Or does the local recreation department, YMCA, or soccer club offer sufficient activities to build the game of soccer? Are these opportunities available to all financially? Don't think the economy has not impacted these organizations and what they are able to offer.
In "these times" every penny counts. It is important for all of us not only to have these discussions here, but also with our local school boards, local elected officials, state legislators, and national legislators. We need to let them know where we stand on this issue. These are tough times and in tough times, especially, we need to take a stand. So where do you stand?
We really need to revise the whole taxation structure in SC to help prevent these drastic measures from repeating themselves in the future. I asked many questions hypothetically here to get you thinking. What I am really saying is we need to advocate for education, tax structure (a total re-write), and for the role of athletics as a part of our culture in South Carolina. It is sure better than having a bunch of kids with a ton of free time on their hands!
