Letter: ‘Law of averages’ not rational way to fund schools

Monday, Oct. 11, 2004 | 9:05 a.m.

I couldn't believe the recent survey on the front-page of the Las Vegas Sun indicating that 71 percent of the population here would support a law to fund the school system at or above the national average. Given all the problems inherent in determining what is the average funding for school districts in America every year, this is just not "good science."

Even if this "average" expenditure is adjusted for local income levels, what would prevent other states from adopting this criteria? Just think what would happen in this scenario of upward-spiraling averages.

If taxpayers are asked to pony up money to meet some meaningless average-per-student expenditure, they must also insist upon getting their money's worth.

Students must meet or exceed the average test scores on national standardized tests. They must complete the average number of subjects in math, science and English. They must attend school at least the average number hours and days per year and be assigned at least the average amount of homework.

All teachers must have graduated from college with grade point averages at or above the national average. Parents will also be required to spend the average amount, or more, of time helping their children with homework. The school administration will not be allowed more than the average amount of overhead.

If, in any year, these conditions are not met, this system employing the "law of averages" would no longer be in effect and our schools would be free to implement a more rational system.

RICHARD RYCHTARIK