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One of the reasons cited by Texas colonists in their revolt against the Mexican government was that there was no provision for public education of the youth of Texas. Once Texas achieved its independence, the newly formed republic found that funding such education was a daunting task. The ensuing years saw various attempts to establish a structure by which public school funding could be both sustainable and sufficient without overburdening taxpayers. When Texas became a state in 1845, the effort to establish a well-funded public education system continued. And still today, finding that balance between funding public education and equitable taxation is a challenge. Through the years, the tax code and laws governing it have been an ever-evolving process. In this evolution, taxing entities like independent school districts have had to adapt and alter their budgets due to the consequences of new laws as they are passed. Every year, every taxing entity has had to review and consider the options available on how taxes are collected.
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Public education has changed a lot since my children were in school, even more so since my pig-tailed days at Helms Elementary. Back in the day, reading, writing and arithmetic were the focus, not social engineering. This is the time for my disclaimer that my thoughts are of a parent on the outside looking in. My retired teacher friends who were on the inside may have a different opinion.
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Dear readers, if you have been following this column for some time, you might recall couple of incidents when someone came up to me and gave me money. Well, it happened again – twice! I didn’t know then and I don’t know now why this keeps occurring, especially to me, but maybe it’s not for me to know. All I can say is that in each incident the donor comes up to my hot dog cart, says a few words, hands me the money and then turns to walk away. If I were British, I would say that I am “gobsmacked” every time this happens, but mostly I am left both speechless and stunned at the same time.
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Memorial Day wasn’t always about the end of school, summer cruises and mattress sales. Decoration Day, as it was originally called, was a day of mourning and remembrance for widows, fatherless children and parents left with an empty place at the table and a gaping hole in their hearts.
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The last (and only) ride along I experienced was back in 1997, some 25 years ago, when I lived in Santa Monica. So, I was thrilled to be able to do another here in Grimes County. I want to express my gratitude to the Grimes County Sheriff’s Department for allowing me to hang with them for a few shifts this past week.
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As with all working mothers, I tend to rush a bit in the morning. There is coffee to brew, lunches to be made, makeup to be applied, backpacks to grab, and a whole host of other things to be done in those precious moments between waking and getting myself and the kid out the door and to our respective locations. Friday was just the same. I sat in the driver’s side of the car, waiting not so patiently for my son to exit the vehicle. However, I was stunned by my rush, rush attitude and had to take a minute to slow down and appreciate this small moment.
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Disclaimer: This column may or may not represent the opinion of the author who reserves the right to change her mind as often as she likes!
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