Will the Tuscaloosa News help us to give away $50,000?

In two separate letters to the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education, my wife and I have offered to donate $50,000 to the City Board of Education -- money to be invested in a restricted fund, or a "foundation" -- the benefits of which would be utilized by the local school system, for special projects. Our only stipulations were that our contributions be "legal"; and that the "principal" of the fund never be spent; and that we (and other potential donors) be allowed to have some input into how the income (yield) would be spent.

Both of our letters to the City Board were hand-delivered by me or my wife (so that these letters would not be "lost" in all the "paper-work", at City Board).... and our letters were personally placed into the hands of Dr. I. and Dr. PC.

In our second letter (December, 1991), we offered to contribute $10,000 a year for 5 successive years, starting now -- a $50,000 donation. To this date, neither Dr. I, nor Dr. C. -- nor anyone else at the City Board -- has deigned to respond to our offer.

We are rather puzzled about this lack of response. Our feeling is that there may be many other individuals, and groups, and businesses.... that would genuinely enjoy helping the local public educational system, if these contributors felt that their monetary "efforts" would not be lost in the same sinkholes that now swallow education-dollars. The various contributors, by making tax-deductible donations to an "education" fund or foundation of their own choice, would probably find great satisfaction, as we would, in being able to stipulate how their personal donations would be spent.... rather than seeing their tax-dollars vanish, with no perceptible benefit to the teaching and schooling process.

Perhaps the City Board thought that we were only teasing, in our offer. Maybe they thought the Todd's didn't really want to be "involved"; and that we would "just go away". Or, maybe the City Board doesn't want "outside" interference, and oversight -- and new ideas that may disrupt the "status quo". After all, we Todd's don't have degrees in "elementary education" -- so what could we possibly know? Or...... could it be that the city schools already have enough money?

In regard to the establishment of an "endowed fund", we received a detailed advisory opinion from a local tax-attorney, who explained how a "private foundation" could be set up, to be funded with tax-deductible donations, from individuals, groups, or corporations. In this arrangement, it would be specified, "legally", who would control and manage the foundation, and how the funds would be accumulated, distributed, and spent -- all under close voluntary ( and gratis) scrutiny of the contributors. (We were complimented, not only for having the idea, but also for being willing to "stand behind our position", with our financial commitment.)

We would now like for the "City Board" to respond to this idea. We realize that $10,000 a year would probably not even buy the pencil-erasers for the Superintendent's local office staff, realizing the billions that Alabama "education" already consumes; but, if $1,000,000 could be raised, locally, for a "foundation", then the annual "yield" could be as much as $100,000.... and $100,000 could purchase the services of, say, two or three school-teachers, for class-rooms like we describe, below.

We would like to suggest that the earnings of an "education" foundation be spent on a local group of first-grade students; and, later, on second and third and fourth grades.... somewhat like the concept of Alabama's "Math and Science" project for high-school students (that is, partially "privatized"). We would like for tracking (link) to begin early in all students' school-life (as it logically should) -- and not later, when even good students may have become polluted, and ruined.

We envision that an initial class of, say, 50 first-grade students, could be accepted, with the only stipulation being that each of them must have demonstrated genuine "teachability", in kindergarten. The only requirements necessary for a student to be retained in the class, would be: satisfactory and progressive and verified learning; proper "conduct" in and out of the classroom; plus unqualified support and active participation by the parent, or parents, of each and every student.

Two talented teachers -- tested, and known to be desirable and capable -- assisted by a pool of dedicated and caring volunteers -- would be assigned to these 50 students. This "pool" of volunteers could include individuals chosen from parents, retired teachers, the elderly, college students, civic clubs, etc. -- anyone who earnestly desired to help our public schools. The volunteers would assist not only in academic matters, but in individual encouragement and tutoring; and on field trips, athletic training, recesses, and snack-time -- and in causing the school-environment to be calm, quiet, cordial -- and fun. The classroom for these students would be incorporated within a "regular" elementary school.... and the students would "mix" with all other students for recess, playtime, and lunchroom.

Perhaps all of the above-proposal would be blocked by the vested powers of the A.E.A. and N.E.A. -- who cannot tolerate the thought of "volunteers". Or.... it could be that court-ordered rules and edicts will not allow this type of "private" and voluntary participation (even though there is clearly no "racial" or "civil-rights" implication in this plan).

Is there anything wrong with doing something new and different -- or even daring? The idea of starting-out teachable students on proper "tracks", early, seems to make sense. "Privatizing", at least partially, may be a desirable way to obtain the "involvement" of willing and interested individuals and organizations -- especially since voluntary, "earmarked" contributions would allow a "voice" in how one's donated money would be spent. As it stands, now, the people's tax-money is sucked away -- and squandered; and we taxpayers are allowed no voice -- and no recourse.

(We even have a name to propose for this privately endowed public-school foundation: "Mutual Involvement Foundation For Education". The acronym would be M.I.F.F.ED., or simply "MIFFED".)

To the Tuscaloosa News: can you help us donate our $50,000? If the public schools cannot use our "offering", perhaps the local private schools will condescend to accept.

2/10/06