An unpopular opinion
Lord, give me patience and I want it right now! Everyone is sort of sitting around waiting for something to happen, something good. Nothing is going to happen unless someone or a group of someones takes the lead or the risk. It is just like a big cloud hanging over our town and nation.
Another thing that set me off was an article in the Feb. 27 Wichita Eagle by Chester E. Finn Jr., about the cost of schools and colleges. It seems that we are putting too much money in things not necessary and forgetting the real reason for schools.
Here we go! Now when I started to school I had a slate and some chalk. That was it! I was in a bare room, with children's desks, a teacher's desk, and a pot-bellied stove. In front of me stood a very young, dedicated teacher, full of plans and ideas, with a book in her hands.
Oh, I know times have changed. Now we have to deal with the computer and electronics. In the article, Finn Jr. suggested fewer non-teaching employees, jobs performed by students, food courts and fancy gyms supported by those who used them, a year-round calendar, facilities in constant use, faculty paid well but expected to work hard, and a trimmed-down curriculum — a solid core and strong majors.
No one would scream louder than I if they cut out art and music. Now here is where someone is going to come after me. Do we need so much sports? Oh oh, now I am in trouble. Remember I'm an old lady, so take it easy.
— NORMA HANNAFORD
