There is no question that our school district has faced as much of the brunt of the economic downturn as anything. Last year was marred by budget cuts that slashed everything from teachers to programs, and have left no room for development anywhere across the board.

The problems are many, and solutions are hard to isolate. People are always ready to be outraged at cuts of any sort, but hardly speak up when it comes to finding remedies. One problem that surfaced rather clearly in this instance, however, is that there simply is not enough money to go around.

That is why the community needs to support the new tax levy that Ladue is proposing.

A recent district survey reported that 47 percent of patrons within the district would either favor or strongly favor a tax levy for education. However, when asked about specific amounts (ranging from $538 to $698), the support dwindled down to the low and mid 40th percentile.

This is where the community needs to put its money where its mouth is. Last school year’s financial struggles materialized in a number of very publicized and tangible ways. Students and parents alike were quick to express their distaste for the tactless dismissal of teachers, cutting of programs, and overall lack of funding.

That displeasure is by no means a bad thing, and is a result of the lofty standard that our school district sets for its students. Being hailed as one of, if not the, best public high school in the state is an honor everyone would like to retain. This new tax levy is a chance for us to do more than just vocalize our support for outstanding education, but to provide the school with the means to do exactly what we ask of it.

This is not an ultimatum, nor should it be. It is, more than anything, an opportunity to continue blazing down the path the school has been on. While we still boast phenomenal teachers and motivated students, two of the more important ingredients to a cohesive learning environment, we are a school that is falling behind in terms of technology and funds.

Across the country, the 1:1 computer to student ratio is becoming the premium, and many other schools in the St. Louis area have already adopted this practice. Additionally, we have seen many of the more distinguished clubs and organizations lose the financial resources that have kept them at the top. From our nationally recognized Debate team to our sports teams, groups that once could afford to invest their efforts purely in their craft are now forced to divert their attention to fundraising to hang on by the skin of their teeth.

In economic times like these, doling out more cash seems like the most unattractive option available. But the people affiliated with the Ladue School District on every level need to take into account the price of education. That price, high as it may be, is affordable in the affluence of our community, and needs to be met with the same consideration we place on the sterling education that Ladue offers. #