A Burning Problem

by David S Reynolds

  *Charter fire departments – Business knows better how to do everything. Because of this well-known fact, any business may start a public fire department. The state is to provide and pay for all equipment to start these charter fire departments and the state is also to pay for each fire they fight. These charter fire departments are to experiment with new and exciting ways to fight fire. This will also give homeowners freedom to choose fire departments and increase competition amongst firefighters. Should the charter owner decide that firefighting is not profitable they may close the department with no penalty and keep any and all equipment and property that the state provided.

  *Freedom to chose – Should a homeowner feel that a crew is not fighting fire correctly they are to send that crew away and call in another crew. This will also promote competition amongst firefighters helping to improve the process. The homeowner may not have more than one crew at a time present.

  *Public fire departments are required to fight all assigned fires and may not deny services to anyone. Charter fire departments may chose to not fight any fire for any reason. Charter departments are not required to disclose why they chose to let a home burn nor are they to be penalized.

  *Should a mayor or governor suggest a new strategy for fighting fire all departments must follow it regardless of results.

  Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Than why does it sound good for teaching your child?

  Afterword

  As you may have guessed, I used to be a K-12 teacher. In fact, I have ten years classroom experience and a Masters Degree in special education. That experience includes working with all grades and most abilities. Unlike what most strangers seem to think when I tell them that, I am not a saint. I am just a guy trying to make a living doing something I enjoy. After being laid off twice because the districts I worked for had no money for my position (yet plenty of money for computers and consultants) I gave up on K-12 education and now teach in a different arena that is so far untouched by No Child Left Behind.

  When I first had some friends read this essay a few told me that I was a bit harsh in my attack on firefighters. I thought about it and then I remembered complete strangers telling me that a man would go into teaching k-12 for one of two reasons – Either he was gay or he was a pedophile. Interesting that it seems culturally acceptable to attack teachers in such a way but not firefighters.

  It should also be noted that point for point, the ideas of NFLB are the same as those as put forth by NCLB. All the way down to businesses keeping equipment you and I paid for with no questions asked. As a matter of fact, the private business sector has made out quite well under NCLB at the expense of the children of poor families. Rich families either send their children to private schools or vote for budget overrides.

  I hope this essay gives you something to think about. If you want to help the schools and teachers near you try two things. First, pay attention not only to what politicians at all levels say, but also what they do. Second, and perhaps most importantly, volunteer at your local school. Spend enough time there to get a true idea of the challenges and triumphs that occur every day.

  Dave

  P.S. As long as this nation continues to see education as an expense and not an investment we will be doomed to failure.

  Thanks again and don’t forget to leave a review. 

  Also by David S Reynolds:

  The Interview

  Contracts of the Father

  I’m Sorry

  Spirits Last Vision

  Futurecaster

  The Eternal Question

  The Second Coming

  Aware

  Don’t Press the Red X

  Collections:

  Quickies: A Collection of Short Stories

  Essays:

  A Burning Problem