It has come to the attention of the public that schools statewide face massive cuts, and, more importantly, many schools locally are subject to job cuts and increased class sizes. Now, we all know that we can’t rely on our State Congress to help provide our schools with adequate funding to retain these important positions and programs in education. We as a community need to be informed better of the funding situations so that we can help these schools. As a graduating senior from Templeton High, I can see that my school is in desperate need of this help.

It is ultimately up to the students to stand up and help their schools. Though the turnout at THS’s voluntary Saturday schools helped generate some revenue, this is just the beginning. If students do not want compromised education, then they need to inform and involve themselves on a greater level. This means going to school board meetings, disseminating budget information to their parents and community, and lobbying politicians for more aid to schools. Members of the community must also be amenable to helping as well, including, possibly, temporary local tax increases.

This is a call to arms for students: We need to keep these teachers and these programs. They pay off in the future! Seeing as how I will not be in high school next year, it is up to next year’s seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen to pick up where we leave off this year. We need to help our schools so that they can help us overall. School officials: Help students become more involved so they can spread the message. A few students cannot make a difference alone.