Some of you think the passing of the budget override should be quashed. I’ve heard others state they never had art or music in school? They never had P.E.? That kids only need to learn the golden rules? Shame on you! There I said it.

Do you wonder why America is so far behind? It is because of close minded, selfish, look out for yourself and screw the rest of the world mentalities of some of the very citizens that inhabit it. God forbid another country might be onto something and it’s different than how we “Americans” do it. Or that someone in our beloved land doesn’t think the same as you do. Don’t get me wrong, my blood runs red, white and blue but we have to start thinking outside of the box here.

Since the budget override did not pass last time (by less than 40 votes) I have watched as the quality of my daughter’s education has been affected. The arts have been cut and cut until they are basically gone. These are our future doctors, artists and musicians. Look what cut backs have gotten us. (Do we really need more outstanding artists like Miley?) Did Einstein learn the golden rules? Nope. Some of our greatest minds ever think with the artistic side of their brains.

Let’s take a moment and focus on the number one primary education system in the world folks. Finland. Yup, you heard it right I said Finland.

“Music, visual arts, and crafts education is compulsory for students up to age 16 in Finland, as part of an effort to promote creativity and problem-solving skills and boost learning in other subject areas.

The arts develop skills in learning, concentration and team work. The arts are an effective tool for learning across other subject disciplines Young people who are able to express themselves through the arts, can use the arts to solve personal and social issues.”

And how about Japan which is in the top five? Seventh graders in Japan have 1/3rd of their week spent on the arts, music, homemaking, and educational field trips.

So I say to you all who have not voted to walk those ballots into city hall. Vote “YES” for the budget override in Sedona and all those other school districts out there. Keep our kids learning on ALL levels! Open your minds folks and stop seeing the issues with blinders on.

Please Vote NO so the School District Board and Superintendent are forced to become more financially prudent and responsible.

The neat old Model-T Ford is owned by oft-commentor Mike Schroeder.