Volunteers needed

Imagine the outcry of parents if the headmaster of a private school cut librarians and music, art, debate and computer science teachers to reduce the budget. Parents everywhere understand that such professionals aren't extras but necessary to provide an engaging and relevant education for the young. Yet, since the Texas Legislature balanced the budget on the backs of our public school system in 2011, school districts have been forced to make hard choices. In short, many resources that schools relied on to enhance student learning are no more.

The primary job of state government is to make sure our children receive the finest education possible.

During the next session, the Legislature should act to raise funding for public education to a level that all schools can afford to pay for the services of librarians and other specialists who play a vital role in engaging students and starting them on a path to lifelong learning. We're not holding our breath.

When waiting for someone to do their job and growing frustrated as they dither, there's always a temptation to do the work for them.

Take a child who's supposed to make his bed in the morning. Do you make it for them? Do so, and they might never do it themselves. Or do you leave the sheets disheveled and the pillows on the floor?

In this instance, there's more than a messy room at stake. School districts can't wait for needed funding from the state. Our state's growing literacy crisis demands action now. School districts should continue to involve the community to make schools more interesting, relevant and even fun. Volunteerism is easy and cost-effective when coupled with technology, and the possibilities are endless.

Speaking of which, Houston Independent School District took an important step down the little-trodden path of virtual engagement last week. As reported by Chronicle reporter Ericka Mellon, HISD's Read Houston Read literacy program will pair mentors with first-grade readers either virtually or face to face in the classroom. HISD is asking for 1,500 volunteers but will welcome more. The effort is supported by a number of blue chip nonprofits such as the Houston Children's Museum and Neuhaus Education Center.

More volunteers in our generous community would be ready and willing to help students if the organizational structure were in place to make good use of their time and talent. For instance, many executives, lawyers, doctors, pipefitters and welders would be willing to Skype with classrooms to talk about their experiences and offer students a glimpse of the connection between the skills that they are learning and the workforce.

The district needs to design more programs that enlist virtual and classroom volunteers; other area districts should follow suit.

School's started. No sense in waiting to get the work done. Let's go ahead and toss some pillows on the Legislature's unmade bed.