I read Ann Podlipny’s My Turn “Why climate education is necessary for our schools.” She is proposing a resolution for an instructional addition to schools. I have several questions. Is there money attached to HR 30 for teacher training and instructional supplies? Will this become another unfunded mandate for only public schools? Lastly, if we add teaching climate change what are we dropping from the present curriculum? There are only so many hours in a school day.

Over the last few years the legislators of NH have added several mandates for instruction that have no money attached and only apply to public schools. At the same time many districts are seeing their school taxes jump due to federal mandates, state mandates and now vouchers. Meanwhile NH still refuses to fund public schools adequately. I am not sure the purpose of calling this a “resolution” if it is expected to be enacted. Public schools are now supposed to be the answer for all of society’s failing. The answer appears to be to add another course. Soon there will be no time to teach reading, writing and math!

Climate change is important but if people feel that strongly about it they should think about another way of teaching it. How about starting an after school club or camp? I am sure resolutions and mandates make people feel good about addressing a problem but all you are doing is punting it along to our schools, many that are woefully underfunded.

Susan Seidner

Pembroke