An annual event at Grove High School in Oklahoma is igniting passion and generosity among students as they dedicate their efforts to supporting local charities. This initiative, known as COW Week (Changing Our World), has been a cornerstone of the school's culture since 2017, raising significant funds each year. In its inaugural year, the program amassed over $13,000, with last year’s total reaching nearly $175,000. The current goal for this year is to surpass that impressive figure.
The preparation and execution of COW Week involve an extensive effort from the student body. Senior Will Roberts, who serves as the president of the event, explained that the primary objective is to boost student morale while fostering excitement about attending school. To achieve this, the entire school undergoes a dramatic transformation during the week, with every wall adorned in vibrant decorations. These decorations are installed overnight by students working tirelessly to create a surprise when their peers arrive on Monday morning. Following the decoration phase, community engagement becomes the next focal point, with various events such as dog shows, talent competitions, and games drawing participation from residents eager to support the cause.
Beyond fundraising, COW Week plays a pivotal role in skill development for participants. According to Roberts, the experience equips students with essential skills like public speaking, communication, and leadership. By engaging directly with local businesses and conducting meetings, these high schoolers gain exposure to professional environments not typically available to them. This year, the beneficiaries chosen by the students include both the Royal Family Kids Camp and the Grove Backpack Program, reflecting a collective desire to support multiple causes. Junior Avery Nichols, serving as vice president, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about these organizations within the community, ensuring that individuals in need recognize the resources available to them. On March 25, the entire school will gather for an assembly to unveil the final amount raised, celebrating another successful chapter in their ongoing commitment to making a difference.
Through dedication and creativity, these young leaders are proving that meaningful change can start at any age. Their efforts not only provide financial support to vital organizations but also inspire others to engage actively in charitable activities. Such initiatives underscore the power of collaboration and highlight how communities thrive when everyone contributes toward shared goals.
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has returned $878 million in unspent federal funds, citing ideological disagreements with the Biden administration. Over half of this amount was allocated to a refugee resettlement program that his administration previously sought additional funding for. The remaining portion was earmarked for transportation projects under a carbon reduction initiative. Despite the return, no actual money exchange occurred as much of it was authorized but not yet disbursed to the state. This move reflects a shift from DeSantis's earlier stance on federal funding, where he advocated retaining funds to prevent Democratic-controlled states from benefiting.
Details of the Federal Fund Return
In a noteworthy decision made last Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the return of nearly $878 million in federal funds to the U.S. Treasury. This action unfolded amidst growing political tensions over federal spending priorities. Among these funds, approximately $557 million were originally intended for Florida’s Refugee Resettlement Program, which supports newcomers adapting to American life through services like language training and healthcare assistance. Interestingly, just three years ago, DeSantis's team had requested increased allocations for this very program due to significant backlogs in health assessments for refugees.
Another $320 million was designated for transportation initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, part of a broader national strategy initiated by the previous administration. However, only a fraction of these funds—about $50 million—had actually reached Florida's Department of Transportation before being sent back. The majority remained as authorized budget authority awaiting disbursement.
According to Amelia Angleton, spokesperson for House Speaker Daniel Perez, no physical transfer of funds took place; instead, Governor DeSantis informed federal authorities that he would not pursue drawing down available monies related to both transportation and refugee programs. While praising efforts led by tech mogul Elon Musk under Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), DeSantis emphasized rejecting what he perceives as ideologically driven conditions attached to federal grants.
Reflections on the Decision
This development raises questions about governance philosophies and their practical implications. By returning substantial sums meant for critical areas such as refugee support and environmental sustainability, Governor DeSantis underscores his commitment to fiscal conservatism and autonomy in state policymaking. Yet, it also highlights potential trade-offs between ideological purity and tangible benefits for constituents who might rely heavily on federally funded services. As other states consider similar moves, balancing principle with public welfare becomes an increasingly complex challenge in modern politics.
In a compelling argument, Kyle Kelley, the vice president of the Santa Cruz City Schools district board, highlights an innovative approach to bolster school funding without relying on federal support. By fostering housing growth, Kelley asserts that property tax revenue can significantly enhance educational resources. This strategy leverages increased local property taxes to surpass state allocations, unlocking additional funds known as 'basic aid' for classrooms. With the potential to emulate prosperous districts like Los Gatos and Palo Alto, Santa Cruz aims to achieve stable, locally controlled funding, ensuring competitive teacher salaries, smaller class sizes, and enriched academic programs.
Unlocking Educational Resources Through Property Tax Revenue
In the vibrant community of Santa Cruz, a transformative opportunity awaits. Kyle Kelley advocates for embracing new housing projects as a means to elevate school funding. In this era of tightening federal budgets, the city has identified a unique pathway: building more homes. When these properties are sold, they generate substantial property tax revenue. Once this income exceeds the state’s direct contributions, schools receive the surplus directly, enhancing their financial stability.
This mechanism has already proven successful in Santa Cruz's elementary district, enabling initiatives such as universal transitional kindergarten and continuous intervention support. High schools from Santa Cruz to Soquel stand on the brink of achieving similar success. The pivotal target is an additional $18 million in property tax revenue. Achievable through strategic development, including both residential and commercial ventures, the Downtown Plan Expansion alone promises 1,600 to 1,800 new homes, bridging the gap while addressing housing demands.
Timing is crucial; each passing year raises the threshold due to recalculated state formulas. Immediate action secures long-term benefits, including competitive teacher compensation, reduced class sizes, and robust academic programs across science, technology, engineering, art, English, and math. This initiative not only meets a numerical goal but empowers schools with essential resources for sustained excellence.
Kelley encourages community involvement—supporting housing projects, educating neighbors about the housing-funding link, and engaging representatives to prioritize policies benefiting schools. Together, Santa Cruz can forge a brighter future for its educational institutions.
From a journalist's perspective, this proposal exemplifies creative problem-solving within local governance. It underscores the interconnectedness of urban development and education, offering a model for other communities facing similar challenges. Recognizing and seizing opportunities to enhance public services demonstrates proactive leadership, inspiring hope for sustainable progress in Santa Cruz's educational landscape.