When is it enough money? Here’s when

State Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah, asked at last week’s legislative Education Summit, which was heavy on legislators and light on educators, “When is it enough? Is money the real problem?”

This is the inevitable question of skinflints who refuse to admit how pitiful Tennessee education expenditures, for generations, have dribbled into its public schools. I propose the following criteria to assist Rep. Carter and his ilk to determine school funding:

When state expenditures per pupil reach, at a minimum, the national median, instead of decades in the bottom 10.

When every school at every level — poor and rich alike — have resident art and music teachers.

When all schools have decent, sewage-free athletic facilities and gyms for sports and recreation.

When class sizes are determined by educators, not budget cuts, and tutoring is available to struggling students.

When teachers can budget for reasonable, regional field trips and supplies without resorting to internet fundraisers.

When kids no longer sell coupon books, candy or wrapping paper, and their parents no longer cough up constant fees for basic supplies and programs.

I recommend this list also be used to judge the performance of legislators. Lisa Lemza