From Dave Searles
Brodhead
To the editor:
There is a referendum on the primary election ballot calling for $4 million in additional property taxes for Blackhawk Technical College (BTC). This is touted as a one-time effort, but the referendum is written in such a way that it is open ended, meaning that BTC could collect up to $4 million annually indefinitely.
I have long been disturbed by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Most states used to have both a tech college system and a community or junior college system, but not anymore. They merged the systems into one community or state college system to eliminate duplication of buildings, campuses, programs, and services. I have long advocated the merger of WTCS and the University of Wisconsin Center System to create a Wisconsin State College System.
Some fear the loss of the "technology and industry" programs of the tech colleges, but this can be addressed with a requirement that up to 40 percent of the budget or funding go to trade and industry programs.
Another disturbing concern I have is the lack of basic education requirements for tech college students that other colleges have. This includes five social studies courses, two science courses and a humanities course. The social studies courses would include American History to 1865, American History: 1965 to the Present, World History: 1500 to the Present, American Government and Politics or Introduction to Political Science, and Geography. The science courses would include General Science and Conservation of Natural Resources or Environmental Studies. A humanities course could include Art Appreciation, Music Appreciation, History of American Popular Culture, History of American Popular Music, American Literature, or Architectural History.
The problem with tech colleges is that business and industry wants to create worker drones rather than well-rounded, educated American citizens.
Brodhead
To the editor:
There is a referendum on the primary election ballot calling for $4 million in additional property taxes for Blackhawk Technical College (BTC). This is touted as a one-time effort, but the referendum is written in such a way that it is open ended, meaning that BTC could collect up to $4 million annually indefinitely.
I have long been disturbed by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Most states used to have both a tech college system and a community or junior college system, but not anymore. They merged the systems into one community or state college system to eliminate duplication of buildings, campuses, programs, and services. I have long advocated the merger of WTCS and the University of Wisconsin Center System to create a Wisconsin State College System.
Some fear the loss of the "technology and industry" programs of the tech colleges, but this can be addressed with a requirement that up to 40 percent of the budget or funding go to trade and industry programs.
Another disturbing concern I have is the lack of basic education requirements for tech college students that other colleges have. This includes five social studies courses, two science courses and a humanities course. The social studies courses would include American History to 1865, American History: 1965 to the Present, World History: 1500 to the Present, American Government and Politics or Introduction to Political Science, and Geography. The science courses would include General Science and Conservation of Natural Resources or Environmental Studies. A humanities course could include Art Appreciation, Music Appreciation, History of American Popular Culture, History of American Popular Music, American Literature, or Architectural History.
The problem with tech colleges is that business and industry wants to create worker drones rather than well-rounded, educated American citizens.
