During the past few weeks we have read a great deal as to happenings in the sports world. Along with those, we are also reading continuously about the struggle schools of all sizes are having as they do their best to provide quality education to all students.

And while we all need a diversion or two from the serious issues we are facing today – from job losses, lack of quality health care, and more – in my humble opinion there is a disconnect from what we say are our values and what we value.

We have read about all the high school athletes having their “national signing day,” the Super Bowl hype, the aftermath of that game, and much more as it pertains to athletics. But perhaps I missed the “national signing day” for our outstanding science and math students or those who have received major scholarships to major universities to study medicine or to become the next outstanding educator or businessperson.

Will we have a parade for the person who discovers a cure for Alzheimer’s? Or a cure for cancer, perhaps? And how do we honor those educators who provide the learning opportunities for our children – the group we all profess is our future – through creative teaching and a willingness to work on behalf of each and every child to have them achieve at their highest level?

Is it not time to step back as adults, and while not demeaning the value of “extra” curricular activities, be willing to discuss just what the mission of our school systems is? Just what are those things we place the highest value upon – from academics to co-curricular to extra-curricular activities. Lets be honest about what we see put on the “cutting” board as money gets tight.

We all have a right to spend our discretionary dollars as we wish, but we must consider all the options in terms of cost and investment. For example, when a family of four takes a trip to a ball game and spends an evening away from home, the overall costs would easily reach $300. If that money were invested from 30,000 households in the Eau Claire School District it would be equal to approximately 82 cents per day and total $9 million.

Do some have the right to question why we continue to operate varsity athletic programs when at the same time discontinue academic field trips? Are we willing to pay for both?

Are we ready to ask the difficult questions: What is the true cost of each athletic program when small percentages of the student body are on teams and even fewer play? How many students could participate if they were intramural programs? Do students have to participate in a varsity-level program to enjoy lifelong sports like tennis, bowling, skiing, golf, biking, and the myriad of others?

What kind of a message are we sending to student bodies when we find so many ways to reward the athletic achievements but so few to reward classroom excellence? What kind of a message are we sending when we find creative ways to build billion-dollar stadiums and are willing to pay fees and taxes to support them, but always treat school districts like enemies?

If you feel it is important to develop a sense of teamwork and competitive edge and sports are the only way to do so, then you have not seen vocational state/national competitive activities. You have not attended a debate event and seen firsthand young men and women working together on issues that require them to use their academic skills to the highest level.

And, yes, many of those students will also be athletes. So why not encourage the school board, parents, and community leaders to begin the discussion as to how to provide and support and encourage all levels of student achievement.

As a former varsity coach and participant, I know the value of sports. But as a parent, grandparent, and former teacher I also know the lifelong skills and knowledge that come from strong academics and co-curricular activities.

Is it not time we begin to spend the same effort and dollars to show our students that doing their best at every level of their school work and activities has value – and to let those outstanding teachers know they academic efforts are equally appreciated?

Promoting athletics and academics does not have to be mutually exclusive, and with balance and fairness comes achievement for all. We can begin through reason and good listening, and have a dialogue on behalf of our children. Lets talk!