Football Stadiums and Churches
Sometimes I ask for, and get advice, about the things I plan to write. In this case I was advised to let the idea go. Well, so much for my advice taking abilities.
I was absolutely shocked when I read about the new Football Stadium in Allen, Texas. Almost $60 million dollars ($59 million and change to be exact) was spent for a High School Stadium. I guess the people of Allen who vote for such things can afford it – and I am usually one to leave people alone when they are doing with their money whatever they like.
But I do wonder about how many teachers could have been employed with some of those funds? I am sure Allen ISD has a full staff, but there are other places that don’t. There are substandard schools all over the place. I know we don’t support “other schools” with “our” money, but think of it. I don’t know any teachers (in High School) that make $100,000 in salary (I didn’t say Coaches), but if they did, and we might get some really good ones for that kind of salary, how would it be to invest. . .say $20 million in 200 incredible teachers (leaving a whopping $40 million for the new stadium)? Actually I am not sure how we would find and employ those teachers, but I could suggest a few names to start with. Or, we could get 400 great teachers at normal salary. In the long run, which will most positively affect our kids?
And, just so you know, I think the same way about Churches. We don’t need soaring architecture, fountains, and stained glass. Why spend millions on buildings instead of investing that money in evangelism and ministry. There will be plenty of “wow factor” when we get Home. Church buildings need to be attractive, adequate, simple, and recognized as vital to our World by the lloving people who inhabit them, rather than by their visual grandeur.
As long as we have kids who can’t read, write, and do arithmetic, communicate effectively in our language, and understand some science and civics, we would, in my OPINION (everybody has one), do better to spend less on football.