WHAT’S A NAME WORTH?

Schools Sell Naming Rights for Cash

Are naming rights to libraries, gyms or cafeterias a financial boon for schools? Schools from California to Massachusetts are selling the right for individuals or organizations to name a part of a building or athletic field. Money paid can range from $5000 for an English classroom to $400,000 for athletic facilities. Once again it looks like athletics will gain more statue as its properties are more lucrative!

If these funds were being paid directly to outstanding loans that have ballooned over the years in nearly very district, the one-time cash windfall makes sense. Unfortunately, many of you will suspect as I do that the money will be spent in a way that the result will create more long-term debt.

Property taxes in Pennsylvania averages $1010 per person, slightly below the US average of $1086. The range per capita (2004 data) has New Jersey “first” at $2099 and Alabama “last” at $367. This data begs the question, “Are high taxes wrong for our society?”

If you are retired or plan to retire, Alabama makes a good choice because of its low property taxes. Provided that taxing trend is not universal, you should expect decent roads and other infrastructure maintenance, social services, emergency services and hospital care. Chances are, “you get what you pay for.”

For example, New Jersey schools are highly ranked in the US and generally are labeled as one of the best in educational achievement. Alabama ranks as one of the worst states in educational achievement. That state is joined by several other low tax states such as Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia.

Also, the numbers above don’t reflect taxes as a percentage of personal income. Higher taxes along side of higher incomes take a smaller “bite” out of discretionary income. Here, New Jersey ranks 37^th in the nation or near the bottom. Basically affluence attracts more quality and taxes are inconsequential.

More About Men and Women

The percentage of doctorates awarded in sociology has shown a shift from men to women. In 1973, 74 percent of doctorates went to men and 26 percent to women. In 2003, men accounted for 41 percent and women 59 percent. The 2003 numbers represent an 11 percent increase in doctorates awarded to women since 1993.

In 1980, medical doctorates were awarded to 11,616 men and 3497 women. In 2004, 8565 men and 7256 women earned an MD.

Note: Data from USA Today July, 2006

It looks like women are ready to rule in every phase of society. The real question is will they accept the new role of men that looks to be a “catch as catch can” filler role? So far, women have shown a prejudice towards mew who appear to be under-prepared and under-educated.

Note to men: get a good education, stay in school for a lifetime and learn how to say “When would you like that to be done?” Male chauvinism isn’t just over, it’s been destroyed!

Is Nothing Sacred?

Elizabethtown College fired its religious studies chairman after he was arrested in an Internet child-sex sting. He was charged with trying to arrange a meeting with a supposed 12-year old girl (USA Today, 07-31-06).

Maybe he never got past the first few chapters of the Old Testament where pre-teens were considered for marriage? Of course, the life span was considerably shorter then than today. Plus, our society totally agrees that relationships with youngsters are wrong. He probably didn’t see the emails about sexual predators are not welcome in this country.

Visit www.3MinuteLearning.com

GROWTH <> LEADERSHIP <> EXCELLENCE

© 2006 3 Minute Learning LLC