My analogy is this: our schools are all in a 300 mile race from Detroit to Chicago. Some schools are in energy-efficient hybrids, some minivans, some beater trucks that had always served their parents well but are showing their age. Each school is given at least 7 gallons of gas for the race (an amount determined back when the race used to be from Detroit to Lansing). Ironically, it is often the schools with the most modern and fuel-efficient vehicles that are given 14 gallons of gas as a bonus because their families are well-off to begin with. Now, there are some hybrids that unexpectedly get lost or break down and do not make the final goal, but what is truly impressive is the number of beaters that make it across the line. Their secret? When their vehicles inevitably run out of gas, their drivers and passengers get out and push it the rest of the way (sometimes hundreds of miles). While that strategy can work every once and a while, it is not a sustainable plan for success.
The requirements on schools are increasing (more standards, increased number of days, etc.) with increasing costs, but schools are given insufficient revenue. I do not believe in throwing money at the problem, but expecting greater results while providing fewer funds is a recipe for disaster. Considering the increasing mandates, rising costs, and decreasing funds, the fact that our schools are still performing as well as they are is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of the people working in them.