Public Funding, Public Decisions

Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio “Benny” Flores, and Libby Abrams attend Eastside Middle School, which is facing challenges as a result of its growing student body. When they learn the school is getting extra funding this year, they know they have the topic for their next feature story: Who decides how public schools spend their money? And where does the money come from? As the kids interview people at school and learn about their different priorities for the money—an athletic field, a bigger auditorium, improved science equipment, and more—they realize the most important question of all: How can they be part of the decision? Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends—and known to be relentlessly curious. They’re always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging stories.