Zero-sum game helps explain school funding
Recently, the Daily Herald ran an interesting article concerning the discrepancies in facilities between school districts and specifically two schools, Waukegan and Stevenson. This was from The Associated Press. Much to the compliment of the Herald, your own writers have discussed the same information.
To help understand this problem, an understanding of game theory can be helpful.
The present situation is a perfect example of a zero-sum game. In this "game," the gains of one party are equal to the losses of the other party. As money continues to flow to the economically and politically rich communities, less money is going to the politically and economically deprived communities.
In this competitive game, your gain is my loss. A non-zero-sum game on the other hand is noncompetitive. Both sides gain or lose together.
The latter game requires a give and take for the benefit of all.
Parents send their children to Stevenson because "they want a leg up," and will give up very little if their leg up is threatened. This is quite understandable. However, the problem will not be resolved until the "game" changes.
Are taxpayers and voters in affluent districts willing to give up some benefits which may help poorer districts? Is the state willing to seriously address this issue? Are politician's willing to risk their election bids?
My guess is that in one year, another article will appear exposing very little change.
Marc D. Denny
Lake Zurich