Guest Editorial - 'Cash 4 Grades' can bring discipline, civility

This is an open letter to the community of Fallbrook, describing a proposed program that would bring increased discipline and civility to our pleasant, friendly town.

Crime has multiplied in the past few years in our community. You may have noticed an increase in graffiti, vandalism and other illegal behavior reported in the papers.

The root of much of this activity is centered in the mobile home park on South Alturas Road, where Mentoring Associates, Inc. is located, so we have been able to see this epidemic grow.

It is a very personal issue for us, since we deal with the children in our park who are personally affected, not only as witnesses, but are forced into situations that encourage them to follow this lifestyle.

I am in the process of putting together a program that I feel will help stem this tide. It is called “Cash 4 Grades” and is similar to some other successful programs.

Essentially, financial incentives will be offered to students sixth through 12th grade for measured, academic improvement.

If they increase their grade point average by 0.25, they will earn $25/month or a rent reduction for their family home in the mobile home park if the improvement is sustained for the report card period.

A grade point average increase of 0.50 would earn a $50/month payment, or rent reduction, if it is sustained for the report card period.

The biggest incentive could be earned if a student reaches and maintains a 3.75 grade point average for the report card period. In this case, they would receive $100/month, or equivalent rent reduction.

Since this incentive will provide a positive benefit to the entire family, it is hoped that family time will be increased (to promote schoolwork) and time spent on the streets will be decreased. In addition, it will free up cash to be spent in our community.

It is my hope to start with a small segment of the community, but look to increase it as it shows itself to be successful.

Some might ask, “Why award money for good grades?” The simple answer is: it has been proven to work. Paying money on the beginning end to start good work habits saves money on the other end.

If we are successful with this program, we can possibly make a very positive improvement in this town. Because we are not yet completely funded, we are currently reaching out to those with influence to assist us in getting the necessary funding.

Won’t you help us make this program a reality?

Editor’s Note: Jerry Donohue can be reached by phone at (760) 728-0227.