Going Japanese In Massachusetts!

Some might say that this is a school district's novel method of getting a much-needed infusion of cash while others might say that it's a subtle scheme to raise test scores. Still others will say that it's both:

A Massachusetts public school system plans to recruit students in Japan and charge them about $12,000 a year to attend the school.

Superintendent Nate Levenson, who was hired to lead the Arlington schools last year, said he wants to maintain cultural exchange among countries like Japan and Germany and raise funds for the school system, as well, the Boston Globe reported Saturday.

"I would much rather be able to raise money from kids in Japan or Germany who want to come here and get great value than to have to ask for additional taxes from the people of Arlington," Levenson said.

Levenson plans to charge foreign students more than the $8,000 it costs to educate an Arlington student -- to pay for a stipend for a host family, a program coordinator, treats for the Japanese students and a course in Japanese or Asian studies for all Arlington students.

I wonder how many students that they'll have to recruit in order to pay the salary for that new administrator? And I'll bet the new coordinator is going to need both an office and a secretary.

How does one say, "Grab a ride on the gravy-train," in Japanese? -------------------------------See our latest posts right here.