Without warning, tornadoes sweep down from the afternoon sky and within a moment’s fury destroy what took decades or centuries to build. Floods over run the river banks and remove all traces of what were once storehouses of cherished memories. Fierce winds from freakish dust storms sandblast every structure in its way leaving behind sandy remnants.

In a matter of seconds, natural disasters may demolish what took years to build and cultivate. These natural disasters are also known as acts of God, however what is happening to education in Alabama is a man-made disaster.

Foresight is a necessity when it comes to leadership; it helps leaders to understand lessons from the past, the realities of the present, and the likely future consequences of decisions. We must have foresight in order to move from the survival mentality to a more progressive course. Moreover, foresight is important in helping others attain a larger vision or purpose. On the other hand, lack of foresight causes individuals to be reactive instead of proactive. Senate Bill 419 reveals the lack of foresight for public education. Determined to cap state PEEHIP costs by imposing higher premiums for future retirees may prematurely lead to classrooms without teachers.

The story is told about an impending flood. On the night of the great Holmfirth (Yorkshire) flood, which was a great disaster some years ago, a man on the reservoir saw the water rise to a dangerous height. He paced up and down for twenty minutes watching, hesitating, and asking himself the question, “Shall I sound the alarm?” Soon the fatal moment came and the warning had not been given. The waters rushed over the banks and destroyed everything in reach. A decision to sound the alarm twenty minutes earlier would have saved many lives and thousands of dollars. Well, this is an alarm cry to leadership in Montgomery. A decision within the next twenty days could save many classrooms and thousands of our children’s futures. We cannot compromise our children’s education by waiting on future educators, instead we need our teachers now.