In rural Hutto Texas, the superintendent has taken the compelling step of seeking to trademark and lease-out the school’s Hutto Hippo. He is also planning to lease bus and website space to advertisers.

Things seem desperate.

But really what’s happening is that a bright, competent administrator is doing the best he can within the confines of his environment.

Stop, step back. Think: Maybe the confines are the problem, not the money.

He’s grasping to fund one model of school. Maybe it’s the model that is the problem.