Colorado isn't the only state that has ballot initiatives regarding tax increases for education funding this year. In fact, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article (read more here) this year marks the “largest number of education tax initiatives to appear on state election ballots in two decades.” Although only a few of Colorado’s school districts are asking tax payers for more money, Arizona, Missouri, South Dakota, California and Oregon have state-wide ballot initiatives, all asking for more education funding.
Sure, many government-funded schools across the country are struggling financially thanks in part to the recession. Indeed, funding has dropped below 2008 levels in 35 states according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (a left-leaning think tank). Some school districts have responded with layoffs, cutting programs, and even shortening the school week to four days. The fact remains, however, that education spending is still higher than it was a decade ago even though performance has remained rather stagnant for many grades.
More money, then, is not the answer. As Arizona State Treasure Doug Ducey stated, “it’s just pouring more money into the system and hoping that, magically, it fixes the problems in the classroom.” We need to address the real problems facing education first, before asking tax payers for more and more money. Both states and school districts need to take a hard look at their budgets, and see where the money is going and whether or not it can be spent more wisely. They also need to focus on the problems in the classroom, just as Mr. Ducey said. Making sure great teachers are in the classroom, and the not so good teachers are not, for example. If they do this, they may find that a lack of funding is not the problem after all. They may also find that more money isn't always the answer.
More money, then, is not the answer. As Arizona State Treasure Doug Ducey stated, “it’s just pouring more money into the system and hoping that, magically, it fixes the problems in the classroom.” We need to address the real problems facing education first, before asking tax payers for more and more money. Both states and school districts need to take a hard look at their budgets, and see where the money is going and whether or not it can be spent more wisely. They also need to focus on the problems in the classroom, just as Mr. Ducey said. Making sure great teachers are in the classroom, and the not so good teachers are not, for example. If they do this, they may find that a lack of funding is not the problem after all. They may also find that more money isn't always the answer.
RSS Feed