SHOW ME THE MONEY!!
As a teacher, I have seen an incredible amount of waste in the school system. Districts cry from the rooftops that they need more money for their schools in order to “keep the lights on” and governmental leaders jockey to find or cut funding at every turn. According to district leadership and teacher’s unions, schools need more money for operating costs, technology and teacher salaries, and now, inflation has only made it worse. Yes, money is important, however, the amount of money that is earmarked for education doesn't always end up where it is needed most.
During the pandemic, the federal government printed an exorbitant amount of money, in excess of 190 BILLION dollars, to provide relief and operating costs during the pandemic to the public school system. This was above and beyond what schools were already getting funded in a normal year. While shutdown, or teaching remotely, schools were given these monies to supposedly support online learning and address technology needs, among other things - with the end goal being a transition to reopening. Sanitizer, masks, air filters, cleaning supplies would be needed to get kids back into the classrooms. However, according to Corey DeAngelis, of the American Federation for Children, as of 2022, said that only 3% of that money distributed to schools throughout the country has been spent. Why is that? DeAngelis, who testified before the US House Committee about the money given to states, asked why public schools hadn’t yet spent the money earmarked for REOPENING schools. If it wasn’t to reopen, then what was the money REALLY for? To watch the full episode of Corey's interview, go to Epoch TV.
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He asked, “Why has Florida – a state that only spends about $10,700 per student – been able to essentially fully reopen its schools, while California – a state that has much stronger teachers’ unions and spends about 38 percent more per student – has kept their doors closed?” They got money AND they kept the doors closed. Seems confusing to me.
The Los Angeles teacher’s unions even went so far as to threaten the state of California that they refused to return to in person learning unless the state legislature agreed to political demands that many of the Democrat party hold, such as defunding the police and putting an end to any new charter schools. So even though there was enough money for the school districts to ensure a safe environment, the issues of equity and justice were the reasons for holding the state hostage. What is this really saying about their agenda?
That was the same message that the national teacher’s union, a major contributor to the Democrat Party, said was important to remember about returning to school. It became less about the pandemic, and more about what the unions could get for its members. So when other states were going back to school, many democratically held states made excuses via their unions. However, it seems interesting to me that non-unioned private and charter schools in these states (and nationwide) remained open and in person. |
Now that schools are back in session, parents might be interested in knowing how the COVID relief funds have been used in their local schools. Has it gone to teacher pay? NO - in fact, there are teacher shortages everywhere, including in our own backyard. Could the fact that teacher salaries have only risen 8% since 1970 be one of the reasons for the exodus from the classroom? If the teacher’s unions were REALLY lobbying for their members, then teacher salaries would have increased with the introduction of this COVID relief money. After doing all they could to keep teachers out of the building (even though the large majority of Americans still went to their jobs in person) they are still holding all of the cards - and the average teacher has nothing to show for it. Instead, school districts are begging people to apply for teaching positions, and the kids are the ones who will suffer for it.
So where IS the money going to be spent? It’s been two years now since COVID first hit. Has there been a vast improvement in school facilities? Are there ample supplies for every teacher? New textbooks? Smaller class sizes? What are we waiting for? |
It’s time to ask the hard questions. You reserve the right to request an expenditure report for this money. It should be made known to the public how much your school district received, and what the district’s proposal is moving forward with these funds. The school board knows, they meet regularly, they will have to answer.
Getting involved locally:
There are many different ways that citizens can get involved in the educational process. Schools are asking for participation in many different ways. The schools along the corridor have made school board meetings readily available for the public to watch and participate in. Together, we can contribute time and attention to our young people. Below is a list of opportunities:
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
- Bennett * Mrs. Robin Purdy
- Strasburg * Mr. Dan Hoff
- Byers * Mr. Tom Turrell
- Deer Trail * Mr. BJ Buchmann