High achievement in public education is not just a function of funding. Students achieve and excel when they have high quality, engaging teachers; supportive parents; up-to-date tools and rigorous curriculum; and a safe environment. When they achieve less and need more assistance, there are counselors, tutors, and various programs.
Besides the tools and facilities, public education is overwhelmingly a function of people. Teachers teach, students learn, administrators oversee sites and departments, and support personnel ensure that cafeterias serve food, equipment works, employee needs are met, and more.
But because education is so people-centered, just how many people work in a district is indeed a function of funding. Likely 80% or more of a school district's budget is dedicated to salary and benefits, and teachers make up the largest segment of any employee group in a district.
There has been much hand wringing of late that public education keeps crying for more money but misspends it, that districts are top heavy in administration, and that money that should go into the classroom is diverted elsewhere. Some may consider this a good sound bite, but that doesn't make it reality.
Arizona falls below the national average when it comes to how much money is spent on administration in public education: 9.0% versus 10.8% (per the latest figures from the Arizona Auditor General and the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Educational Statistics). When I was Superintendent of the Paradise Valley School District, our administrative costs were less than 8% and often around 7.5%. But if you think schools really over-employ administrators, direct your argument for change where it belongs -- to your local school board, the elected body ultimately responsible for approving a district's budget and staffing. This is indeed very much a local control issue.
So if administrators are not scooping up money that should go in the classroom, why are most districts not able to reach the 65% bar that has become a rallying cry of presumed effectiveness? Part of the problem lies in the definition of what constitutes "in the classroom" -- and it is so narrow as to push that bar out of reach for most public schools. For example, there are numerous certificated employees, such as librarians, reading specialists, and counselors, who offer vital academic support for students, but are excluded from that 65%. Additionally, facilities themselves fall out of the classroom, and funds to help with maintenance and utilities were cut by the state legislature, requiring district to take M&O dollars from the classroom and put them in roof repairs and air conditioning bills.
Then you have districts that have to pour huge portions of their budgets into transportation and will never reach 65% in the classroom because of geography. Similarly, you have districts that service large populations of special needs students, who require numerous resources throughout the school day. And although districts receive federal I.D.E.A. funds for special education students, I.D.E.A. funding provides less than 40% of what districts much spend to service these students -- and the remaining funds come from the district budget. The list goes on and it's different in every district.
Public education has been cut $1.1 billion in less than two years -- even though the state added more than 121,000 K-12 students since fiscal year 2004. Some of those cuts, such as soft capital funds dedicated to textbooks and instructional materials, are specifically for items considered "in the classroom" funding, thus creating further obstacles to districts' abilities to put more money into the classroom.
School districts are doing more for less and dealing with yet another round of unfunded mandates from the legislature. To declare that public education shouldn't get any more funding -- and deserves to be cut -- because it's bloated and misspends the money it gets is a gross misstatement of reality. Before anyone makes such broad generalizations, they should go do the research into where the money really goes in each district to see how student needs are being met. The figures may add up differently than one thinks.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
"...The Arizona Legislature is no friend of public education..."
Thus wrote the editorial board of the Scottsdale Republic on August 19. Specifically, to me, this means that the Republican majority leadership has lost sight of the future of Arizona. Their focus on balancing the budget through major cuts to education -- nearly a billion dollars in the last two years -- rather than through economic reform indicates that they are shortsighted.
That is hurting our state. I heard the human resources director of a major Valley company say he could not get a desired managerial candidate to come to Arizona because the person has school-age children and was concerned about the lack of state support for public education. There is an important connection between public education and a viable business environment. The fundamental concept that a strong public education system helps create a better economy seems to be lost on our current Republican legislators.
Arizona must invest in public education. The most forward-thinking and positive outcomes of this mindset are that students will be better prepared for college and/or work through a more rigorous educational climate and that school dropout rates would decrease if teachers and administrators have time to spend with troubled youths. For business, this investment would produce a more skilled workforce and an environment that attracts families to Arizona.
This is why, after 37 years in public education, ending my career as superintendent of Paradise Valley Unified School District, I am running for the state legislature. I know the importance of looking to the future of our state. That future depends on sound schools and a strong partnership with the business community.
That is hurting our state. I heard the human resources director of a major Valley company say he could not get a desired managerial candidate to come to Arizona because the person has school-age children and was concerned about the lack of state support for public education. There is an important connection between public education and a viable business environment. The fundamental concept that a strong public education system helps create a better economy seems to be lost on our current Republican legislators.
Arizona must invest in public education. The most forward-thinking and positive outcomes of this mindset are that students will be better prepared for college and/or work through a more rigorous educational climate and that school dropout rates would decrease if teachers and administrators have time to spend with troubled youths. For business, this investment would produce a more skilled workforce and an environment that attracts families to Arizona.
This is why, after 37 years in public education, ending my career as superintendent of Paradise Valley Unified School District, I am running for the state legislature. I know the importance of looking to the future of our state. That future depends on sound schools and a strong partnership with the business community.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Two-faced
In the past I have criticized the Republican leadership in the legislature for not having vision and for not doing their due diligence before they act. For example, during this past legislative session, they passed more than 250 bills, but not one had to do with meaningful job creation. This should be our priority as we work to bring our economy back from the recession. The legislature can facilitate our economic recovery in many ways through bills passed…. and yet, no action. Instead, what took precedence was passing such bills as giving Eagle Scouts free fishing licenses – and hearing debate then voting down amendments to do the same for Girl Scouts. As an Eagle Scout, I appreciate the gesture, but it does absolutely nothing to improve our state and our economy in the long term. Legislative short-sightedness will undermine our economic resurgence even as some segments are beginning to see positive signs.
According to a majority of Republican legislators, one way to help the economy is through no tax increases or new taxes. Many signed a pledge not to raise taxes. Period. But after reading the article in the Arizona Republic published August 5, Arizona Homeowners Face Tax Hike after Move by Legislature, it appears that these legislators also are two-faced. By approving a measure tucked in an education budget bill, legislators have shifted $70 million that the state shouldered via the “homeowners rebate” over to school districts, many of whom will now have to raise local property taxes to cover what will no longer be coming from the state.
On the one side, many Republicans legislators have taken an oath not to raise taxes, but on the other, they voted to raise property taxes for homeowners. Make no mistake – by the time this takes effect, it will look like the school district is increasing taxes, not the legislature. I am not opposed to voters having the ability to increase a school district’s budget through overrides, but this instance occurred in the dark and without the voters’ knowledge or approval. And the districts will look like the villains.
If a legislator makes a promise and then cannot keep it, voters are at least owed an explanation. In this case, most voters found out about the reversal of the pledge months after the action was taken and by reading it in the paper. We need lawmakers who are open and honest and do their jobs. Two-faced individuals need not apply – and should not be elected.
According to a majority of Republican legislators, one way to help the economy is through no tax increases or new taxes. Many signed a pledge not to raise taxes. Period. But after reading the article in the Arizona Republic published August 5, Arizona Homeowners Face Tax Hike after Move by Legislature, it appears that these legislators also are two-faced. By approving a measure tucked in an education budget bill, legislators have shifted $70 million that the state shouldered via the “homeowners rebate” over to school districts, many of whom will now have to raise local property taxes to cover what will no longer be coming from the state.
On the one side, many Republicans legislators have taken an oath not to raise taxes, but on the other, they voted to raise property taxes for homeowners. Make no mistake – by the time this takes effect, it will look like the school district is increasing taxes, not the legislature. I am not opposed to voters having the ability to increase a school district’s budget through overrides, but this instance occurred in the dark and without the voters’ knowledge or approval. And the districts will look like the villains.
If a legislator makes a promise and then cannot keep it, voters are at least owed an explanation. In this case, most voters found out about the reversal of the pledge months after the action was taken and by reading it in the paper. We need lawmakers who are open and honest and do their jobs. Two-faced individuals need not apply – and should not be elected.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Back to School
As we approach the excitement of students and teachers returning to school for a new year, we need to take note of some warning signs that temper our enthusiasm. First of all, the 1% sales tax approved by voters in May only prevented further cuts to district budgets on top of the ones undertaken in response to the legislature’s slashing the state education budget. This means that class sizes will likely be greater than before and teachers will receive small or non-existent pay raises – and quite possibly pay cuts. Another cautionary sign: the recently released AIMS scores reflect an evolving curriculum in the area of math created by changes to math standards implemented last year. With lower scores being reported almost universally, there will be increased emphasis on math instruction to meet the new standards. Such focus will require more from students but also from teachers in terms of professional development and classroom management – even with smaller salaries and larger classes.
What can Arizona do about these issues? Certainly, funding education appropriately to reduce class sizes and to be able to adequately train teachers when the state mandates curriculum changes provides one solution. In order to do that, we must increase the revenue stream to the state by creating jobs so that we have more people working and spending money as well as paying taxes. Last year the state legislature passed more than 250 bills into law, but not one had to do with meaningful job creation. Secondly, Arizona needs legislators who know that an investment in education is the right thing to do for the future of our state. Besides providing our students with the skills they need for their futures, a strong public education system will produce a skilled workforce and a quality of life that will attract businesses to Arizona.
Another issue that impacts teachers’ workloads and class size is that of unfunded mandates. Every year the legislature passes laws that demand more of teachers – this past year, for example, the legislature required districts to provide a program to prevent violence in dating. Thus a new curriculum must be developed and approved and if teachers have to be trained to present it, which is very likely, that training will take them out of the classroom (and districts will have to pay for substitutes). Additionally, the new curriculum is added to everything else the teacher must teach. Teachers and schools become burdened with another responsibility that should be handled by parents. Continuing to put more on the backs of schools only detracts from learning, and when these requirements are not funded, they take away from an already overburdened school budget.
The solution to the education issue necessitates a long-term process, but steps need to be taken this fall to get the right people in place. That is why I am running for the state legislature.
What can Arizona do about these issues? Certainly, funding education appropriately to reduce class sizes and to be able to adequately train teachers when the state mandates curriculum changes provides one solution. In order to do that, we must increase the revenue stream to the state by creating jobs so that we have more people working and spending money as well as paying taxes. Last year the state legislature passed more than 250 bills into law, but not one had to do with meaningful job creation. Secondly, Arizona needs legislators who know that an investment in education is the right thing to do for the future of our state. Besides providing our students with the skills they need for their futures, a strong public education system will produce a skilled workforce and a quality of life that will attract businesses to Arizona.
Another issue that impacts teachers’ workloads and class size is that of unfunded mandates. Every year the legislature passes laws that demand more of teachers – this past year, for example, the legislature required districts to provide a program to prevent violence in dating. Thus a new curriculum must be developed and approved and if teachers have to be trained to present it, which is very likely, that training will take them out of the classroom (and districts will have to pay for substitutes). Additionally, the new curriculum is added to everything else the teacher must teach. Teachers and schools become burdened with another responsibility that should be handled by parents. Continuing to put more on the backs of schools only detracts from learning, and when these requirements are not funded, they take away from an already overburdened school budget.
The solution to the education issue necessitates a long-term process, but steps need to be taken this fall to get the right people in place. That is why I am running for the state legislature.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Prop 100 -- Not a Panacea
It was with great appreciation to the voters of Arizona that I applauded the huge margin of victory of Proposition 100 in May. It is an another example of the people of the state doing what is right for public schools and their children. I believe it is a role the state legislature should have played, but legislators rather passed the buck to the voters.
With all the support it engendered, Prop 100 should not be seen as a cure to the budget woes we face in public education. Most school districts still must cut their budgets, although less than previously feared. For example, even with Prop 100 passing, Scottsdale Unified School District has cut nearly 80 teachers from its ranks and made other efficiency moves that will negatively impact the quality of education. As class sizes increase, the teachers who remain will have less ability to provide individual attention to students and to communicate with parents.
Given that the sales tax authorized by Prop 100 is a temporary measure, we must elect legislators who understand the K-12 public school system and are committed to making changes in its function as well as its funding to lay a proper foundation for the future. That is why I am running for State Representative in LD 8.
With all the support it engendered, Prop 100 should not be seen as a cure to the budget woes we face in public education. Most school districts still must cut their budgets, although less than previously feared. For example, even with Prop 100 passing, Scottsdale Unified School District has cut nearly 80 teachers from its ranks and made other efficiency moves that will negatively impact the quality of education. As class sizes increase, the teachers who remain will have less ability to provide individual attention to students and to communicate with parents.
Given that the sales tax authorized by Prop 100 is a temporary measure, we must elect legislators who understand the K-12 public school system and are committed to making changes in its function as well as its funding to lay a proper foundation for the future. That is why I am running for State Representative in LD 8.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Of the People....
...for the people, by the people.
The vote Tuesday by the people of Arizona to accept a temporary increase to the sales tax is a significant event. Public schools and public safety organizations have avoided larger cuts that would have been devastating to their services.
I have been struck throughout this process by the Republican legislative leadership's disregard of their constitutional duty. Specifically, Article XI,Section 10 of the Arizona Constitution states, "...the legislature shall make such appropriations, to be met by taxation, as shall insure the appropriate maintenance of all state educational institutions, and shall make such special appropriations as shall provide for their development and improvement."
The Republican legislative leaders did not show the courage to increase revenues to fulfill this duty. Instead, they enacted more than 250 bills that tended to reflect individual agendas that do little or nothing to improve the future of Arizona. Case in point: there were no jobs bills among those transmitted to the Governor to sign. For all the hand wringing over the state's fiscal situation, there was no bill sent up that was designed to promote state growth through jobs creation. This legislative session reflected the short-sightedness of the Republicans in charge rather than the visionary leadership that is needed to take Arizona out of this recession and build for the future.
Lucky for us, the people of Arizona know what is important -- education and public safety. Thank you to the voters for providing a clear-cut direction -- and a message to those seeking to lead in these tumultuous times.
The vote Tuesday by the people of Arizona to accept a temporary increase to the sales tax is a significant event. Public schools and public safety organizations have avoided larger cuts that would have been devastating to their services.
I have been struck throughout this process by the Republican legislative leadership's disregard of their constitutional duty. Specifically, Article XI,Section 10 of the Arizona Constitution states, "...the legislature shall make such appropriations, to be met by taxation, as shall insure the appropriate maintenance of all state educational institutions, and shall make such special appropriations as shall provide for their development and improvement."
The Republican legislative leaders did not show the courage to increase revenues to fulfill this duty. Instead, they enacted more than 250 bills that tended to reflect individual agendas that do little or nothing to improve the future of Arizona. Case in point: there were no jobs bills among those transmitted to the Governor to sign. For all the hand wringing over the state's fiscal situation, there was no bill sent up that was designed to promote state growth through jobs creation. This legislative session reflected the short-sightedness of the Republicans in charge rather than the visionary leadership that is needed to take Arizona out of this recession and build for the future.
Lucky for us, the people of Arizona know what is important -- education and public safety. Thank you to the voters for providing a clear-cut direction -- and a message to those seeking to lead in these tumultuous times.
Monday, April 5, 2010
A Prop
We are at a crucial time in Arizona, not just for the present but for the future. Drastic funding cuts have put public education in Arizona in an untenable position, and that means that our young people are at risk of not receiving the quality of education they deserve and need to compete in their adult world.
Proposition 100, if passed, would provide a temporary 1% sales tax and two-thirds of the revenue generated is designated for K-12 education. Understand that this is not a boon to the budgets of school districts, but rather a stopgap measure that would only soften some of the impending cuts already in the state budget. With Arizona's per-pupil expenditure for K-12 education already near the bottom in the United States, the diminished funding for next school year is devastating. Scottsdale Unified School District projects a $10 million decrease in funding, which will result in 112 fewer teaching positions, causing class sizes to increase again. Larger classes mean that students receive less individual help, instruction is more homogeneous and less creative, and student discipline becomes a great problem. Additionally, teachers will be less likely to volunteer for after-school activities that enhance students' experiences. All of this will occur even if the sales tax is approved. Imagine the disaster is the proposition fails, because another $11 million will have to be cut at the Scottsdale district.
A concern for all citizens is the staggering dropout rate in our high schools. Most of us agree that students need to graduate to become more productive citizens and be a part of the skilled workforce that business and industry leaders require for a vibrant state economy. If Proposition 100 fails, many of the programs that sustain student interest, such as athletics, art, music, and theater, will be on the chopping block. Some elective courses in the area of career and technical education will likely be reduced as well, and these directly impact the state's workforce. The loss of these non-core classes and activities will result in higher dropout rates as these programs provide relevancy to the school day for many students. The downward spiral continues as fewer students graduate and their projected earnings decrease -- and state revenues fall accordingly.
Even if it passes, Proposition 100 is not enough for education or Arizona. We need to elect legislators and other state leaders who understand the importance of investing in our students to create a better future for our state.
Proposition 100, if passed, would provide a temporary 1% sales tax and two-thirds of the revenue generated is designated for K-12 education. Understand that this is not a boon to the budgets of school districts, but rather a stopgap measure that would only soften some of the impending cuts already in the state budget. With Arizona's per-pupil expenditure for K-12 education already near the bottom in the United States, the diminished funding for next school year is devastating. Scottsdale Unified School District projects a $10 million decrease in funding, which will result in 112 fewer teaching positions, causing class sizes to increase again. Larger classes mean that students receive less individual help, instruction is more homogeneous and less creative, and student discipline becomes a great problem. Additionally, teachers will be less likely to volunteer for after-school activities that enhance students' experiences. All of this will occur even if the sales tax is approved. Imagine the disaster is the proposition fails, because another $11 million will have to be cut at the Scottsdale district.
A concern for all citizens is the staggering dropout rate in our high schools. Most of us agree that students need to graduate to become more productive citizens and be a part of the skilled workforce that business and industry leaders require for a vibrant state economy. If Proposition 100 fails, many of the programs that sustain student interest, such as athletics, art, music, and theater, will be on the chopping block. Some elective courses in the area of career and technical education will likely be reduced as well, and these directly impact the state's workforce. The loss of these non-core classes and activities will result in higher dropout rates as these programs provide relevancy to the school day for many students. The downward spiral continues as fewer students graduate and their projected earnings decrease -- and state revenues fall accordingly.
Even if it passes, Proposition 100 is not enough for education or Arizona. We need to elect legislators and other state leaders who understand the importance of investing in our students to create a better future for our state.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)