Matthew Sonnenburg, you sir are the moron, regardless of whether or not someone can spell has absolutely nothing to do with how much money we spend on schools. People who have never even been inside of a school can learn how to spell. You sir are the idiot that this country can do without
HH - 6 years ago
Not only No but HELL NO!
Teachers signed a CONTRACT and accepted what was offered at the time of employment and NOW they want to strike and hold the education of their charges (the children) HOSTAGE until their DEMANDS are met?!?
Try that crap with your Landlord or Mortgage holder.
Hold out on payment until your asinine demands are met (you HOPE!) and see how THAT works for you!!
All that strike should be FIRED with NO chance of rehire for at LEAST 10 YEARS IMO.
Matthew Sonnenberg - 6 years ago
I love the people on here slamming public education, but they can't spell.
You morons are WHY we need to invest more in education in Arizona.
Fucking morons.
Melanie - 6 years ago
I would have before the walkout, but not now
Rusty - 6 years ago
I would never vote an increase for teachers! My children will never go to a public school! I will make sure that I make that difference. You may get my tax dollars for someone else’s child but you won’t get my tax dollars for my own. Many parents I know have considered pulling there children from public school. It would be amazing if we could get like 15% of parents that can afford to send there children to private schools, to do it!
Thomas James - 6 years ago
horrors of socialism, human rights, civics, math, etc. We’ve all seen the on-line videos of high school and college kids who think President Kennedy just died in a car accident last week, who can’t identify a photo of Winston Churchill, Adolf Hitler, find Africa on a map, or name the vice president of our country.
Public school children have been taught that if they are of European descent, they are evil, guilty, and privileged and should be ashamed of their skin color. Everyone else, is a victim, regardless of their history, and superior in every way to the oppressive white patriarchy. These kids can tell you exactly what LGBTQIAPD stands for and who their oppressors are, but can’t name a single American Founding Father.
Public school teachers are overwhelming left-wing DemoKKKrats, yet they conveniently fail to impart to their students that the DemoKKKrats founded the KKK, wrote the segregationist Jim Crow laws, are the only political party to intern innocent American citizens in concentration camps, ordered the development of chemical and nuclear weapons (and dropped both on innocent civilians), experimented on Blacks with syphilis (for decades!), endorsed and practiced forced sterilization of poor minorities, etc, etc, etc. Indeed, more than 80% of graduating high school students are unaware that the president who freed the slaves, Abraham Lincoln, was a Republican who was assassinated by a DemoKKKrat.
So, do I want to see teachers make more money? Absolutely. It is a noble profession and teachers deserve to be compensated fairly.
However, I do NOT want more money given to teachers and administrators who feel that education should take a backseat to indoctrination in left-wing politics and who provide socialist propaganda to the kids instead of proper textbooks.
I’m not done.
Private schools and charter schools are mostly free from the political drivel that public schools teach. Charters were established to give teachers more autonomy in exchange for greater accountability for improved student achievement.
Test scores, across the country, consistently demonstrate that private schools & charters provide a vastly superior education to our children and that they do so, largely, by keeping their political agendas to themselves. Unlike public schools, private and charter schools hold administrators and teachers accountable for their behavior and performance. These schools understand that their pupils are there to learn, not for indoctrination into the DemoKKKrat’s socialist agenda or to create future DemoKKKrat voters.
You don’t see many people wearing tee-shirts of the racist, murdering, homophobic, communist, Che Guevara, in private and charter schools. Educators and their students understand that such attire would be as inappropriate as wearing a Hitler tee-shirt.
If we are being asked to cough up more money for teachers, I’m all for it. However, that money should go to teachers who are working to educate, not indoctrinate.
Give the money to charter schools and let #RedForEd, the Arizona Education Association Union, David Garcia, Derek Harris, Noah Karvelis, the DemoKKKrat party, and America-hating, leftist agenda-driven, public school teachers pack dirt.
Now, I’m done.
Thomas James - 6 years ago
#RedForEd in AZ is run by Bernie Sanders campaigner, Trump-hating, NRA-hating, and Gov. Ducey-hating Derek Harris of Tucson and the Valley’s Noah Karvelis, the campaign manager for DemoKKKrat Kathy Hoffman (candidate for AZ State Superintendent), former Bernie Sanders campaigner, and member of the “progressive” canvassing org “Knock Every Door.”
Just recently, on March 9th, the Arizona Education Association Union used the #RedForEd rally to endorse DemoKKKratic alt-left gubernatorial candidate David Garcia.
These facts, alone, should give one pause.
Now, let’s talk about pay for public school teachers. Are public school teachers in AZ underpaid? Maybe. It depends on how you look at it.
Teachers unions like to compare individual state compensation to NATIONAL averages...for obvious reasons. It makes for effective optics. The average teacher salary in New York City, for instance, is 29% ABOVE the national average, ranging from an average of $58k to nearly $80k.
The cost of living in NYC, however, is significantly higher than the cost of living in Arizona, in part because of high DemoKKKrat taxes.
The average teacher pay in AZ is $48k and goes up to $63k.
One shouldn’t attempt to compare Arizona salaries with national averages or the pay in other states. Arizona has a much lower cost of living and lower taxes.
Teachers in Arizona already make more than the median salary for the average Arizona worker.
Many free market pundits point out that teachers are paid according to their collective bargaining agreements with the school districts. If they are not happy with it, they have the same choice as everybody else in any other business...to find another career.
That said, higher pay should attract the best teachers. So, if the money isn’t enough, the good teachers will leave. A shortage of teachers will automatically result in a higher salaries.
That’s just basic common sense and the reality of a free market.
Sadly, we don’t have a free market educational system.
We have a union/DemoKKKrat party run educational system. The unions pay HUGE $ to the DemoKKKrat party every year to support the likes of Mad Maxine Waters, Nancy Pelosi, and B. Hussein Obama. Those union dues come directly out of teachers’ salaries.
The unions, and the DemoKKKrats that run them, choose the curriculum, text books, negotiate salaries, and set the rules for teacher conduct.
This is why we are constantly seeing cell-phone videos of teachers indoctrinating their students with left-wing propaganda, text books for high school students that express concern for Trump’s mental health, teachers punishing students for pro-2nd Amendment and pro-life views, teachers publicly calling for the assassination of Republican leaders or celebrating the death of a Republican former First Lady and expressing the desire to see the rest of their family members follow her.
Our public school teachers now teach 2nd graders about homosexuality, transvestism, transsexuals, bestiality, and demonstrate the proper use of condoms to 6th graders. In many states, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, such outrageous studies are mandatory.
Our public school teachers discipline children who wear crosses to class or carry a Bible, yet teach and promote Islamic studies in the classroom.
Public school teachers permit students to wear anti-2nd amendment attire, “pro-choice” (pro-abortion) tee-shirts, and garments that proudly display the visage of communist dictators who massacred tens of millions of innocent people.
Yet, these same public teachers discipline, suspend, and occasionally expel students for expressing opposing ideas or for simply wearing “MAGA” hats to school or displaying an American flag.
These same public teachers, perhaps because they are too busy leading their students out of the school to participate in left-wing political marches, have failed to teach our children ANYTHING about American or world history, the
Cris - 6 years ago
Don’t listen to the trolls. Education is the most important thing our state has to pay for and they have not. Read our state constitution.
Carrie Kaput - 6 years ago
Fully funded public education in Arizona must be our top priority. I support a tax increase. I see friends in other states and the robust extracurricular programs available to their children and want to weep. We already voted to fund education. I will continue to vote for education every chance I get. In the meantime, Arizona must pay the money already owed to schools and come up with a concrete plan to increase not just teacher salaries, but also all support staff pay and address cramped class sizes that are not conducive to learning, crumbling infrastructure, and underfunded technology and arts programs. Money leeching to charters is significantly contributing to the problem of underfunded public education.
D. Rosenbloom - 6 years ago
The children are being used and abused purely for political puposes. Shame on you, the Democratic party.
Cynthia Peterson - 6 years ago
As a teacher, coming from a family of teachers of various levels, all I can say after reading these comments is....wow. There is so much hatred here for teachers. I am really sad, dismayed and worried for our future when people do not respect education, calling teachers fascists and marxists (the two are not the same thing BTW).
Also - my salary is nowhere near the average of 48K. Where did they come up with that number?
Nicole Newhouse - 6 years ago
Ultimately, without a dedicated revenue stream, Arizona politicians have a track record of breaking their promises for education funding. Despite state laws and court orders, they have slashed funding for:
Inflation
Classroom textbooks and technology
School building maintenance and construction
Full day Kindergarten
Career and technical education
Teachers
Governor Ducey and many legislators continue to support more tax cuts that will shrink the resources for public schools every year, like the new tax cut for coal mines.
I am a registered independent that is fiscally conservative. But I support a tax increase in order to provide Arizona with adequate, consistent, permanent funding to ensure Arizona's children get what they need.
Adequate. The denotation is either "as much or as good as necessary for some requirement or purpose;" or "barely suitable." We should strive for excellence in education in Arizona; however, I would settle for adequacy. For now.
Denisek - 6 years ago
We need to raise taxes on corporations!
Dalle Dun - 6 years ago
of course not, the money is there in the districts. My property taxes were close to $3,000 / yr, that is enough! I live near Centennial High School, have known teachers and other staff there. The school spends money freely, example is the $tens of thousands spent on the football field and track, the field was in excellent condition at the end of last year. the school is kept up state of the art everything. the school receives the same amount per student as every other school in AZ. The schools are not falling apart as claimed, the money is being waisted.
ErinS - 6 years ago
I also support auditing companies to make sure they are paying their fair share; ending the tuition tax credits (Brophy prep doesn't need our tax dollars while public schools have broken toilets and not enough paper); paying back everything that has been owed education since the recession; ending ESAs that take funding directly from the education budget and gives it to private schools; and looking for new sources of revenue.
Jake vanderhoff - 6 years ago
No more taxes. you want more pay, get higher education. All my kids go to private schools. Small classes, enriched learning enviroments.
Cathy B - 6 years ago
If Gov Doug Ducey were a DemocRat, there would be no walk out and they'd be cheering the package offered them. Bunch of hypocrites. Get back to class!
Katy kipling - 6 years ago
Teacher don’t make enough for what they do
Barb - 6 years ago
After days of my little kids going to school saying that they have to wear red for Ed to support the teachers and the teachers saying it's for them. For two weeks my 3 little ones were arguing about wearing red my teacher says we have to my teacher says we have to. I said no you are not wearing red to school but my teacher says we have to. So yesterday on Wednesday I said you tell the teachers that your nana and Mom said no that it is not right. So the teachers retracted what they said yesterday I am filing a report to the Department of Education this is wrong to tell the kids that it's for them about them. To teach them to break the law this is wrong they should be arrested the kids should know that even teachers can be arrested. This is a right to work state I hope our government doesn't give in I will homeschool my children I have kids in three different schools in the Mesa Public Schools I am shocked and appalled that all these teachers are trying to say that this is for the kids. Us parents of all these students purchase all the supplies and more every year and I have six from my household that go to school so the teachers are not telling these children especially the younger children the truth.
Kathy - 6 years ago
No more taxes, I get $460 month in social security and still work at Target at age 74
Dale - 6 years ago
It is easy for those that want more to demand it be taken from the rest of us. Who will do with less, so those making the demands may have more?
Lori - 6 years ago
No no no. We have teachers who are Molesting kids. We also have kids killing other students. Parents need to step up. Stop FREE breakfast and lunch for the illegal immigrants, this will put more money back into schools. If kids want to play sports or music and we the tax payers are supporting. Have the Parents pay for these events there’s more money?
If teacher aren’t happy, with a job. Do something else. It’s very sad that money is more important to them than their students and this is what their showing us and how they feel very sad Arizona teachers.
Bob Haber - 6 years ago
I am so tired of paying more and more taxes for schools. I live in the Creighton district and my property taxes this year are over $3000. Enough is enough. I will vote no for any new school taxes and I will vote against anyone who raises my taxes for schools. Throwing more money at our incompetent schools is not the answer. It is time for some free market competition in our schools. I want to see vouchers so parents can choose to send their kids to private schools where they might actually get a decent education rather than floundering in our failing public schools where they turn out graduates who can't even get a decent job with their education and can't get into prestigious colleges because their scores are so low. Our public schools have failed. It is time to pull the plug on them and start letting private schools do their job. And fire the underperforming teachers. Imagine going to a private business and being an underperforming employer and demanding a raise and threatening to walk out if you don't get a huge raise-- what do you think would happen to you?
Tired o Taxes - 6 years ago
NO NEW TAXES! We passed a tax bill to ‘pay more to teachers’ a few years ago and it seems there’s never enough! I’ll tell you why....there are TOO many ‘administrators’. The ratio of administrators to teachers is too high! Get rid of the drones and pay the worker bees more.
samette - 6 years ago
Home school people. If I had it to do over, I would. The public schools are left wing BS. They push for sex ed in kindergarten, global warming, open society, anti God, and hate for anyone who disagrees. This strike is all about replacing a Repuclican Gov. with a Liberal one. The teachers got what they asked for, then were told to ask for more to make the Govenor look hateful to the Arizona voters. In addition, if you want your tax dollars to go towards special spending on illegal children, plus free food, IEP spending, even free transportation on the District buses for them, than support their agenda.
LJ - 6 years ago
Not a smoker, but AZ needs to consider legalizing marijuana. We could really use the tax money from that..
John Willcox - 6 years ago
When do taxes stop? I am the working class and tired of being nickled and dime. Start with improving family life not class life. No more taxes!!!!
Bruce McKinstry - 6 years ago
I believe we should spend more on education and teachers, but I voted NO because tax dollars supposedly earmarked for education apparently don't go to education. My property tax bill shows that 77% is earmarked for education. The Maricopa County website shows that nearly 54% of tax revenues are for education. So what happened to the missing 23% from my tax bill? The site also shows that property taxes make up 22% of a 2.5 billion dollar annual budget, so property taxes contribute about 550 million dollars to the budget. Now, if 54% of 550 million is earmarked for education that comes up to nearly 300 million dollars. And again, from Maricopa website how much of the budget is allotted for education?
About 30 million dollars. What is happening here? Have I totally misread the Counties own charts?
Lela Jameson - 6 years ago
I do not want to pay more taxes to pay for education or to feed children that are not my children. I worked and paid taxes for education and I paid to feed, clothe, and provide medical and dental care for my family. I didn't get free meals or backpacks filled with food and school supplies for my children. If you choose to have children then you should do whatever it takes to properly care for them. Tax money for teacher salary should be spent on teacher salary. If you choose to go into a career where the pay is too low to support yourself then do not expect the rest of society to support you. If you choose to take out school loans to pay for college instead of working and paying your waytgrough
A Disappointed Citizen - 6 years ago
I wish Ken Valley had been indoctrinated with how to use a comma.
Ken Valley - 6 years ago
I'm all for teachers getting better salary, but only if they'd stop trying to indoctrinate our kids with their left-wing, fascist, ideology! Some of these teachers are outright Marxists and are using our children as pawns to support their personal causes. We've been seeing this Socialist/Communist indoctrination by college professors in major universities. But, now elementary and high school kids are also being attacked/forced into sit through the leftist indoctrination propaganda. Parents have also saw this garbage with the phony Common Core curriculum a few years ago. Teachers should stick to teaching what they're paid to do, and not indoctrinate, or have sex, with our children!
D13 - 6 years ago
If the teachers going to strike with 20% pay raise make them work the holidays, summers and spring break and only give them PTO like the corporate companies do. Because corporate company give PTO which is vacation and sick combined. U r lucky if you get 2 percent raise no pension no medical after u are none working for them. Solve the problem by getting rid of teachers and having everyone HOME SCHOOL. What a concept and what a way to help the budget.
Christopher Holman - 6 years ago
What also irked me about this whole #Red4Ed thing is the teachers or paid union members holding signs on the corner in front of the school expecting me to support them holding their picket signs. I am not the one robbing you. Your a**es should be at the governor's office and superintendent's office picketing them and demanding they fix it. Stop begging us, the people who didn't vote for any of these crooks.
Christopher Holman - 6 years ago
More than $2billion in bond money was approved for 2015 and 2016 alone in Arizona. Do the due diligence and calculate how much has been stolen over the past 25 years. Yet, Arizona continues to rank as one of the worst states for education and teacher pay? It is time to tell the criminals (i.e. politicians and corporations) no more. I'm sorry you teachers don't get paid squat, but you work for one of the most corrupt systems in existence. It is time to start educating our uneducated voter bases and open their eyes to what is really going on and how bad they are being played.
Linda C - 6 years ago
I would not object to a small tax increase for education.... But, wait.... We already approved that, years ago, with Proposition 301. Then the state decided that the schools did not need the money, and decided to put the money raised from that tax increase for education, that had been approved by the voters. into the state coffers. When the courts found their use of the money illegal because it violated what it was supposed to be for, the state decided that it was cheaper to pay ongoing litigation costs for years, than to pay as ordered, and appealed. Although, they did toss a small percentage to the districts to show how much they were "helping" education... We've already lost years of the money approved by the voters. How about stepping up and simply following through with the original mandate?
Clearly, the money, by itself, will not solve everything. But it will be helpful in seeing that our children have certified teachers in their classrooms, teaching them; in providing adequate supplies; in ensuring that all students have current curriculum and texts; in providing support staff (transportation, food service, office staff, instructional assistants, program technicians, etc.) with with livable wages, comparable to jobs in the private sector; will encourage staff retention; and so much else that works together to provide all students with the quality educational environment and opportunities that they deserve.
#REDforED - AZ Kids & Educators Deserve Better! - 6 years ago
Keep in mind, this isn't just about teacher salaries... it's also support staff, more funding per student, smaller class sizes, etc. Put a tax on soda and cigarettes. Legalize marijuana. All members of legislature take a 1% pay cut. There are ways make the funding available... if only it was a priority!
D21 - 6 years ago
You can afford endless wars and occupations , now more for this (edu)? C'mon I don't want kids and never EVER will have kids... I don't need to pay more for your friggin' kids education. I'm single and I am consistently hit with paying the fed - come tax time. All my acquantences that have kids under age 18 seem to get new stuff every time tax time rolls around. We are alwready burdened by having a school next to us (1 city block) and tons of downtown restaraunts / ballparks (adult playgrounds) bars. No no we can't be burden by your tax hikes. Dumb voters.
Phillip Bynum - 6 years ago
If this state don't get with legality of marijuana then it's going to continue having this issue at a proportional rate. Coupled with utilizing solar energy, Arizona could lead the wave into the future. The problem is that there is to much old fashioned conservative thinking that keeps anchoring progress. I moved out here believing that Arizona was a foward-thinking state. I've been here 11 years and many things have me believing that Mississippi may have actually surpassed this state. Issues like the racist proposition that caused the state to lose millions in foreign investments are clear indicators of this backwards way of thinking. Now people may get upset by this statement but sometimes you have to recognize the symptom before you can cure the disease.
MBG - 6 years ago
Yes as long as it was restricted to public education! I voted for this before and my schools and teachers didn’t see any of it. Funny how my so called “representatives” were found lining their coffers tho....
sally brombones - 6 years ago
There are a lot of expensive entities in the state with little to no tax contribution to the public.
What about the big entertainment entities doing some donating to education?
One way to persuade new business is to give them a tax delay or no tax to locate here.
The penny tax on a dollar is not a big burden -the entire school infrastructure needs to be upped in quality. Seeing a science teacher in Flagstaff who has two advanced degrees making about $35,999 yearly and has been about there for 10 years is not the average Gov Ducy believes they make. That science teacher closed the interview to say he is moving to Seattle.
Chuck - 6 years ago
No. I do not support at tax increase. I believe the districts could do more for the teachers and staff. I don't think it should be across the board raise as some teachers do more for the students. One other thing.. since teachers are in charge of kids, please drug test teachers and staff..
Phil McCabe - 6 years ago
I have a two-part solution: First, increase the tax credit about for public schools to match private schools (it's currently $400 can $2,132). Second, for those who WANT more money to go towards schools, utilize the tax credit and donate to your schools. If every parent at my child's school too advantage of the tax credit (even at the current level of $400), the school would have an extra $25,000. While this would increase wages like they should, that money could be used to help pay for supplies and school security/safety enhancements. Tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar donation - if you give $400, and you owe at least $400 in taxes, you will recieve a refund of $400. YOU are telling the state where your tax money goes.
Barb - 6 years ago
I would definitely go for an increase, I would also do it for security at the schools to catch all the teachers that do steal everything their parents by their parents pay for everything that the kids need in school so I don't understand about the funding for the schools. I've had 13 plus kids come through my home and I do not appreciate you're not allowed to wash their hands the teachers are telling them to wear red for ED high schools are buying students Donuts if they support for the Red Bread and there's a lot of teachers that take a lot of stuff and do a lot of personal stuff at school that they shouldn't do. So the security will pay for the safety first and foremost of our kids and second will catch have the teachers use the clear backpacks I hope our state congress all the people don't back down. Or how about giving an option of all the tax dollars that we pay to go to the schools how about if you give it to the parents to homeschool. The teacher should not do what they're doing they signed a contract and for any one of these teachers to say is for the welfare of the kids that is a lie. But again I think the money should be divided to all the parents that are willing to homeschool their kids all these teachers will be scrambling for a job I hope we don't back down I am so upset and so angry I have kids and three different schools and the things that I am hearing I am appalled at these teachers I will never look at the Mesa Public Schools the same and after this is over I guarantee you that I am one parent that will figure something else out even if I put my kids in a charter school what you people are doing is wrong
Bob - 6 years ago
Arizona has had many years of consecutive TAX CUTS. This is a fact. How do you balance a budget with less revenue? You take the money from Public Schools. This is why my child’s education is suffering. Not because the money is poorly spent, the money has been taken away. How do you invest what is required for the children of Arizona to receive a quality education and balance the budge ? Two choices, less money for other Departments or INCREASE taxes! Ducey and his Dark money friends want to destroy public education because without educated voters the elite can call all the shots.
Diane Sundquist - 6 years ago
Hey Joe Fox - no need to ridicule the Republicans - Your President Obama (DEMOCRAT) only cared about his pocket - Oh yes, and so did his wife. Trump is attempting to make America Great Again and should be given the chance. So - stay on the subject of whether or not a sales tax increase is warranted.
Diane Sundquist - 6 years ago
I oppose a tax increase because I am against funding private schools or any other type of education that is not the public school system. Monies are provided to districts mostly based on number of students. Taking funds from the public school system to provide for private education basically is paying for more direct labor in teaches and support staff and all overhead expenses. If parents want to send their child(ren) to a private school, let them pay for it, not us taxpayers! As a senior citizen on our insufficient social security system, every cent counts - every % of sales taxes hits us seniors hard. My last social security increase netted me $.99 a month. Our teachers deserve to be paid comparable to the rest of the US but don't make us taxpayers suffer because some want private education.
Allan LuPone - 6 years ago
Yes I support a tax increase too better for nd our K-12 and college Educators and support staff. These children our our future. You can take funds from the Private Prisons that Jan Bewer and Russell Piece stoll from the $340 million that we voted on. See these two republicans should have been arrested for their criminal actions. REMEMBER YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FIR. And the state of Arizona ranks 50th in education of our students. It seems that the only way too change this travesty is too stop electing Republicans. Most of them in this state are supportied by the Koch Brother’s who want too keep our kids friends m getting a proper education.
Deborah Newell - 6 years ago
Not only do I not support a tax increase, I don’t support this action by the teachers nor the enabling by parents. Teachers, stay at work, at the rate you agreed to in your contracts. THAT’S how you show your support for the children.
Linda - 6 years ago
I support a sales tax increase! It’s not just for teachers salaries! Teachers want you to know they’re walking for student funding and support staff salaries also! The news never mentions that. Please include the students and support staff!
Joan Trotti - 6 years ago
Yes, as long as long as that increase included ALL educators and support staff.
Nola Harr - 6 years ago
Only if there is a way to make sure teachers receive the money. In the past, it has been given to school districts to do with as they wanted. Teachers didn't receive any money.
Eugene Helfer - 6 years ago
I support the tax increase 100 % Which is more important the competence of the children or another penny in our pockets? Either that or the raises should go to the teachers that earn it by making sure that the students in their classrooms do pass their courses instead of only worrying about only what is going into their own pockets. Put the teachers on a pay grade that reflects on their own performance when it comes down to actually teaching the children
Philip Braudt - 6 years ago
With the change in the Lottery numbers and large jackpots we're has the pay out to schools gone? School district have made facility improvements sun shades, play ground fencing and left teachers wages in the dust.
Mike - 6 years ago
No I don't support a new tax . We were told the 123 tax was going to take care of this and it hasn't . We were told a big chunk of lottery revenue was going to go to the school's . The state is making millions in marijuana taxes and alcohol and tobacco taxes and yet our schools have continued to suffer . It boils down to be poor management at the government and school districts and distribution of all the tax dollars already generated . Where are all the millions going and they want more taxes ?
Joe Fox - 6 years ago
Start by getting rid of D. Douglas. Next give back all the money that was taken away sense 2009. Next reverse all the corporate and special interest tax breaks. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, GET RID OF THE STUPID REPUBLICANS AND VOTE IN SOME REPRESENTATIVES WHO CARE ABOUT PEOPLLE “DEMOCRATS”
Jeffrey Nemecek - 6 years ago
Having been a classroom aide, working with special needs students, I know what teachers do for their students and classrooms. I was a Marine for 21years and always felt under appreciated but nothing that iI like working in a classroom. The time and energy that goes into a class of children cannot be be measured monetarily. Books that are out dated, not enough books for an entire class, paper and writing implements, rooms that have desks that are not the correct size for the age level, classrooms that have inconsistent heating and cooling systemsare just some ofthe things that teachers deal with daily. What job do you have that you can do without the tools you need? Would you stay there? Teachers do because they love their vocation. It isn't a job just like I started a Marine for 21 years even though weren't looked at in a favorable way for most my career:; I loved what I did and knew iwas serving everyone with my commitment. Teachers deserve everything we'r can get them, no master what we have to sacrifice to help our children, our grand children our our future.
John Corning Sr - 6 years ago
Why do we keep getting asked to pay more? Where is all the money we already pay go? Why do we get asked to fund bonds every year from the district? The legislature must be taking that money for their "pet" projects, just like the gas tax that isn't getting distributed to the cities and counties. That's why they take money from other programs to fix the extremely bad roads instead of sueing the legislature for their share of the gas tax monies collected.
Back to the education tax, I no longer have children in the system, but that doesn't mean I don't care. If they aren't educated properly, they become the next wave of delinquents. Education is the way out of a lousy way of life and gives a person self worth. The future depends on what we give them, short changing them is not an option, showing them with the actions this state government is doing of "we really don't care", which is how they perceive it will not do. So state legislators, get your act together and get it done, teachers and support staff are the front line in showing the students today and tomorrow we care, it's to late for the decades of students you already short changed, do better by these students and the future ones!
Lee Gicking - 6 years ago
I totally believe that if they would raise the Sales Tax a penny or two it would be enough to handle this crisis! Let all pay for the increase even our visitors!
Mr. Holmes - 6 years ago
Cory, I understand your frustration and if it was true I would agree with you. The fact is that the 48k a year salary is a gross misrepresentation of the actual pay of teachers. That number is averaged with all folks who are hired as “teachers” including all administrators so it’s inflated average. I don’t know of any teachers who make anywhere near that figure. Most are making closer to 38k regardless of time/education. It’s a much larger issue then just making teachers more money. I’d recommend looking into the issues facing the Arizona educational system and coming to your own conclusions based on the facts.
Michael Walser - 6 years ago
Why do the schools employ so many Phd’s and give such ridiculous wages and separation packages to staff? Put that money in the classrooms!!!
Cory Day - 6 years ago
The news said their average salary is 48K. I make 42K and work year round. They make more than me and have the summer off. Some teachers say they have 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. I am a single dad paying child support and have 50-50 custody of my son and have one job.
Alison Bruening-Hamati - 6 years ago
What about corporations in AZ? If they even paid 1% of their profits, we'd be out of this mess.
Matthew Sonnenburg, you sir are the moron, regardless of whether or not someone can spell has absolutely nothing to do with how much money we spend on schools. People who have never even been inside of a school can learn how to spell. You sir are the idiot that this country can do without
Not only No but HELL NO!
Teachers signed a CONTRACT and accepted what was offered at the time of employment and NOW they want to strike and hold the education of their charges (the children) HOSTAGE until their DEMANDS are met?!?
Try that crap with your Landlord or Mortgage holder.
Hold out on payment until your asinine demands are met (you HOPE!) and see how THAT works for you!!
All that strike should be FIRED with NO chance of rehire for at LEAST 10 YEARS IMO.
I love the people on here slamming public education, but they can't spell.
You morons are WHY we need to invest more in education in Arizona.
Fucking morons.
I would have before the walkout, but not now
I would never vote an increase for teachers! My children will never go to a public school! I will make sure that I make that difference. You may get my tax dollars for someone else’s child but you won’t get my tax dollars for my own. Many parents I know have considered pulling there children from public school. It would be amazing if we could get like 15% of parents that can afford to send there children to private schools, to do it!
horrors of socialism, human rights, civics, math, etc. We’ve all seen the on-line videos of high school and college kids who think President Kennedy just died in a car accident last week, who can’t identify a photo of Winston Churchill, Adolf Hitler, find Africa on a map, or name the vice president of our country.
Public school children have been taught that if they are of European descent, they are evil, guilty, and privileged and should be ashamed of their skin color. Everyone else, is a victim, regardless of their history, and superior in every way to the oppressive white patriarchy. These kids can tell you exactly what LGBTQIAPD stands for and who their oppressors are, but can’t name a single American Founding Father.
Public school teachers are overwhelming left-wing DemoKKKrats, yet they conveniently fail to impart to their students that the DemoKKKrats founded the KKK, wrote the segregationist Jim Crow laws, are the only political party to intern innocent American citizens in concentration camps, ordered the development of chemical and nuclear weapons (and dropped both on innocent civilians), experimented on Blacks with syphilis (for decades!), endorsed and practiced forced sterilization of poor minorities, etc, etc, etc. Indeed, more than 80% of graduating high school students are unaware that the president who freed the slaves, Abraham Lincoln, was a Republican who was assassinated by a DemoKKKrat.
So, do I want to see teachers make more money? Absolutely. It is a noble profession and teachers deserve to be compensated fairly.
However, I do NOT want more money given to teachers and administrators who feel that education should take a backseat to indoctrination in left-wing politics and who provide socialist propaganda to the kids instead of proper textbooks.
I’m not done.
Private schools and charter schools are mostly free from the political drivel that public schools teach. Charters were established to give teachers more autonomy in exchange for greater accountability for improved student achievement.
Test scores, across the country, consistently demonstrate that private schools & charters provide a vastly superior education to our children and that they do so, largely, by keeping their political agendas to themselves. Unlike public schools, private and charter schools hold administrators and teachers accountable for their behavior and performance. These schools understand that their pupils are there to learn, not for indoctrination into the DemoKKKrat’s socialist agenda or to create future DemoKKKrat voters.
You don’t see many people wearing tee-shirts of the racist, murdering, homophobic, communist, Che Guevara, in private and charter schools. Educators and their students understand that such attire would be as inappropriate as wearing a Hitler tee-shirt.
If we are being asked to cough up more money for teachers, I’m all for it. However, that money should go to teachers who are working to educate, not indoctrinate.
Give the money to charter schools and let #RedForEd, the Arizona Education Association Union, David Garcia, Derek Harris, Noah Karvelis, the DemoKKKrat party, and America-hating, leftist agenda-driven, public school teachers pack dirt.
Now, I’m done.
#RedForEd in AZ is run by Bernie Sanders campaigner, Trump-hating, NRA-hating, and Gov. Ducey-hating Derek Harris of Tucson and the Valley’s Noah Karvelis, the campaign manager for DemoKKKrat Kathy Hoffman (candidate for AZ State Superintendent), former Bernie Sanders campaigner, and member of the “progressive” canvassing org “Knock Every Door.”
Just recently, on March 9th, the Arizona Education Association Union used the #RedForEd rally to endorse DemoKKKratic alt-left gubernatorial candidate David Garcia.
These facts, alone, should give one pause.
Now, let’s talk about pay for public school teachers. Are public school teachers in AZ underpaid? Maybe. It depends on how you look at it.
Teachers unions like to compare individual state compensation to NATIONAL averages...for obvious reasons. It makes for effective optics. The average teacher salary in New York City, for instance, is 29% ABOVE the national average, ranging from an average of $58k to nearly $80k.
The cost of living in NYC, however, is significantly higher than the cost of living in Arizona, in part because of high DemoKKKrat taxes.
The average teacher pay in AZ is $48k and goes up to $63k.
One shouldn’t attempt to compare Arizona salaries with national averages or the pay in other states. Arizona has a much lower cost of living and lower taxes.
Teachers in Arizona already make more than the median salary for the average Arizona worker.
Many free market pundits point out that teachers are paid according to their collective bargaining agreements with the school districts. If they are not happy with it, they have the same choice as everybody else in any other business...to find another career.
That said, higher pay should attract the best teachers. So, if the money isn’t enough, the good teachers will leave. A shortage of teachers will automatically result in a higher salaries.
That’s just basic common sense and the reality of a free market.
Sadly, we don’t have a free market educational system.
We have a union/DemoKKKrat party run educational system. The unions pay HUGE $ to the DemoKKKrat party every year to support the likes of Mad Maxine Waters, Nancy Pelosi, and B. Hussein Obama. Those union dues come directly out of teachers’ salaries.
The unions, and the DemoKKKrats that run them, choose the curriculum, text books, negotiate salaries, and set the rules for teacher conduct.
This is why we are constantly seeing cell-phone videos of teachers indoctrinating their students with left-wing propaganda, text books for high school students that express concern for Trump’s mental health, teachers punishing students for pro-2nd Amendment and pro-life views, teachers publicly calling for the assassination of Republican leaders or celebrating the death of a Republican former First Lady and expressing the desire to see the rest of their family members follow her.
Our public school teachers now teach 2nd graders about homosexuality, transvestism, transsexuals, bestiality, and demonstrate the proper use of condoms to 6th graders. In many states, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, such outrageous studies are mandatory.
Our public school teachers discipline children who wear crosses to class or carry a Bible, yet teach and promote Islamic studies in the classroom.
Public school teachers permit students to wear anti-2nd amendment attire, “pro-choice” (pro-abortion) tee-shirts, and garments that proudly display the visage of communist dictators who massacred tens of millions of innocent people.
Yet, these same public teachers discipline, suspend, and occasionally expel students for expressing opposing ideas or for simply wearing “MAGA” hats to school or displaying an American flag.
These same public teachers, perhaps because they are too busy leading their students out of the school to participate in left-wing political marches, have failed to teach our children ANYTHING about American or world history, the
Don’t listen to the trolls. Education is the most important thing our state has to pay for and they have not. Read our state constitution.
Fully funded public education in Arizona must be our top priority. I support a tax increase. I see friends in other states and the robust extracurricular programs available to their children and want to weep. We already voted to fund education. I will continue to vote for education every chance I get. In the meantime, Arizona must pay the money already owed to schools and come up with a concrete plan to increase not just teacher salaries, but also all support staff pay and address cramped class sizes that are not conducive to learning, crumbling infrastructure, and underfunded technology and arts programs. Money leeching to charters is significantly contributing to the problem of underfunded public education.
The children are being used and abused purely for political puposes. Shame on you, the Democratic party.
As a teacher, coming from a family of teachers of various levels, all I can say after reading these comments is....wow. There is so much hatred here for teachers. I am really sad, dismayed and worried for our future when people do not respect education, calling teachers fascists and marxists (the two are not the same thing BTW).
Also - my salary is nowhere near the average of 48K. Where did they come up with that number?
Ultimately, without a dedicated revenue stream, Arizona politicians have a track record of breaking their promises for education funding. Despite state laws and court orders, they have slashed funding for:
Inflation
Classroom textbooks and technology
School building maintenance and construction
Full day Kindergarten
Career and technical education
Teachers
Governor Ducey and many legislators continue to support more tax cuts that will shrink the resources for public schools every year, like the new tax cut for coal mines.
I am a registered independent that is fiscally conservative. But I support a tax increase in order to provide Arizona with adequate, consistent, permanent funding to ensure Arizona's children get what they need.
Adequate. The denotation is either "as much or as good as necessary for some requirement or purpose;" or "barely suitable." We should strive for excellence in education in Arizona; however, I would settle for adequacy. For now.
We need to raise taxes on corporations!
of course not, the money is there in the districts. My property taxes were close to $3,000 / yr, that is enough! I live near Centennial High School, have known teachers and other staff there. The school spends money freely, example is the $tens of thousands spent on the football field and track, the field was in excellent condition at the end of last year. the school is kept up state of the art everything. the school receives the same amount per student as every other school in AZ. The schools are not falling apart as claimed, the money is being waisted.
I also support auditing companies to make sure they are paying their fair share; ending the tuition tax credits (Brophy prep doesn't need our tax dollars while public schools have broken toilets and not enough paper); paying back everything that has been owed education since the recession; ending ESAs that take funding directly from the education budget and gives it to private schools; and looking for new sources of revenue.
No more taxes. you want more pay, get higher education. All my kids go to private schools. Small classes, enriched learning enviroments.
If Gov Doug Ducey were a DemocRat, there would be no walk out and they'd be cheering the package offered them. Bunch of hypocrites. Get back to class!
Teacher don’t make enough for what they do
After days of my little kids going to school saying that they have to wear red for Ed to support the teachers and the teachers saying it's for them. For two weeks my 3 little ones were arguing about wearing red my teacher says we have to my teacher says we have to. I said no you are not wearing red to school but my teacher says we have to. So yesterday on Wednesday I said you tell the teachers that your nana and Mom said no that it is not right. So the teachers retracted what they said yesterday I am filing a report to the Department of Education this is wrong to tell the kids that it's for them about them. To teach them to break the law this is wrong they should be arrested the kids should know that even teachers can be arrested. This is a right to work state I hope our government doesn't give in I will homeschool my children I have kids in three different schools in the Mesa Public Schools I am shocked and appalled that all these teachers are trying to say that this is for the kids. Us parents of all these students purchase all the supplies and more every year and I have six from my household that go to school so the teachers are not telling these children especially the younger children the truth.
No more taxes, I get $460 month in social security and still work at Target at age 74
It is easy for those that want more to demand it be taken from the rest of us. Who will do with less, so those making the demands may have more?
No no no. We have teachers who are Molesting kids. We also have kids killing other students. Parents need to step up. Stop FREE breakfast and lunch for the illegal immigrants, this will put more money back into schools. If kids want to play sports or music and we the tax payers are supporting. Have the Parents pay for these events there’s more money?
If teacher aren’t happy, with a job. Do something else. It’s very sad that money is more important to them than their students and this is what their showing us and how they feel very sad Arizona teachers.
I am so tired of paying more and more taxes for schools. I live in the Creighton district and my property taxes this year are over $3000. Enough is enough. I will vote no for any new school taxes and I will vote against anyone who raises my taxes for schools. Throwing more money at our incompetent schools is not the answer. It is time for some free market competition in our schools. I want to see vouchers so parents can choose to send their kids to private schools where they might actually get a decent education rather than floundering in our failing public schools where they turn out graduates who can't even get a decent job with their education and can't get into prestigious colleges because their scores are so low. Our public schools have failed. It is time to pull the plug on them and start letting private schools do their job. And fire the underperforming teachers. Imagine going to a private business and being an underperforming employer and demanding a raise and threatening to walk out if you don't get a huge raise-- what do you think would happen to you?
NO NEW TAXES! We passed a tax bill to ‘pay more to teachers’ a few years ago and it seems there’s never enough! I’ll tell you why....there are TOO many ‘administrators’. The ratio of administrators to teachers is too high! Get rid of the drones and pay the worker bees more.
Home school people. If I had it to do over, I would. The public schools are left wing BS. They push for sex ed in kindergarten, global warming, open society, anti God, and hate for anyone who disagrees. This strike is all about replacing a Repuclican Gov. with a Liberal one. The teachers got what they asked for, then were told to ask for more to make the Govenor look hateful to the Arizona voters. In addition, if you want your tax dollars to go towards special spending on illegal children, plus free food, IEP spending, even free transportation on the District buses for them, than support their agenda.
Not a smoker, but AZ needs to consider legalizing marijuana. We could really use the tax money from that..
When do taxes stop? I am the working class and tired of being nickled and dime. Start with improving family life not class life. No more taxes!!!!
I believe we should spend more on education and teachers, but I voted NO because tax dollars supposedly earmarked for education apparently don't go to education. My property tax bill shows that 77% is earmarked for education. The Maricopa County website shows that nearly 54% of tax revenues are for education. So what happened to the missing 23% from my tax bill? The site also shows that property taxes make up 22% of a 2.5 billion dollar annual budget, so property taxes contribute about 550 million dollars to the budget. Now, if 54% of 550 million is earmarked for education that comes up to nearly 300 million dollars. And again, from Maricopa website how much of the budget is allotted for education?
About 30 million dollars. What is happening here? Have I totally misread the Counties own charts?
I do not want to pay more taxes to pay for education or to feed children that are not my children. I worked and paid taxes for education and I paid to feed, clothe, and provide medical and dental care for my family. I didn't get free meals or backpacks filled with food and school supplies for my children. If you choose to have children then you should do whatever it takes to properly care for them. Tax money for teacher salary should be spent on teacher salary. If you choose to go into a career where the pay is too low to support yourself then do not expect the rest of society to support you. If you choose to take out school loans to pay for college instead of working and paying your waytgrough
I wish Ken Valley had been indoctrinated with how to use a comma.
I'm all for teachers getting better salary, but only if they'd stop trying to indoctrinate our kids with their left-wing, fascist, ideology! Some of these teachers are outright Marxists and are using our children as pawns to support their personal causes. We've been seeing this Socialist/Communist indoctrination by college professors in major universities. But, now elementary and high school kids are also being attacked/forced into sit through the leftist indoctrination propaganda. Parents have also saw this garbage with the phony Common Core curriculum a few years ago. Teachers should stick to teaching what they're paid to do, and not indoctrinate, or have sex, with our children!
If the teachers going to strike with 20% pay raise make them work the holidays, summers and spring break and only give them PTO like the corporate companies do. Because corporate company give PTO which is vacation and sick combined. U r lucky if you get 2 percent raise no pension no medical after u are none working for them. Solve the problem by getting rid of teachers and having everyone HOME SCHOOL. What a concept and what a way to help the budget.
What also irked me about this whole #Red4Ed thing is the teachers or paid union members holding signs on the corner in front of the school expecting me to support them holding their picket signs. I am not the one robbing you. Your a**es should be at the governor's office and superintendent's office picketing them and demanding they fix it. Stop begging us, the people who didn't vote for any of these crooks.
More than $2billion in bond money was approved for 2015 and 2016 alone in Arizona. Do the due diligence and calculate how much has been stolen over the past 25 years. Yet, Arizona continues to rank as one of the worst states for education and teacher pay? It is time to tell the criminals (i.e. politicians and corporations) no more. I'm sorry you teachers don't get paid squat, but you work for one of the most corrupt systems in existence. It is time to start educating our uneducated voter bases and open their eyes to what is really going on and how bad they are being played.
I would not object to a small tax increase for education.... But, wait.... We already approved that, years ago, with Proposition 301. Then the state decided that the schools did not need the money, and decided to put the money raised from that tax increase for education, that had been approved by the voters. into the state coffers. When the courts found their use of the money illegal because it violated what it was supposed to be for, the state decided that it was cheaper to pay ongoing litigation costs for years, than to pay as ordered, and appealed. Although, they did toss a small percentage to the districts to show how much they were "helping" education... We've already lost years of the money approved by the voters. How about stepping up and simply following through with the original mandate?
Clearly, the money, by itself, will not solve everything. But it will be helpful in seeing that our children have certified teachers in their classrooms, teaching them; in providing adequate supplies; in ensuring that all students have current curriculum and texts; in providing support staff (transportation, food service, office staff, instructional assistants, program technicians, etc.) with with livable wages, comparable to jobs in the private sector; will encourage staff retention; and so much else that works together to provide all students with the quality educational environment and opportunities that they deserve.
Keep in mind, this isn't just about teacher salaries... it's also support staff, more funding per student, smaller class sizes, etc. Put a tax on soda and cigarettes. Legalize marijuana. All members of legislature take a 1% pay cut. There are ways make the funding available... if only it was a priority!
You can afford endless wars and occupations , now more for this (edu)? C'mon I don't want kids and never EVER will have kids... I don't need to pay more for your friggin' kids education. I'm single and I am consistently hit with paying the fed - come tax time. All my acquantences that have kids under age 18 seem to get new stuff every time tax time rolls around. We are alwready burdened by having a school next to us (1 city block) and tons of downtown restaraunts / ballparks (adult playgrounds) bars. No no we can't be burden by your tax hikes. Dumb voters.
If this state don't get with legality of marijuana then it's going to continue having this issue at a proportional rate. Coupled with utilizing solar energy, Arizona could lead the wave into the future. The problem is that there is to much old fashioned conservative thinking that keeps anchoring progress. I moved out here believing that Arizona was a foward-thinking state. I've been here 11 years and many things have me believing that Mississippi may have actually surpassed this state. Issues like the racist proposition that caused the state to lose millions in foreign investments are clear indicators of this backwards way of thinking. Now people may get upset by this statement but sometimes you have to recognize the symptom before you can cure the disease.
Yes as long as it was restricted to public education! I voted for this before and my schools and teachers didn’t see any of it. Funny how my so called “representatives” were found lining their coffers tho....
There are a lot of expensive entities in the state with little to no tax contribution to the public.
What about the big entertainment entities doing some donating to education?
One way to persuade new business is to give them a tax delay or no tax to locate here.
The penny tax on a dollar is not a big burden -the entire school infrastructure needs to be upped in quality. Seeing a science teacher in Flagstaff who has two advanced degrees making about $35,999 yearly and has been about there for 10 years is not the average Gov Ducy believes they make. That science teacher closed the interview to say he is moving to Seattle.
No. I do not support at tax increase. I believe the districts could do more for the teachers and staff. I don't think it should be across the board raise as some teachers do more for the students. One other thing.. since teachers are in charge of kids, please drug test teachers and staff..
I have a two-part solution: First, increase the tax credit about for public schools to match private schools (it's currently $400 can $2,132). Second, for those who WANT more money to go towards schools, utilize the tax credit and donate to your schools. If every parent at my child's school too advantage of the tax credit (even at the current level of $400), the school would have an extra $25,000. While this would increase wages like they should, that money could be used to help pay for supplies and school security/safety enhancements. Tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar donation - if you give $400, and you owe at least $400 in taxes, you will recieve a refund of $400. YOU are telling the state where your tax money goes.
I would definitely go for an increase, I would also do it for security at the schools to catch all the teachers that do steal everything their parents by their parents pay for everything that the kids need in school so I don't understand about the funding for the schools. I've had 13 plus kids come through my home and I do not appreciate you're not allowed to wash their hands the teachers are telling them to wear red for ED high schools are buying students Donuts if they support for the Red Bread and there's a lot of teachers that take a lot of stuff and do a lot of personal stuff at school that they shouldn't do. So the security will pay for the safety first and foremost of our kids and second will catch have the teachers use the clear backpacks I hope our state congress all the people don't back down. Or how about giving an option of all the tax dollars that we pay to go to the schools how about if you give it to the parents to homeschool. The teacher should not do what they're doing they signed a contract and for any one of these teachers to say is for the welfare of the kids that is a lie. But again I think the money should be divided to all the parents that are willing to homeschool their kids all these teachers will be scrambling for a job I hope we don't back down I am so upset and so angry I have kids and three different schools and the things that I am hearing I am appalled at these teachers I will never look at the Mesa Public Schools the same and after this is over I guarantee you that I am one parent that will figure something else out even if I put my kids in a charter school what you people are doing is wrong
Arizona has had many years of consecutive TAX CUTS. This is a fact. How do you balance a budget with less revenue? You take the money from Public Schools. This is why my child’s education is suffering. Not because the money is poorly spent, the money has been taken away. How do you invest what is required for the children of Arizona to receive a quality education and balance the budge ? Two choices, less money for other Departments or INCREASE taxes! Ducey and his Dark money friends want to destroy public education because without educated voters the elite can call all the shots.
Hey Joe Fox - no need to ridicule the Republicans - Your President Obama (DEMOCRAT) only cared about his pocket - Oh yes, and so did his wife. Trump is attempting to make America Great Again and should be given the chance. So - stay on the subject of whether or not a sales tax increase is warranted.
I oppose a tax increase because I am against funding private schools or any other type of education that is not the public school system. Monies are provided to districts mostly based on number of students. Taking funds from the public school system to provide for private education basically is paying for more direct labor in teaches and support staff and all overhead expenses. If parents want to send their child(ren) to a private school, let them pay for it, not us taxpayers! As a senior citizen on our insufficient social security system, every cent counts - every % of sales taxes hits us seniors hard. My last social security increase netted me $.99 a month. Our teachers deserve to be paid comparable to the rest of the US but don't make us taxpayers suffer because some want private education.
Yes I support a tax increase too better for nd our K-12 and college Educators and support staff. These children our our future. You can take funds from the Private Prisons that Jan Bewer and Russell Piece stoll from the $340 million that we voted on. See these two republicans should have been arrested for their criminal actions. REMEMBER YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FIR. And the state of Arizona ranks 50th in education of our students. It seems that the only way too change this travesty is too stop electing Republicans. Most of them in this state are supportied by the Koch Brother’s who want too keep our kids friends m getting a proper education.
Not only do I not support a tax increase, I don’t support this action by the teachers nor the enabling by parents. Teachers, stay at work, at the rate you agreed to in your contracts. THAT’S how you show your support for the children.
I support a sales tax increase! It’s not just for teachers salaries! Teachers want you to know they’re walking for student funding and support staff salaries also! The news never mentions that. Please include the students and support staff!
Yes, as long as long as that increase included ALL educators and support staff.
Only if there is a way to make sure teachers receive the money. In the past, it has been given to school districts to do with as they wanted. Teachers didn't receive any money.
I support the tax increase 100 % Which is more important the competence of the children or another penny in our pockets? Either that or the raises should go to the teachers that earn it by making sure that the students in their classrooms do pass their courses instead of only worrying about only what is going into their own pockets. Put the teachers on a pay grade that reflects on their own performance when it comes down to actually teaching the children
With the change in the Lottery numbers and large jackpots we're has the pay out to schools gone? School district have made facility improvements sun shades, play ground fencing and left teachers wages in the dust.
No I don't support a new tax . We were told the 123 tax was going to take care of this and it hasn't . We were told a big chunk of lottery revenue was going to go to the school's . The state is making millions in marijuana taxes and alcohol and tobacco taxes and yet our schools have continued to suffer . It boils down to be poor management at the government and school districts and distribution of all the tax dollars already generated . Where are all the millions going and they want more taxes ?
Start by getting rid of D. Douglas. Next give back all the money that was taken away sense 2009. Next reverse all the corporate and special interest tax breaks. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, GET RID OF THE STUPID REPUBLICANS AND VOTE IN SOME REPRESENTATIVES WHO CARE ABOUT PEOPLLE “DEMOCRATS”
Having been a classroom aide, working with special needs students, I know what teachers do for their students and classrooms. I was a Marine for 21years and always felt under appreciated but nothing that iI like working in a classroom. The time and energy that goes into a class of children cannot be be measured monetarily. Books that are out dated, not enough books for an entire class, paper and writing implements, rooms that have desks that are not the correct size for the age level, classrooms that have inconsistent heating and cooling systemsare just some ofthe things that teachers deal with daily. What job do you have that you can do without the tools you need? Would you stay there? Teachers do because they love their vocation. It isn't a job just like I started a Marine for 21 years even though weren't looked at in a favorable way for most my career:; I loved what I did and knew iwas serving everyone with my commitment. Teachers deserve everything we'r can get them, no master what we have to sacrifice to help our children, our grand children our our future.
Why do we keep getting asked to pay more? Where is all the money we already pay go? Why do we get asked to fund bonds every year from the district? The legislature must be taking that money for their "pet" projects, just like the gas tax that isn't getting distributed to the cities and counties. That's why they take money from other programs to fix the extremely bad roads instead of sueing the legislature for their share of the gas tax monies collected.
Back to the education tax, I no longer have children in the system, but that doesn't mean I don't care. If they aren't educated properly, they become the next wave of delinquents. Education is the way out of a lousy way of life and gives a person self worth. The future depends on what we give them, short changing them is not an option, showing them with the actions this state government is doing of "we really don't care", which is how they perceive it will not do. So state legislators, get your act together and get it done, teachers and support staff are the front line in showing the students today and tomorrow we care, it's to late for the decades of students you already short changed, do better by these students and the future ones!
I totally believe that if they would raise the Sales Tax a penny or two it would be enough to handle this crisis! Let all pay for the increase even our visitors!
Cory, I understand your frustration and if it was true I would agree with you. The fact is that the 48k a year salary is a gross misrepresentation of the actual pay of teachers. That number is averaged with all folks who are hired as “teachers” including all administrators so it’s inflated average. I don’t know of any teachers who make anywhere near that figure. Most are making closer to 38k regardless of time/education. It’s a much larger issue then just making teachers more money. I’d recommend looking into the issues facing the Arizona educational system and coming to your own conclusions based on the facts.
Why do the schools employ so many Phd’s and give such ridiculous wages and separation packages to staff? Put that money in the classrooms!!!
The news said their average salary is 48K. I make 42K and work year round. They make more than me and have the summer off. Some teachers say they have 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. I am a single dad paying child support and have 50-50 custody of my son and have one job.
What about corporations in AZ? If they even paid 1% of their profits, we'd be out of this mess.