Tucson, AZ - Asserting their power as workers, the educators at BASIS Tucson North won three major victories even before finishing bargaining a first contract. First, paid time off days will increase from five to ten. Second, some educators will receive pay at the rate of $40 per hour for being assigned extra subbing duties. Third, the punitive “attendance bonus” system, which compensated teachers for not using their days of paid time off and which unfairly punished educators with disabilities and illnesses, will come to an end. These changes will take effect starting in August of the 2023-2024 school year.
“School choice” takes money out of school districts, and in this case, out of the public school system entirely. This is harmful to everyone, but it hits the worst in underprivileged districts as the little money that was previously allocated to that school is going to a private institution. Essentially, it effectively defunds public schools, which creates an entire list of other problems, which are very apparent in the AZ public school system. Hence, it’s consistently ranked one of, if not the worst public school systems in the entire country.
It seems pretty obvious to me, the school system is already facing so many problems, many of which are manufactured by politicians who are invested in private schools like basis, disincentivizing parents sending kids to public schools, which in turn further defunds them.
I don’t blame parents for sending kids to “charter” schools; it’s not their fault the public education system is literally the worst. If I had the choice and I needed to stay in the state of AZ, I would probably do the same.
Idk what “union protectionism” is, the voucher system and defunding public schools has little to nothing to do with unions.
I dont see why it’s harmful to simply move money away from one school to another. Kids are still being educated and usually in charter schools it’s better education. The public school system has had a monopoly on education for a long time and the results are iffy at best. We’ve thrown a gajillion dollars at it too and that never seems to amount to much. I do have a problem with politicians using power to draw kids into private schools that they have a stake in. That’s BS and crony capitalism. However, that’s not the norm.
The public education unions have always been a problem, at least here in NY state where I reside. They devour a ton of the money for their lavish benefit packages. Sure, they start at lower salaries than most with a masters degree but due to automatic raises and tenure they soon make great money. Oh and they only work about 2/3 of the time that regular full time people work due to all this “fluff” time off and breaks. They get all summer off too. Not a bad gig. Plus, the massive pensions here which are unsustainable are another separate issue. The unions always claim that tax increases and costs we have to eat are “for the children” except it appears the adults are the ones that actually benefit. Sorry, I have a problem with unions in general and the public education ones are some of the worst here.
It’s about taking funds out of the entire system of public’s schools. First of all, I’m not comfortable with my tax dollars going to a private, for profit, institution instead of benefitting a system for everyone. Second, what do you think would happen if every child went to a different school district, especially in an underprivileged area? The underprivileged school, which is likely already dysfunctional in AZ, gets defunded. Students left there, who perhaps do not have an attentive guardian are stuck with an underfunded, extremely poor quality of education.
Idk about other states, but in the case of AZ, school choice is not working. The schools are getting worse.
I know what you’re talking about NY and red for Ed. Look, I don’t really like how unions works in this country. I do think public school teachers should be well paid and well incentivized. They are teaching the next generation after all.
Regardless of your opinion of what they should be paid, and how dysfunctional it may be, the NY public school system is SO much better than the one in AZ. I urge you to look up some articles on the topic. For example, teachers don’t even need a college degree in AZ! Based on my experience, the worst schools in NY are at least comparable, if not better than the best schools in AZ. I also do not believe public schools have a monopoly on education. There are still many very successful private schools in NY and many people send their kids their if they have the money. IMO, this is how it should be.
I dont disagree with you here, at least not with most of it. And thanks for being polite unlike some replies that are clearly coming from people with severe “issues”.
No, I dont like the idea of fully private schools getting public money either. However, the current system of ALL money being diverted into the public school pot isnt working either. I like the idea of some choice and competition. It facilitates quality improvements, no question. Its not a money problem, it seems to be more of a “how the money is being used” problem. As for having the money for private schools and sending kids there - doesnt that butt heads with more education equality though? The rich kids go to nice schools and the poorer ones dont. No choice, no options. Charter schools were supposed to try and help with that, I thought. I still think there is a way to do this where standards and outcomes go up for ALL students.
Teachers are pretty well compensated overall as they should be. But, the post retirement benefits are a tad too good and very expensive for the state. Public pensions are a huge cost drain as most people will suck a ton of money out of the system that they didnt put in. Id rather they all get 401Ks and some % match like most people do now. Handle your own retirement like the rest of us have to. I also hate the tenure system and various things but you seem to somewhat agree on the union problems.