Not a Good Idea
PLSD teachers are compensated more highly than the teachers in this editorial, in addition to receiving retirement and health care benefits far better, and at far lower cost, than just about anyone receives in the private sector these days. On top of this, teachers work just 9-10 months per year.
I agree that, as a general rule, our society undervalues education. I am also concerned that the idea of a free public education, and of equality of opportunity, are being eroded by state and federal cutbacks in education funding. But I do not believe that conditions for public school teachers are as bleak as the editorialist suggests.
What is truly ridiculous, however, is the editorialist's suggestion that school districts issue bonds to fund teacher raises. Fortunately Ohio school districts lack statutory authority to do anything so stupid. Funding current expenses by incurring debt is like putting one's monthly bills on ones credit card. Borrowed money is not free money. To the contrary, it accrues interest and mounts up, and eventually one must pay the piper. In business, if you can't fund your current expenses with your current revenues, you are headed for bankruptcy. It is no different for school districts.
Even more ridiculous is the idea that a school district can somehow save itself from this fate by encouraging residential growth. As we have learned in Pickerington, although residential growth does increase tax revenues, those revenues do not begin to pay for the additional infrastructure costs, including school costs, that it creates.
This editorialist needs to check what he's been smoking.
PLSD teachers are compensated more highly than the teachers in this editorial, in addition to receiving retirement and health care benefits far better, and at far lower cost, than just about anyone receives in the private sector these days. On top of this, teachers work just 9-10 months per year.
I agree that, as a general rule, our society undervalues education. I am also concerned that the idea of a free public education, and of equality of opportunity, are being eroded by state and federal cutbacks in education funding. But I do not believe that conditions for public school teachers are as bleak as the editorialist suggests.
What is truly ridiculous, however, is the editorialist's suggestion that school districts issue bonds to fund teacher raises. Fortunately Ohio school districts lack statutory authority to do anything so stupid. Funding current expenses by incurring debt is like putting one's monthly bills on ones credit card. Borrowed money is not free money. To the contrary, it accrues interest and mounts up, and eventually one must pay the piper. In business, if you can't fund your current expenses with your current revenues, you are headed for bankruptcy. It is no different for school districts.
Even more ridiculous is the idea that a school district can somehow save itself from this fate by encouraging residential growth. As we have learned in Pickerington, although residential growth does increase tax revenues, those revenues do not begin to pay for the additional infrastructure costs, including school costs, that it creates.
This editorialist needs to check what he's been smoking.
