So what they are saying is that the teachers are actually making $90,000 per year and are choosing to take their “own” money and put it in retirement? So, to me, that makes it even worse. We are paying them 90 grand a year?...and we’re supposed to believe that they are worth it?
It's not like that in all parts of the country.
In my area, we have principals with Masters Degrees and over 25 years in the system only pulling down $75K. Some of our teachers make less than $21,000 a year. The average salary is $42,000, which is definitely on par with the medium income. Heck, in my industry, the starting salary is $42,000 a year.
The support staff are making $15,000 a year, and the cafeteria staff are lucky to clear $5,000 a year. You can go on-line and find out how much every teacher is making at your local school.
We implemented a tax reduction several years ago, built a rainy day fund, and set aside a lot of money; however, our State's balanced budget amendment is forcing some nasty cuts in our district. I know; I was appointed to serve on the committee that makes the cuts. Lucky me.
And FTR, I am not a teacher nor an employee of the schools. My kids went to the local school for a few years until I was in a place where I could homeschool them. They did great with homeschooling. Unfortunately, I became gravely ill last year and had trouble opening a bottle of ketchup, let alone teaching 2 children 5 subjects a day, so I put them back in. Now that I'm on the mend, I will leave it to them for the upcoming school year.
That being said, there are lots of families struggling to get by on reduced incomes who don't have the option or the courage to homeschool. For them, I want the money spent in the most effective manner possible (it's our tax dollars!). I've been involved in the PTA for many years, so I've been at the schools at all hours and the classrooms are full of teachers at 4, 5, and 6 PM.
Are there crappy teachers out there? Definitely, yes. But in my neck of the woods, at least, I've met a lot of good, dedicated folks who aren't kicking back and letting the room run wild. We've hosted events on evenings and weekends, the teachers are there. Several teachers run a chess club (which swept the local awards) that meets 5 days a week for four months straight after school. There's drama, dance, art club, and several others, all started by teachers. Extra help is available every day on any topic needed for a student to succeed.
If you aren't already, get involved with your local school. See things from the inside. You'll be able to quickly identify the dead wood and the dedicated pros. Then get involved in the District. That's the fastest way to implement change.
It does make it worse and no, they are not worth it; the proof is in the statistics. 2/3 of 8th graders in wi do not have reading level skills required at that age.