Here's what's wrong with Governor Ducey's "plan":
1) The proposed raise is for teachers only spread out over three years. How can he guarantee that when there's an election this November?
2) As mentioned, the recommended proposal for a raise is for certified teachers only. That leaves out raises for classified staff (bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, etc.), counselors, paraprofessionals, classroom aides, etc. Teachers refuse to agree to any deal that is exclusionary.
3) There is no money offered to raise per pupil spending. AZ is approximately $4,000 below the national average in per pupil spending.
4) Governor Ducey hasn't addressed the obvious revenue problem required to meet teacher salary increases let alone the other aforementioned participants. Taking money from other social services is unacceptable. That's referred to as robbing Peter to pay Paul. No dice.
5) Many schools are in terrible physical condition and many students are using teaching materials created long before they were born. Schools need more access to better curricula and technology.
Scott Cleaves
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
