Commenters on the AJC Get Schooled blog discussed the recommendations of Gov. Nathan Deal's Education Reform Commission to increase anual state spending on education a quarter-billion dollars. While the proposed new formula would raise the state contribution to $8.47 billion, that amount remains a quarter-billion dollars less than what the existing school funding formula — if it was ever fully funded — requires. Among student groups that would see more funding under the recommendations are those labeled gifted, English-language learners and poor children. Here is a sampling of reader comments.
MadTeacher: The recommendations of this committee are so ridiculous I don't know where to begin. However, it is obvious that it is a done "Deal" and schools, students and teachers will be forced to make do with less as usual. I am so tired of hearing people say that all teachers do is whine about the money. Yes, we want more money. I haven't had a raise in nine years. My salary is less than it was six years ago, and I am one year from retirement with a master's degree. I also serve as the department chair, work on a county committee, and probably work 60 hours a week on a good week. At least two weekends a month are occupied with school functions, and nights are often spent emailing with students to help them with homework. If I'm lucky, I may get to have a personal life one night a week.
AvgGeorgian: If you are "gifted," you should be able to learn in a lecture room of 200 students. You should be given higher-level instruction to process with your "giftedness" to get you ready for the real world.
AnotherMom: I don't believe there should be any additional funds for English-language learners. If your child is not ready for school speaking English, the language of this country, you, the parent, should pay for it. If I were to go to another country, I would have to put my child in a dual-language school and pay for it myself. Or my child would have to sink or swim.
Class: Mo' money, mo' money, mo' money — that is all teachers want — and with that, all problems are solved.
JB: It's pretty simple. Stop whining about paying people. Yes, teachers should be paid more money and get more respect. You think you should be paid to work; so do they. If you think their life is so much better and the pay is so great, head down to the nearest school, apply and get to work.
Jagger: A few years ago, they were allowing anyone with a degree to teach on a provisional license until they earned their degree with some classes. We had three "business executives" who came in thinking they knew so much more and would change the world. They were all gone after the first two years, stating teaching didn't pay enough for the hours and problems.
Falc: A raise? I am enjoying my first year of having a full paycheck in five years. I could not imagine getting a raise.
Batgirl: I'm still not back up to full pay.
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