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.
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.