Education - Let's Talk About It
Teacher Shortages are a Nationwide and Montana Problem
Montana currently ranks last for starting teacher salary and 50th for educators with a master’s degree.
Salaries for Montana’s support staff in K12 schools rank 30th, while the salaries of those in higher education rank 45th.
(Montana Federation of Public Employees, April 28, 2022. National Education Association Rankings of the States 2021.)
Funds for public schools are threatened due to diversion of funds to private schools.
“Public education is truly our nation’s great equalizer and is key to ensuring the future remains bright for some 90% of children who attend public schools in America.”
What should be done and who can do it? Read further.
The Ravalli Democratic Committee supports public education. We stand for:
- Fully funded public schools
- Providing public money for public schools only
- Competitive salaries and benefits for teachers and staff
- Expanded opportunities for career and technical education
- Early childhood education programs
- Respecting teachers and elevating the profession
- Maintaining rigorous standards for certified staff in public schools
The Montana Democratic platform on public education includes the goal of providing funding to ensure competitive salaries and benefits for K-12 school and university employees.
Montana Republicans have attacked our system of funding public education
Republicans advocate private charter, “Community Choice” schools that would not be accountable to our public school system.
They would shift education funds from public schools to private and religious schools. Your taxpayer dollars could be spent on schools that do not separate church and state.
A survey by NEA found that 55% of educators are considering leaving the field which would be devastating for students, families, and communities.
Too many MT Republicans do not respect educational professionals.
Montana children deserve a quality education to build a bright future for themselves and their families
The Montana Constitution requires “adequate funding for free quality elementary and secondary schools which will develop the full educational potential of each student.” (Article X, Section 1 of the Montana Constitution)
Furthermore, the Montana Constitution requires the legislature to distribute the state’s share of the cost in an equitable manner.
Diverting public funds to private charter schools threatens public school budgets.
Private charter schools do not require licensed teachers and do not have a publicly elected school board.
