For The Kids - Really?

From Jami Lund at Freedom Foundation:

In this issue

- "Staffing Surge" study released
- Questions and Answers on Charter School Policy

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Staffing Surge

A study released today by the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice shows that from 1992 to 2009 student enrollment increased 19%, but staffing levels for schools increased 34%. The largest growth was in non-teaching staff, which grew 43% or more than twice the rate of student growth.

Washington public schools employed 100,310 full time equivalent employees in 2011-12 for the state's 1,004,198 students, or one full time adult for each ten students.

I took the opportunity to assemble some other cost increases which are "surging" from 1992 to 2009:

Average Administrator Salary up 63%
Average Classified Salary up 54%
Average Teacher State Salary up 47%
Average Levy-funded Teacher Salary Enhancement up 145%!!!
Insurance Benefits up 150%
Total Funds Per Student up 89%
Levy Funds Per Student up 152%!

See more at:
http://www.myfreedomfoundation.com/index.php/site/view/study_shows_staffing_surge_in_wa_public_schools

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Questions and Answers on Charter Schools

We've been getting much interest in our "Informed Voter Guide," and I've taken many questions about the nature of charter school policy. I ended up writing a Q&A which addresses most of what people are asking.

http://www.myfreedomfoundation.com/index.php/site/view/questions_and_answers_about_public_charter_school_options_for_families

Challenge of this edition:
The State Board of Education is still taking comments about their rule to make it easier for districts to shorten the school year.

Send comments addressed to the State Board of Education
Email: ben.rarick@k12.wa.us
Mail: PO Box 47206 Olympia, WA 98504


As always, feel free to send your thoughts or questions along.




Mr. Jami Lund
Education Reform Fellow
(360) 956-3482
http://www.facebook.com/jamilund 

Becca Swanson, Yahoo! Contributor Network

Growing up in public school, I was the teacher's pet. I enjoyed homework, studying, and learning in general. I idolized my teachers, and felt happy in a school environment. So it's no surprise that I went to college to become a teacher. My first day of student teaching, I stepped into my assigned school and smiled. It just felt right.

A decade and many schools later, my views have changed dramatically. I now have two children, still work as a teacher, and am firm in one decision: when their time comes, I refuse to send my children to public school. Here's why:

1. Discipline - My children would be assigned to an elementary school with legendary discipline problems, behavior issues, parental uninvolvement and routine violence. A teacher's day revolves around gaining control of her class, with academics coming last.