Support Public School Teachers, Not Private Schools

The upcoming special session's focus on education savings accounts raises concerns. While some families may be dissatisfied with public schools, diverting state funds to private schooling could exacerbate the struggles of already cash-strapped schools. The lack of new school funding in the session, despite calls for increased teacher pay and additional resources, is alarming. Teacher shortages and retention issues, fueled by low pay and excessive overtime, are significant problems that need addressing. Instead of focusing on vouchers, it is crucial to prioritize public school finance and teacher raises, which were left pending during the regular session. The session should aim to strengthen public schools, not weaken them further.