MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
We can all agree that education is the foundation of a strong and vibrant society.
This is why the debate over funding or lack thereof for public schools must continue. In life, you reap what you sow and with our current school funding at the bare minimum the future looks challenged for our schools and children.
In 2006 a constitutional amendment was passed in Alabama to increase the state minimum property tax for schools to 10 mills. The problem is our region is still taxed at the minimum even today. You cannot expand programs, keep schools open, and keep teachers on the job with funding at the bare minimum. We all say we want our children to have best education, but there are still those that are unwilling to do what is necessary to make that happen. Bottom line – they need more funding.
But here's the deal – no new taxes until there is a plan. If we as tax payers approve a millage rate increase what then can we as parents, students, and teachers expect in return? There must be accountability measures in place to track the money and track the progress of our children's schools. Without it – the support for increases will stalemate.
What we need is this debate to move to an open minded conversation and for the conversation to evolve into collaboration and for the collaboration to result in action.
It will not be easy, but our children are worth it.
We welcome your feedback.
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