It used to shock me when I heard stats on how far Colorado lags behind in education funding. But, when I heard that our teachers earn 20 percent less than in 1990 (adjusted for inflation), I wasn’t even surprised. Many of our teachers work second or even third jobs to make ends meet. The problem is even getting worse. There already is a huge shortage of teachers.
Both parties say they want to do something about education funding, but in observing the state Senate race, only Democrat Guinn Unger seems willing to invest in our kids’ future.
Sen. Don Coram, the Republican, says he’s concerned but the problem should be handled at a local level, and doesn’t see a role for the state in increasing education funding. This is impossible for small rural school districts in our corner of the state.
Mr. Unger, meanwhile, understands that in Southwestern Colorado, many rural districts just don’t have the resources to increase teacher pay. The solution is going to have to start with the state level.
In Indiana, they have learned that if you don’t get a child reading by the time he is in third grade, you can plan a bed for them at the state penitentiary. I personally would rather my tax dollars go to support education.
Good schools lure good companies and better jobs. This builds our economy for the next generation.
I am a teacher who will vote for Guinn Unger.
JoAnn Kopke
Bayfield
