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OPINIONS
Judy Hale: Stimulus, surplus should go back into education
Thanks to the prudent stewardship by the governor and the Legislature, we have a budget surplus, unlike most other states. While we still may face economic challenges, we should not let our fears reduce our commitment to the one institution that can generate economic growth and sustain our economy: public education. Rather, we should use the upcoming legislative session and the pending federal stimulus bill to reinvest wisely and sensibly in public education.
Over the past few years, we have made tremendous strides. Approximately 85 percent of our schools met the rigorous standards prescribed by No Child Left Behind, and our schools were ranked second in the nation for the state's cumulative average in standards and accountability, teacher quality, school climate and equity.
Our colleges and universities are attracting more students and graduation rates are increasing. In fact, our retention rates for first-year students at our community colleges rank as one of the best in the country.
But we also have tremendous needs that can't be postponed or ignored until the national economy rebounds. For example, we all recognize that the school aid formula is antiquated and does not adequately provide for education programs and services across the state.
The School Building Authority lacks the necessary funds to modernize existing buildings and provide new ones, especially for our growth counties.
While it is true that our classrooms are wired and have computers, many sit idly by owing to lack of personnel and software to keep them functional. Class size has increased, especially at the middle and high school levels, bus routes are far too long in many of our counties, and we have a dearth of funds for services for at-risk students and those with special needs.
Our colleges and universities have operated on lean budgets for years and require an infusion of dollars as state-level appropriations have struggled to keep up with enrollment growth and inflation. We now have a situation where increasing tuition and fees are the largest source of new funds for our institutions.
Compensation for education employees is still inadequate. A recent legislative study reported that teacher salaries lag behind their peers nationwide and are outpaced by those in jobs with similar education and experience. Salaries for higher education faculty are among the lowest in the region, and many school service personnel and classified staff work two jobs just to make ends meet.
But there is hope and opportunity. We recognize we have identified needs that will require resources that are large in scope. We understand this reality, and that is why we are working with Congress on a package of federal aid (federal stimulus bill) that would provide approximately $145 billion for education. The legislation would provide West Virginia with an infusion of hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funding targeted for education. Together, with additional state-level appropriations, we would have the resources available to bring closure to some long-standing problems.
West Virginia may well face economic challenges in the near future. But in today's knowledge-based economy, the most effective economic development strategy we can employ is to invest in public education. With the resources that will become available over the next few months, we can make a prudent and sensible investment in public education and ensure a better and more secure future for us all.
Judy Hale is president of AFT-WV.
