Education funding: a retiree’s issue
Financial support for education in Missouri has never exceeded
the national average. During the 1990s, progress toward more
equitable and adequate funding was made. The downturn in the
economy and the current legislative posturing are rapidly
eroding the gains made in the last decade. Schools throughout
Missouri are being forced to cut back on staff and programs.
But I’m a retiree. Why should I care?
First, as a career educator, I made a lifetime commitment
to public education. I know the difference that funds—or
the lack of them—can make in what we are able to do
for kids in the classroom. I no longer live in the district
where I taught and where my daughter attended school, but
I still vote for every school tax levy and bond issue that
appears on the ballot in my community. I may not be as directly
involved, but I am convinced that quality public schools are
the key to our future.
If that sounds too esoteric and philosophical for you, here
are some reasons that may make the importance of adequate
education funding more reality based.
First, I receive a pension from the Missouri Public School
Retirement System, a pension generated by my salary and contributions
as an educator but financed by local tax dollars. The current
financial crisis in public education means fewer dollars going
into PSRS to pay my pension. If this trend continues, contribution
rates will continue to increase. Younger teachers may well
resent having to contribute 12 percent or even 13 percent
of their salaries (plus the district match) just to make sure
I get my pension. We are fortunate in Missouri that PSRS is
a defined-benefit plan, not a defined-contribution plan, but
this could become an intergenerational issue as contribution
rates increased.
Second, I’m a property owner. I know that good schools
help maintain my property values. I also know that the failure
of the state to fund the foundation formula adequately may
well mean increases in local tax levies. As a retiree, I don’t
want to see my property taxes increased simply because of
lack of legislative commitment at the state level.
Finally, like many retirees, I’m a grandparent—and
will be happy to show you a picture if you even hint that
you are interested. My grandson is in first grade. That’s
where the importance of education funding really hits home!
by Martha Karlovetz
MNEA-Retired president |
