Opus 2013-159: Tax Dollars at Work: The Economy Must Be Improving

Many who are employed in the private sector are angry about the salaries and benefits in government jobs.  Some target teachers.  I want you to know that I am perfectly aware that I am lined up at the public trough and living on your tax dollars.  I often thank people for going to work and paying their taxes and the expression is only half tongue-in-cheek. 

Those who hate and blame public education should be happy:  teachers are getting laid off and having their salary reduced.  At our middle school we currently have 29 teachers.  We were told that next year we would have 23 ½ positions for the same number of kids.  That means a lot of people are going to be looking for work next year.  We have also had our salary cut and our contribution to benefits increased, so you can be happy.  We are feeling your pain.  Is the economy getting better yet?

Those who have kids in the public school should be on the phone.  It is often the best and brightest that are being let go.  The number of kids in a room will increase.  Is the economy getting better yet?

Those of you who think the answer is more money should come see out construction projects.  We don’t have money for books, closed our library and are cutting back on janitors.  This summer they are going to redo the central quad.  We are told we will get new concrete walks, sod and concrete benches.  In a district with declining enrollment we are opening new schools.  Like all government operations, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of funds for the projects dear to the hearts of those in charge.  Is the economy getting better yet?

Where will it all end?  The government keeps telling us things are improving.  I am not sure we can take them getting much better.

homo unius libri