“Prioritizing Education: A Call for Bipartisan Support in 2020 Congress”

     Our 2020 Congress is reconvening and I hope to see bipartisan support for three fundamental principles in K-12 education: supporting teachers, improving funding, and enhancing literacy skills. Let’s ensure that funding prioritizes teachers over district bureaucrats. Each teacher should be compensated for each student in their class, akin to a college course.

     Teachers deserve to be treated as professionals with choices in their retirement plans, including eliminating PERA, which often mishandles contributions. While eliminating the teachers’ union may not gain partisan support, offering teachers more retirement plan options could empower them.

     Additionally, teachers should earn more than district administrators. Let’s learn from charter schools that excel in education and literacy rates. If they’re doing something right, traditional public schools should take notes.

     Despite increased education spending in Colorado, the money often doesn’t reach teachers for essential supplies. My wish is for Congress to allocate $500 per teacher for books and supplies.

     Librarians are essential educational components and should be compensated as professionals.

      On a broader note, we must avoid partisan clashes and respect all voices. Every child deserves a well-rounded education, so schools should have more control over their curriculum. We need to provide parents with various school options, including public, private, charter, or homeschooling, allowing each school to serve its students effectively.

      Colorado’s successful homeschooling should inspire us to expand school choice. Schools should compete and manage their affairs, without district interference. Our focus should be on foundational skills like reading, writing, and basic math, rather than overemphasizing STEM. Let’s nurture critical thinking skills in all students.

      Lastly, it’s crucial to equalize funding among students, instead of relying on their district of attendance. Property taxes should be divided evenly among students, and funds should follow the student, whether they attend public or private schools or homeschooling. These steps can shape a brighter future for Colorado’s education system.