Why are teachers walking out on a 20 percent raise?

Thanks to teamwork between administrators, teachers and the community, Fountain Hills schools look pretty good compared to other districts around the state.

Over the past nine-plus years, Fountain Hills teachers endured multiple salary freezes so the district could fund new textbook adoptions and building maintenance. Administration diligently promoted override and bond ballots to maintain a viable cash flow for vital education services and facilities improvements.

FHUSD PTO raised funds for new computers and other civic groups stepped up to pay for character and academic enrichment programs. There is no question that Fountain Hills is a community filled with generous and dedicated people!

However, much of this activity just compensates for the shortfall in state funding of public education and communities have been waiting for relief. Governor Ducey’s “20 percent fix for teacher salaries” seems to be a solution! But his “fix” has yet to be funded.

As generous as a “20 percent to teachers” offer sounds, teachers can’t justify grabbing this partial restoration of education money. The current goal is to be returned to 2008 funding levels. Vital support staff deserves competitive compensation for their integral services and students continue to need up-to-date buildings, books, furniture and supplies to prepare for their futures. We are unified with our colleagues.

When education is fully funded by the state, districts and municipalities, including Fountain Hills, will benefit as well. Once the state is compelled to adhere to Arizona Constitutional mandate to fully fund public schools, the bonds, overrides, whatever-a-thons, bake sales and all other fundraising will no longer be critical make/break actions to support basic programs.

Teachers are taking the risk of a walkout to improve the condition of education as a whole, not just themselves, so please support them.