President Dooher: Educators already making historic sacrifices
President Tom Dooher issued this statement today in response to the proposal at the Legislature to freeze teacher salaries:
“Like all other Minnesotans, educators are already making historic sacrifices. More than half agreed to no salary increase for the current school year and a record number of local unions agreed to pay freezes, including steps and lanes. Any teachers fortunate enough to receive a small increase used it all or more to cover the ever-rising cost of health insurance for their families.
"Minnesota should not be trying to balance its budget on the backs of our schools. Freezing the pay of school employees will not make a significant impact on Minnesota’s budget deficit.
"One of the strengths of Minnesota’s excellent public school system is that local communities, not politicians in St. Paul, make their own decisions about curriculum and pay for school employees. Administrators and communities that find a way to give their teachers even a minimal increase during difficult times should be congratulated. They recognize the importance of making the teaching profession as attractive as possible, in order to keep the best and brightest teachers in our classrooms.”
January 18, 2011