Letter: Teachers left out of schools’ ‘jackpot’

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 | 7:15 a.m.

A July 23 article in the Las Vegas Sun, "Schools with good ideas share $56 million jackpot," reported that 56 million in state dollars went recently to chosen school innovation projects. That money could've gone to 18,000 Clark County School District teachers instead, giving us each a raise of $3,111 . An extra $3,000, though still not what we deserve, would cover most of my annual red ink. Yes, I lose money teaching.

Why should the whole state "jackpot" go here? Because we need it here, where about 70 percent of state students are educated. Many teachers are sinking further into debt, working well over 40 hours per week, under huge stress. Nonetheless, some Nevada counties pay teachers more even though their cost of living is far lower. Wake up, Las Vegas!

Even if just the $32 million that went to Clark County for innovation projects were used for raises instead, it would have meant more than $1,700 apiece for teachers. The poorer you are, the bigger difference $1,700 makes. Why can state millions magically appear for administrator pet projects, while many Las Vegas teachers can't live even pitiable, meager lifestyles on their salaries? This is insanity!

This madness will not end until people stop seeing us as halo-sporting saint teachers who should work for nothing and suffer in silence, or as losers. This community must demand that, as college-educated, licensed professionals, teachers deserve - and need - a reasonable wage for our enormously important and difficult work.

Do we have to riot in the streets before Nevada gets it and changes its attitude?

Betty Buehler, Las Vegas