Info. about Schools (property taxes, health insurance, salary)

[mikki]

Hello All,

Yes, the schools here in WI do rate very well in comparison to other states. However, you must look at the individual statistics. ANY school in ANY state can be excellent. The teachers, principal(s), and parents make all the difference in any individual school. Now, let's talk taxes. In a "district that shall not be named" here in SE Wisconsin, monthly family health insurance payments for teachers is $1700/month (each teacher) covered ENTIRELY by the district. Teachers do not pay a dime, not even a deductible, unless they choose a Dr. out of the very plan (which includes 85% of Docs). These teachers are also very well compensated salary-wise (FYI---salary is in addition to health and retirement benefits). Yes, you will hear about the QEO (qualified economic offer) which states that teachers' combined benefits and salary cannot be INCREASED by more than 3.8% each year, but if teachers were required to pay into their health insurance AND get a decent raise, it would still be LESS than 3.8%. I TAUGHT in this district for many years so I am very well informed. YOUR property taxes are paying for this. How much do YOU pay for your family's health insurance? I look forward to paying significantly lower property taxes in the state we will be moving to, even though that means I will need to PAY INTO my family's health insurance as I should, not the rest of the state property owners. Let's rally for changes in health insurance for teachers as well as changes in HOW we fund our schools in the state of Wisconsin.