As a Hamilton County teacher, I’m used to hearing that there just “isn’t enough money” when we ask for better pay or more support in our schools. But this year, something doesn’t add up.
While the Hamilton County Department of Education is being forced to cut positions and can’t afford teacher pay raises, the Hamilton County Commission’s own discretionary budget is increasing by 10.8 percent. Let me say that again: teachers are being told to do more with less—cutting jobs and tightening our belts—while our county commissioners are growing their own budget by double digits.
That’s not just frustrating. It’s insulting.
How are we supposed to take seriously the idea that education is a “priority” when our elected leaders are funding themselves more generously than the people in classrooms every day with students who need our help? Teachers and school staff are some of the lowest-paid professionals in the public sector, and after two straight years of inflation and increasing responsibilities, we were hoping for a show of support in this year’s budget.
It’s easy for commissioners to show up for ribbon cuttings and graduations. But real support for education is shown in budget decisions, not photo ops.
To the County Commission: if you want to be seen as partners in public education, show it in the numbers. Because right now, your actions are saying something very different.
Alexis Price