Do you think public schools need more money? Why?

   

        Public schools guide young kids and teenagers to a successful future, and the vast majority of kids and teenagers go to these schools. Throughout a student's school career, they learn many things that will benefit them in their adult life, all taught by various teachers. However, many public schools are underfunded, leading them to have lesser learning resources. How can schools lead us to a better life when they lack the resources necessary to do so? I believe that public schools need more money, which can be used to improve overall school quality and fund teachers. Adequate school funding can allow schools to raise teacher pay, provide better learning opportunities, and upgrade facilities. This can enhance the quality of education and provide students with a better chance to succeed in their future careers.

        Teachers have the most important and demanding role in schools, being a major stepping stone in many kids' lives. Despite the importance of this job, many public school teachers go severely underpaid, with an average yearly salary of $65,090 in the U.S. (USA Facts). While I am not saying this salary is extremely low, this salary is on par with other jobs that require less experience and have fewer requirements, such as being a truck driver. Teachers are required to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in their subject, all to be paid less than someone that does possibly less work. On top of that, they have to deal with rowdy kids who make teaching them a hassle. How can you expect someone to do their job properly if they aren't paid enough to care or worry about actually teaching? With the amount of importance this job comes with, I believe teachers should have a higher salary. By funding schools and teachers, many students will get a better education and improve our society.

        Poor-quality facilities and resources are another problem that comes with insufficient funding for schools. Having higher-quality materials that are accessible to students can benefit learning and potentially change the emotions related to school. According to a study done by Yale, nearly 75% of students in public schools had negative feelings towards school, relating to boredom or "falling behind" (Yale News). With the proper materials and resources, schools can help those students fall behind and also make school a more enjoyable place. This could include having better classrooms to make students feel welcome and comfortable or maybe hiring teachers or counselors to help students.

    

        Despite all these benefits that could come out of having more public school funds, the decision to increase funding is a complex issue that doesn't only involve the issue of funding. It also involves various factors such as budget constraints, political priorities, and societal values. How will we make sure schools use the school funds properly, instead of using them for unnecessary or useless things? I know there are many other arguments that I could continue to discuss, but my point still stands. By funding public schools and improving the school setting for students and teachers, people will think more positively about schools and student learning will improve. All we can do is wait and see what the government will do, praying for a better educational world.

                                                                                    Works Cited

"Average Public School Teacher Salary." USA Facts, 8 June 2022, usafacts.org/data/topics/people-society/education/k-12-education/public-school-teacher-salary-average/. Accessed 6 Mar. 2023.

Belli, Brita. "National survey: Students' feelings about school are mostly negative." Yale News, 30 Jan. 2020, news.yale.edu/2020/01/30/national-survey-students-feelings-about-school-are-mostly-negative. Accessed 6 Mar. 2023.