For the Purpose of Education Funding

For the Purpose of Education Funding

Education is an area wherein it is impossible to invest too much.  With that recognized, it is proposed that 25% of all revenue raised through the “Hemp Act” be allocated to the funding of specific, targeted areas within Education.  In order of importance, the first concern should be an attempt at increasing the regionally applicable annual salary of Public School teachers relative to that which it currently is.  Along with the increase in Teacher pay, the second goal should be to actively recruit, train and hire new Teachers and allow for continuous teacher training and assistance programs.  Third, a growing pool from which to purchase new and updated educational equipment for schools across the Nation as well as a nationwide renovation and building of Public Schools.  Finally, the fourth goal would be to establish educational scholarships and grants for American students.

First, concerning the increase in salaries, this should be an ongoing project with a goal to double, within a decade, the average annual salary of Public School teachers nationwide.  Realizing that it will take time to allow for such an across the board raise, this should be done in rational increments equally distributed across the nation.  This raise, by allowing for the fact that different states, districts as well as experience and tenure all affect such salaries, should be an increase relative to that which exists today in relation to those existing factors.  By so supplementing Teacher pay, it is hoped that the financial rewards offered will begin to approach the importance of the position.

With the promise of competitive and livable wages, it is to be hoped that more capable and willing individuals will take up the noble call of educating our future generations.  With this in mind, the second disbursement of funds allocated to Education should be focused on recruiting, hiring and training new Teachers with the goal of attempting to establish a student/teacher ratio of no greater than 20:1 in any classroom across the United States.  Also, to ensure that a high level of quality is sustained, continuing courses and training should be encouraged and supported to assist in developing and spreading new and innovative teaching techniques.

It is difficult for a school to remain focused on its primary function when its walls are crumbling and its educational materials are outdated.  With this in mind, it is imperative that a significant amount of the funds raised through the “Hemp Tax” for Education should be dedicated to the upgrade and modernization of America’s schools.  Modernization of equipment and educational supplies should begin with those schools which are currently in the greatest deficit.  Schools which are currently well funded, which have an ample amount of computers for student use and current, up to date text books should not be the primary recipient of such funds but instead those schools, both rural and urban, which are poorly funded and currently lack such supplies.  Also, those schools which are in the greatest state of disrepair, regardless the district or State, should be the ones first on the list to receive funds to either renovate or rebuild.  Preference should be made on a need basis.

Lastly, any funds which develop in excess of what is allocated to the previous three programs should be set aside to assist with defraying college tuition costs for all students who so choose to extend their education.  Herein lies opportunity to partner with private organizations to ensure that a college education is available to every American citizen.