Many of us have favorite teachers who not only got through to us, but changed the trajectory of our lives. For me, that was Mr. Cain, my geometry and algebra II teacher at Del Norte High School in Albuquerque. As a junior, I already had a large frame and stood about a head higher than this slight man.
At first glance, Mr. Cain wasn’t noticeably exceptional, but he had a patient manner and was unhurried in explaining equations and proofs. He encouraged us. It was in his classroom that I learned how to learn. Something clicked and math became easier. So much so, I became a high school math teacher myself.
Teachers are the glue that holds together the Montezuma-Cortez School District. They deserve most of the credit for our improved student performances in our latest state assessments. MCSD’s composite scores increased to 51.2% from 39.2%, just two years ago. This is significant. Teachers had much to do with this gain.
I’m in no way suggesting or asking you to vote a certain way in November. That’s your business, not mine. I’m just here to explain how the initiative for a 3.9 mill levy override on the ballot is different from what’s come before.
If it passes, teachers’ annual salaries would jump from about $40,000 per year to $47,000. As is, we’re losing them to Durango with a salary there at $51,500 and Shiprock, $54,000. Paraprofessionals’ salaries would increase by $2,000 per year, if the measure passes. These figures are based on final property evaluations that are likely to go down. Sure, there’s a yearly property tax increase of about $100, per $350,000 of home value. According to Zillow, the home price in Cortez is averaging $322,805.
The ballot initiative connects improved student outcomes with teachers’ pay. It spells out in clear language that the override would only fund the salaries of teachers and paraprofessionals. An independent citizen review committee would report directly to the community, ensuring taxes are used for this specific purpose.
Despite previous attempts, Cortez voters have never passed a mill levy override to fund schools. Granted, one of those measures would have put money into the general fund. No wonder that failed. Taxpayers want to know exactly where their money is going. This time around, it would go right into the pockets of teachers and paraprofessionals.
Mill levy overrides are never popular. We get it. Many community members work low-paying and/or multiple jobs. But, as I’ve said before, our schools belong to all of us, no matter whether you have children in attendance or not. Schools are reflections of our community. Best case scenario is for decently paid educators to staff them.
MCSD is a significant employer, yet it’s up to voters to give teachers worthwhile raises. If I could wave a wand and better fund teachers, I would have done it a long time ago.
During the summer, an outside survey by Magellan Strategies in Broomfield showed 60% of respondents said they would vote “yes” and approve the mill levy override. We’ll see how accurately that plays out on Nov. 5.
No matter whether the ballot measure passes, we have a lot of dedicated staff members at MCSD. We imagine your children gained some confidence, learned some measurable skills and know-how to succeed from these teachers.
In education, it’s often said that it’s not “what” is being taught but “how.” This adage likely reminds you of someone in particular. Every time I hear this, I think of Mr. Cain.
Tom Burris is superintendent of Montezuma-Cortez School District Re-1.
