Secretary's Column
By Dr. Rick Melmer
Department of Education

I heard it in the hallway

Each year, the legislative session takes on specific themes. These themes represent topics that seem to appear early in the session and have the staying power to be around for the duration of the legislative calendar. In education, most of the themes are familiar and appear on an annual basis. This year is no exception. Here are the most commonly heard words in the hallways of the Capitol in 2008.

Index factor – As is true every year, the discussion is about the size of the increase for K–12 education. Education is assured of an increase each year, but the bulk of the discussion focuses on how large that increase should be. 

Teacher pay – I have been in my current position for five years. I have heard more about teacher pay this year than in the first four years combined. There seems to be a strong political will to improve teacher pay in our state. Questions abound regarding the proper way to address this important issue. Is the answer in a minimum pay or a more systemic approach? The challenge is creating the system and the money to make this happen.

Reorganization – Last year, the legislature passed a bill that created a minimum district size of 100. This year, there are a number of bills that are challenging that decision or trying to modify the decision made by the 2007 legislature.

Taxes, taxes, taxes –  This should come as no surprise. Taxes are the foundation of our educational funding system. This year, there has been discussion about monitoring the pension and capital outlay funds, doing the annual adjustment of the uniform levies, and finally the critical discussion of the 150 percent rule. There are multiple solutions brewing related to that issue, and it will probably be debated well into the wee hours of the current session.

Our legislators are working hard to provide the best educational package that our state can afford. Their intentions are honorable, and their jobs are challenging. I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of the legislative process.