So, you are poised to have your first surplus in 10 years, BEFORE the ruling takes effect with the union situation? Is that right? I have no info on this, just trying to get your points figured out. So, the union situation had no impact on any surplus? Just checking - IF the surplus is as you state it is...
I have not looked at MPS lately, no. If in fact it is the worst big city school system in the nation (if in fact it is - not sure what that's based on... of course), then apparently the rest of the state education system must be incredibly good and well run, and well funded to have a state ranking of #2 overall. What should we make of this? One school system is not doing well, and the rest of the state is probably #1 overall without that one system? And you say money isn't the issue? Really? How about comparing the state of Wisconsin, which has always funded education fairly well, being #2 overall - and your governor decides to go after that as his first mission to cut expenses for the state?
I understand not wanting to spend money on education - that's always a choice. Personally, I think it's pretty important for the health and future of a state - and of course you think your own personal financial well being is the most important thing. It's all a matter of perspective. I just think it's ridiculous to attack (directly) the teachers (not firefighters, not police) when they are clearly overall - for the state - producing very successful students. If the state was ranked #50, yes, I could see attacking it. But #2? That's something I would be proud of as a citizen of a state - unless I was worried about my own tax burden every day of my life... and had no kids in the school system. What do you care, right?