Michigan Votes Forum

 A credit of $1000 is the same as an exemption of $22,988.50 in income. There is no way in hell even two married teachers spend this kind of money on school supplies. Tyler you're a moron.

Sounds like a union end run to me, how are the donated supplies monitored? Is this just "I brought this and this and this" or is there book keeping maintained?

If they do donate supplies out of pocket, (which I doubt) it is out of guilt. Most money taxpayers spend on our failing Public Schools goes into their greedy pockets for wages and benefits. (Over 80%).

 It's really funny to me when people say "our failing public schools."  Why is it that I have two daughters with two completely different personalities THRIVING in the public school system?  Why? Because I MAKE THEM do their work and pay attention in class.  That's my job as a parent, and if my children can succeed, so can yours.

 Do you really think that making schools "private" will change anything except that YOU WILL NOW HAVE TO PAY.  "Greedy teachers" is laughable.  I can't think of one who went into for the money. Consider what babysitters make, then add up what teachers make.  180 (days a year) x $25 a day per kid (what I pay for my toddlers) x about 25 kids per classroom, though now they're being packed in like sardines.  That equals $112,500.  Pretty sweet deal the public is getting for babysitters, right, when the average pay for teachers is $50,000?  Never mind their Master's Degree and the fact that they have to do a lot more than keep kids breathing for the day.  Never mind that they have to continue to pay for education to maintain certification.  What "guilt" are you referring to?  They are simply dedicated to children and learning.  I see them nights and weekends at the school next to my house.    Yeah, they're getting lots of overtime pay for that.  Get a clue.

Well put, teachers should not have to donate supplies for students, it is the responsibility of parents and the schools. Parents today are not held responsible for the actions of their kids while they are in school. I went to school in the 50's and the last thing you wanted was the school contacting you parents about your bad behavior.

Students today have more rights than responsibilty for their actions while in school. Teachers hands are tied when it comes to disciplining students for bad behavior. The unruliest students parents will not or can not control the kids at home or anywhere else.

Unions are not the problem, parental non control is.

 I had to comment on this because it is possible!  I keep track of what I spend each year as a Kindergarten teacher...a whopping $660 for 2011!  There are some teachers that will truly go out of their way to make sure these kids have what they deserve and we get paid next to nothing for all the time and effort we put in for these kids!  I can tell you there is not a single teacher I know that goes into teaching for the money!