No one likes being in last place, but that is where we find ourselves. Idaho is 51^st among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in per student funding. Despite recent improvements, Idaho public schools have never really recovered from the Great Recession or gained ground on surrounding states. With rapid enrollment growth and inflation factored in, recent budget increases approved by the legislature have not moved the needle. Let’s work together to make sure our children and our state do not fall behind.

A well-trained, high-quality educator is the number one factor in student growth and success, but Idaho’s attrition rate for teachers is above the national average. Idaho ranks in the bottom fifth among states in average teacher salary and many educators have grown weary of being marginalized and disrespected. About a third of Idaho teachers said recently they are considering leaving the profession. Let’s work on becoming a first choice rather than a last resort.

There are many professional educators who make up the team that helps our students learn and grow. Counselors, psychologists, nurses, bus drivers, custodial staff, nutrition services workers, paraeducators, and others combine forces to help students reach their full potential. Unfortunately, we don’t have nearly enough of these important people. And many support staff workers are paid so poorly that turnover and instability are common for these vital positions. Our children and our professional educators deserve better.

Idaho has the sixth largest average class size in the nation, which means teachers have less time and opportunity to provide the individualized instruction our students deserve. One-on-one guidance, extra help when needed, encouragement and support, and close attention to mental and emotional health are all beneficial to students—but only if teachers have the bandwidth to provide them. Let’s make sure our students get the individual attention they deserve and our teachers don’t spend half their day directing traffic.