Experience and Education Don’t Count For Teachers?

It is beyond remarkable what the Republicans in Lansing are doing and I am almost never surprised by how counter-intuitive or irrational the legislation they are offering is. But House Bill 4265 really took me on a mental trip down the rabbit hole. I have no idea what color of pill I should be taking.

The Wizard of Oz wasn't a Republican.

This bill offered by Rep. Pete Lund (R-Shelby Township) and cosponsored by TWELVE other Republicans would amend criteria for establishment of compensation levels or adjustments in school districts including charter schools and intermediate schools. It would actually prohibit schools from using “length of service” or “achievement of advanced degrees” as a factor in compensation.

Rushing into Committee to testify in favor of this bill were the usual cast of Public Education hate groups: Students First, The Great Lakes Education Project, and the Chamber of Commerce. No less than fifteen well-regarded groups testified in opposition to this bill. So naturally, it came out of Committee today with a positive recommendation.

Let’s see if Rep. Dale Zorn (R-Ida) has the courage to break with the Party on this bill. I’m imagining that he will find some redeeming quality in the bill that will make it worth supporting. I will be calling his office tomorrow to find out. Also, it might be worth contacting Nancy Jenkins (R-Clinton) to find out where she is on this bill.