When I get my property tax bill, it reminds me that local government costs money, especially its schools. A little more than half of Juneau’s property tax revenue, about $30 million, goes to our public schools, but that’s only a third of their total budget. The rest comes mainly from the state. But regardless of funding source, my main question remains: are public school students learning their 3 R’s? The answer surprised me.
In a 2021 publication, the School District said, “nearly 40% of our students are not meeting grade level expectations in reading and math – both key skills for future success.” By most accounts, COVID hasn’t helped.
Back when I started school, there were three letter grades: C for commendable, S for satisfactory, and N for needs improvement. Is it commendable or even satisfactory that a large percentage of Juneau’s public school students need more help with their reading, writing, and arithmetic?
Mike Clemens,
Juneau
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