An open letter to Gov. Rick Perry
Dear Governor Perry:
I could not believe my eyes when I read in a recent bulletin that former State Representative Kent Grusendorf is being considered to replace Dr. Shirley Neeley as the Texas Commissioner of Education.
Governor. There is a reason why Diane Patrick (R-Arlington) defeated Mr. Grusendorf in last year’s election with 57 percent of the vote. Mr. Grusendorf is no friend to public education or its employees. Wasn’t it enough when he tried to pass such measures as abolishing the state’s minimum salary schedule for teachers when he served as chairman of the House Public Education Committee? Did he not prove to you he was anti-teacher when he tried to make it easier for administrators to fire teachers without due process? And to think these were only two of the many bills he tried to pass while in office that clearly showed his disdain for public school teachers.
It is becoming increasingly clear, Governor, that teachers in Texas do not have the support of our state elected leaders. In this year’s legislative session, we were insulted by the $425 yearly raise approved for us. I think you know how far an extra $35 a month will take us, especially with the rise in gas and grocery prices and our annual increase in health insurance. Thank God our local districts provided us with a much more respectable raise. I can imagine our state leaders’ reaction if anyone recommended a $425 raise when legislative salaries are increased.
Health insurance has been another slap in the face for Texas public school employees. First the state provides us with money to be used toward our health insurance. Then it is snatched away from us. Then half of the original amount is given back to us. And, of course, we are supposed to be grateful.
Recently I have been keeping up with the efforts of one of McAllen’s police unions to increase the officers’ retirement benefits. Currently, they are allowed to contribute up to 6 percent of their salaries. The city doubles that for them. However, instead of this 6/12 deal, they want to increase it to 7/14.
Teachers in Texas would be honored to have the 6/12 deal. Instead, we are required to contribute 6.4 percent of our salaries to the Texas Teacher Retirement System. And for all of our dedication to our students and all of our work, the state gives us 6.58 percent. According to Tim Lee, executive director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (www.trta.org), “the state is still contributing less than what is necessary to meet the certified actuarial requirements to keep the fund actuarially sound.” Only 6.6 percent contribution by the state was needed for this, yet we obviously were not deemed worthy.
Teachers in Texas used to be able to retire when a combination of years of teaching experience and age equaled 80. Teachers who begin teaching in Texas now, thanks to our state elected leaders, are not allowed to retire before the age of 60. That means if they begin teaching right out of college at the age of 22, they must teach 38 years before they can retire. And some professions complain about a 25-year retirement.
Choosing Kent Grusendorf as the new Commissioner of Education would only solidify the anti-public education and anti-public education employee message you are sending us.
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Chris Ardis is a teacher for the McAllen school district. To reach her,send e-mail to Cardis1022@aol.com.
