Teachers not getting tools to succeed

New Mexico has lagged in economic recovery over the past eight years, which may be attributed to a lack of a well-educated work force. Schools are told to be more businesslike, so the Legislature’s solution is to cut education funding even more.

Perhaps businesses should be run like schools. Employees should come in a half an hour early to prepare their workspace, and stay several hours late to finish, at no pay. You will need to empty your own trash and clean your workspace yourself. Of 28 employees, three will have slept in their cars the night before, 12 will have not eaten breakfast and had little to eat the night before .... At least one day per week your 20-minute lunch break is spent supervising your employees, 14 of whom do not have money for lunch.

You have run out of supplies that are essential for you to do your job, and your employer requires you to buy them yourself because it “doesn’t have the money.” You are required to have continuing education to keep your certification and your job, and you need to pay for it . ... Oh yes, remember you do not make the median income for your state . ...

Now the “bosses” come in and say, “We are going to cut your workforce,” but you are expected to be more productive . ... And that staff will be paid less because the company is cutting their contribution to retirement.

Your business has $13 billion in reserves but, according to the boss, none of that can be used to lessen the burden on your business. Try running your business under these constraints and see how successful you will be.