NORTH DAKOTA – On “News and Views”, North Dakota State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier shared his support for a bill that would give licensed teachers in the state a $3,400 bonus.
The stipend would be supported by 10% from the state’s common schools trust fund for two years. The money would go to public and private educators.
Educators licensed in North Dakota who work in other states wouldn’t be eligible for the bonus.
Bachmeier explained why he supports Republican State Representative Mike Nathe of Bismarck’s bill for teacher bonuses instead of one with state funding mandating districts pay teachers a higher wage.
“The Legislature debates the school funding formula every two years when they come to Bismarck and that’s the way it needs to be. The way this is designed is to take some of the politics out of teacher pay. This is based on a percentage of a trust fund that will grow over time on its own,” Bachmeier explained.
Bachmeier wants to shut down allegations the legislation is a way to work around the North Dakota constitution to give state money to private schools.
“I don’t think it’s the same thing as vouchers. I view this more like school meals or title one funding which comes from the federal government, has a requirement that those dollars are also shared with students in private schools who meet the criteria to receive those services,” Bachmeier said.
Comments