SB727 represents a dangerous step backward for teachers and public education in our state. Touted as a solution to various issues, this bill, in reality, is a perilous amalgamation of policies that undermine the integrity and stability of our education system.
Firstly, the expansion of private school and voucher funding marks a shift away from investing in public education, diverting crucial resources toward institutions with less oversight and accountability. This not only threatens the quality of education provided but also exacerbates inequalities by favoring those who can afford private schooling.
The inclusion of charter schools into Boone County without adequate mechanisms for accountability sets a troubling precedent. Charter schools, while offering potential innovations, must be held to the same standards of transparency and performance as public schools to ensure the equitable delivery of education to all students.
Moreover, the provision for differentiated pay for teachers, while subject to collective bargaining, introduces a divisive element into the profession. Such a system risks undervaluing certain educators and creating rifts within school communities.
The purported raise in the minimum teacher salary from $25,000 to $40,000 is deceptive. Without guaranteed funding year to year, this increase becomes an empty promise, leading to salary compression and threatening the financial stability of smaller districts.
Financially, SB727 is irresponsible, with a cost exceeding $600 million. Such a hefty price tag without clear long-term planning risks burdening future generations and jeopardizing the stability of our education budget.
In essence, SB727 fails to address the root issues facing our education system while introducing new challenges and uncertainties. Instead of investing in privatization and unproven reforms, we must prioritize adequately funding and supporting our public schools, ensuring that every child has access to a quality education regardless of their background or ZIP code.
In addition to highlighting the detrimental impact of SB727, it’s crucial to recognize and commend those who stand in opposition to such harmful legislation. AFT 691 extends its gratitude to all Kansas City-area Democrats for their principled stance in voting “NO” on this bill. Their dedication to protecting public education and advocating for the well-being of teachers and students is commendable..
As educators, we understand the importance of honesty and integrity in shaping policies that impact our schools and communities. Any attempt to distort the truth and misrepresent the will of the people cannot be tolerated. AFT 691 urges all elected officials to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability, ensuring that the voices of teachers, students, and families are heard and
Jason Roberts was elected as president of the Kansas City Federation of Teachers and School Related Personnel AFT local 691 in April 2022.
He was born and raised in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. He went to Olivet Nazarene University outside of Chicago, Illinois. There he received his Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education and later a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. After teaching in Ohio for two years, he came to Kansas City Public Schools.
His mother and father work for the Department of Defense. His younger brother Joshua is a Pastor in Virginia and his youngest brother Joseph is a firefighter in Memphis. His grandmother was Secretary of the United Sea Farers and Industrial Workers in Columbus, Ohio.
Prior to being president, he taught social studies at Central Middle School and Central High School. In 2017, he transferred to Northeast Middle School, where he remained until 2019. And in 2019, he became the lead teacher for the Missouri Option Program which was housed at Anderson. He joined the Executive Board in 2012 as well as the negotiating team for AFT. He served on the Executive Board as Vice President of Membership from 2012 until 2022. He served on the negotiating team in 2012,2012,2014,2015,2017,2018,2019, 2020, 2021. After he became President, he became Chief Negotiator, bargaining his first contact for Classified members.
While a teacher in KCPS he taught:
7th: Geography and Economics
8th: American History
9th: World History
11th: Sociology, Psychology, Current Political Issues, Criminal Justice
12th: AP Psychology
Commitee Involvement as a teacher:
Teacher Evaluation Committee
Academic Advisory Commitee
Faculty Advisory Commitee
Superintendent Advisory Committee
Employee Benefits Committee
Missouri Governors Special Commitee on Career and Technical Eduation
DESE Special Committee on Educator Professional Development
As President he has been invited to serve in the following capacities:
Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO Exective Board Member
Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO Trustee
AFT Missouri Executive Board
AFT National PPC Committee
AFT Teacher Shortage Task Force
Education Round Table
Unity Table Executive Board
