Pictured (L-R): Moderator Rick Hunsaker, District 6 Senator Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig), and District 11 Representative Craig Williams (R-Manning). Feb. 22, 2025 Chamber/CCGP Forum in Breda.
Education funding was a point of contention at Saturday’s Carroll Chamber of Commerce and Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) Legislative Forum in Breda. The program featured District 6 Senator Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) and District 11 Representative Craig Williams (R-Manning). Amy Brown, a math teacher at Carroll High School (CHS), says she is growing concerned the state is neglecting public education, with state supplemental aid (SSA) growing by 2.25 percent at most while funding to education savings accounts (ESAs) increases.
Schultz responded to Brown’s question, contrasting school funding levels from when he was first elected 16 years ago to now.
Williams agrees that the percentage increase in the ESA program significantly outpaces public school funding but notes that it is part of the implementation process and is in response to family demand. He adds that the total amount for ESAs pales compared to public school funding.
Brown retorts that a 2.25 percent or lower SSA increase will limit districts’ ability to pay their staff.
According to the Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Central Office, a teacher with 30 years of experience would make $74,000 per year at a minimum. State senators and representatives are paid a base salary of $25,000 per year plus per diem. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Carroll County is $68,528.
