Why Politics?
Elected politicians, or those appointed by them, decide every one of the important education issues we deal with every day. If you ever wondered why your Local Association and MSTA are involved in politics locally and statewide, just check out the list below. Need we say more?
Your salary Local Board of Education
School budget As determined by General Assembly (state aid to education), county officials and Local Board of Education
Amount of federal school aid President and Congress
Certification standards State Board of Education and State Department of Education
Class size Budget as determined by governor and General Assembly, county and local Board of Education
Length of school year State Board of Education
Duty free lunch Local Board of Education
Length of workday Local Board of Education
Health/Dental insurance benefit Local Board of Education
Mandatory classes State Board of Education and State Department of Education
Social Security participation General Assembly
Course content State Board of Education and State Department of Education
Fringe benefits General Assembly, Local Board of Education, elected county officials
Employee collective bargaining rights and due process General Assembly, Local Board of Education, elected county officials
Health and safety standards General Assembly, Congress
Chapter I (Title I) funding Congress
Retirement benefits General Assembly, Maryland Teachers Retirement and Pension System Board
Tuition tax credits General Assembly, Congress
Corporal punishment policies General Assembly
Worker’s compensation General Assembly
Unemployment Compensation General Assembly
Licensing fees General Assembly
Tax credits for school supplies General Assembly
