TIME TO IX A BROKEN EDUCATION SYSTEM

In recent years, we have seen a concerning decline in student performance across key subjects like math and reading.

In the 2023-2024 school year, only about 25% of North Dakota high school students were proficient in math, and just 43% were proficient in reading. This means not even half of the students are managing to perform at their actual grade level.

These scores are well below what we should expect for our students’ future success and highlight the urgent need for reform.

In North Dakota, a significant portion of education funding is consumed by administrative costs rather than reaching the classroom directly.

On average, only about 60-65% of education funding in North Dakota makes it to classroom instruction, with the remaining funds allocated to administration and other overhead expenses.

This means that a substantial portion of taxpayer dollars is not directly benefiting teachers or students but instead supports the growing administrative apparatus.

For too long, we've seen the administrative class in our public schools grow at a faster rate than students and teachers. This leads to ballooning costs that are unfairly passed on to hardworking tax payers.

While the number of teachers has remained relatively stable, the number of administrators and non-teaching staff has skyrocketed, diverting funds away from where they're needed most—our classrooms. 

This shift has resulted in larger class sizes, fewer resources for students, and a system that prioritizes bureaucracy over education.

The increasing use of technology in schools has raised concerns about its impact on students’ mental health, contributing to heightened anxiety, stress, and social isolation.

This is expected to be linked to a rise in disorderly conduct within classrooms, where students struggle to manage emotions and behavior. Alarmingly, incidents of students assaulting teachers and fellow classmates have also increased. 

This highlights the urgent need for stronger behavioral health support and interventions within schools to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all.