The vast majority of Maryland residents believe that teacher salaries are too low and that many school buildings are in poor condition, but there is little support for increasing taxes to address those concerns, according to a just-released survey.
The poll, by Goucher College, found that 69% of the public agrees that “public schools in Maryland don’t receive enough state funding.” In addition, 85% said they believe teachers are underpaid and 76% agreed that “many public school buildings and facilities in Maryland are run-down.”
But when interviewers asked about increasing taxes, sharp divisions emerged.
More than a third of Marylanders — 37% — would rather keep state services and taxes where they are. And even more troubling for advocates of education reform, 28% would rather have fewer state government services in order to reduce taxes.
Only 28% of those surveyed said they would be willing to pay more in taxes if it meant improved state services.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Bruce DePuyt over at Maryland Matters