Rapid city finds more money for teachers

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/budget-tactic-frees-up-million-for-teachers/article_775225c5-3538-5dd8-a1e2-21c756b1a446.html

"According to a news release from the district, the linchpin of the deal is an agreement to divert $4 million in capital outlay funds toward general fund expenses, and then use the freed-up $4 million in the general fund to raise teacher pay.
The budget maneuver is allowed by a state law that was adopted in 2009 and was supposed to sunset in 2012 but has since been renewed through 2018."

This is where our money should go first. 

divert construction funds to schools?

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/school-board-president-use-construction-money-to-do-something-for/article_d10eb994-33eb-5323-b960-b9796c1b594f.html

"Board Vice President Matt Stephens, who said he sees both sides of the argument, said that when voters in June rejected raising their property taxes to give the district more operating money, they sent a message that they think the district has enough money to raise teachers' pay.
'It sends a mixed signal when we start building projects, but not giving increases to the staff,' he said.
The discussion on how to spend the capital-outlay money probably will continue at the board's first meeting in August. "

I like this idea.