Your claim about it being "definitely not for the money" reminded me of a conversation I had with my daughter's kindergarten teacher, who marveled that she and her husband, also a teacher, were making more than $100,000 between them. Career educators, both 40-ish, both at or near top scale on step increases with advanced course work. Both good, hard-working, well-respected teachers. She sported a new convertible each school year. They loved spending holidays and spring breaks in warmer climes. Nice people.

My daughter is now 30. That conversation was 25 years ago. By the 4J district's own salary schedule available online, they'd be making at least $140,000 today at that same stage of their careers, which coincidentally is almost exactly what they're receiving now from PERS in retirement.

Thank a teacher? Perhaps that sentiment should be flowing in the opposite direction toward the taxpayer. If only water ran uphill.