I really think we're all on the same page here, or at least in the same book!
No, throwing money doesn't automatically fix things. However, I guarantee you that by not paying a teacher what they are worth (meaning a well trained, experienced teacher) means you aren't going to have that person in the classroom teaching. What you get are former substitute teachers who didn't complete full certification and were moved into the full time slot because they are there and will work cheaply (and who think it's great that they don't have to spend more money on education and now have a full time job.)
Don't get me wrong, I don't think any of us are talking about everyone here... I think we are all speaking in general terms for the system as a whole. We all know of some very good, excellent even, teachers ..even some who came in the back door!
But there are so many that are coming through the cracks in the system, that it's almost the norm now... background checks are glossed over; the teacher was a substitute and everyone likes him, they come on recommendation of a friend, etc.
The lack of credentials adds to the problem, is what I'm saying...and funding is a part of this.
You didn't find me in the system with my teaching degrees (and even one certification to instruct physical ed)... one reason was the lack of money. How many doctorate level teachers do you find in the regular school system? How many master degree holders do you find on the middle school level? The people I know who are working their brains out to gain a higher degree are doing it to get OUT of the regular school system and move on to where they get better pay.
The monies alloted for education in the USA are thrown at the problem and not well managed. Often a county highs a big gun doctor to come in and solve the problem, sometimes he/she has a business degree only, sometimes an educational degree only, and sometimes no personal skills at all!
Then, they also need to play politics!
No, money won't solve the problem but it is part of the solution imo.