How much does the average Kentucky teacher make?

Two recent reports trying to answer this question are taking very different approaches.

Last week we told you about a report from the National Education Association, the largest labor union in the U.S. if found, the average pay for public school teachers in Kentucky is a little more than $58,000, ranking the state 42nd in the nation.

But the conservative leaning Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions, or Bips, says salaries are just the start.

The self-described free market think tank says the average teacher is also compensated more than $35,000 a year and fringe benefits like pensions and health insurance.

That's up more than 60% since 2006, according to that report.

Jim Waters, president of Bips, says while teacher compensation has grown over the years, student success hasn't kept pace.

Public education should be about preparing students for future success, not propping up an overfunded mediocre system.

Large increases in school funding have not translated into better student outcomes.

And quote.