Don't criticize 'no' voters

Dear editor:

In reference to Ms. Ash, and her "Shame on those who voted 'no'" letter to the editor.

It's unfortunate that you feel your education was 'short-changed' due to a shortage of textbooks during your senior year. However, I highly doubt your struggle to "catch-up" was based solely on a shortage of textbooks.

Research shows that a high percentage of students entering their freshman year of college are ill-prepared for the rigors required for success at university level -- not just Mountain Home High School students! Across the nation, there are a high percentage of those entering college who must take remedial courses (playing "catch-up"), as their SAT/ACT scores are not at an acceptable level for entry into required math or English courses.

Taking remedial courses can be frustrating and is a primary contributor to poor completion rates, however, it's good to see that you overcame this issue and are well on your way to completing your education.

Ms Ash, if you were to do a little research, you might be surprised to find that this isn't just a Mountain Home issue, but a national one as well, and the primary solution isn't going to be throwing more money into larger buildings.

Do you really think that the reason there are less than 20 Mountain Home students enrolled at University of Idaho is due to classes being held on the stage at Hacker Middle School, or that the people of Mountain Home are "selfish" - "too cheap to part with their money" or "don't care about the youth of this country"?

Furthermore, as to your reference regarding the people of Mountain Home not wanting to provide the school district with money, you might want to research the salaries of school district administration, or the amount of money that was approved by voters to build the new junior high -- which by the way has a tremendous amount of wasted space that could have been utilized as classroom.

All issues considered, I believe the people of Mountain Home have been very generous, especially considering all the other bonds they are asked to vote on.

Be careful not to judge too quickly as to why the school bond did not pass. There are a variety of reasons why people voted the way they did, and it's not just because they didn't want to give up a trip to McDonald's.

When teachers thrive on teaching, and students have the desire to learn, together they are able to overcome many hurdles.

Don't give up on your little brother's Mountain Home education quite so soon.

Lisa Mays