Reader notes problems with financial needs of schools

Dear editor:

Last week Mr. Heinen wrote in with some ideas for cutting our education budget and was asking me to also contribute solutions.

First of all, I must say that I agree with him about the sports programs. I think if we HAVE to decide between a quality education for our kids and funded sports programs we need to choose education. It does not mean that we can't have sports programs, but why can't we go to intramural sports while we are weathering this storm?

As far as his idea to scrap the breakfast program, this is federally funded and has nothing to do with the state budget cuts we are facing, so whether you like the program or not, this is irrelevant.

Cutting administration always seems like an easy target. However, I don't know many well run businesses that operate without leadership. I think cutting administration could have serious consequences for our schools.

I spoke with several legislators and these are some of the ideas that they are tossing around.

They are thinking about limiting new textbook purchases, tapping further into the rainy day fund, no new capital outlays, and consolidating services in schools that are close to each other.

Rep. Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, is floating the idea of a 10 percent across-the-board pay cut for all 53,000 state employees rather than laying off 10 percent of the state employees.

While I do not like the idea of pay cuts for teachers, it seems to be a better alternative than widespread layoffs that will increase classroom sizes.

As for any other solutions that I can think of I will only say this. As the owner of a small business and property I am willing to pay more taxes to not only maintain but to improve our children's education as long as I see the money being used wisely. I would rather see my tax money go into my communities and the schools where I can see the benefits. I believe in people working towards a common goal and I believe that quality education is a common goal that we should all invest in.

In my research I found out that the State Department of Education website has a handy place for you to submit YOUR ideas. Just go to www.sde.idaho.gov/site/schoolsbudget to be a part of this conversation.

Rebecca Lampman