To the editor:

Let me see if I understand your argument (“School Equity,” LJW June 23) correctly: It is wrong to allow local school districts to increase taxes for education because this would result in inequality. You advise taxpayers to be patient and wait until lawmakers read a report on “what it takes to fund an appropriate education as required by state statute.” Presumably, once legislators figure this out, they will possess the courage and foresight to raise taxes to meet these expenses.

Sounds reasonable, but your argument seems to beg the following questions: What makes you think that our politicians will not continue to sacrifice the long-term public good for short-term gains (read re-election)? Do the gray bureaucrats in Topeka really care if my child is well-educated? Should school equality be the goal, even when it means accepting bland mediocrity? Does this equality exist today, say for instance, between the Kansas City and Lawrence school districts? Finally, won’t such a policy ultimately weaken support for public schools?

If parents believe that their children are unable to receive a quality education in a public school, will they not be tempted to look elsewhere?

Instead of stifling local initiatives to improve public education in Lawrence, the Journal-World and Supt. Weseman should support such efforts.

Ray Finch,

Lawrence