To the editor:

I read, with interest, an article in the Thursday, Oct. 24 Journal- World, Section B, called “Justices consider reinstating school lawsuit.” It says the some students, parents and two school districts sued the state in 1999 for not providing enough money for all levels of the schools in their districts. They also accused the state of unfairly distributing the dollars it does provide.

I do not know if they will get their day in court, but it has enlightened me on another factor in the funding of public schools. I do not think that more funds is the answer. Even if we were to find $450 million to put into the schools, these funds would be mismanaged just as the existing funds are. Because each district within the state has its own unique needs and/or problems, I think the funding as well as the control of these funds should be under local control.

Our school districts used to run on the property taxes generated in their district. If they needed more money, locally, they would have to raise the property taxes just in that area. Other means of generating funds locally are possible as well. If you also favor local control, I suggest that you look very closely as to which candidates in this election are for local control or state-controlled schools. I think we have some clear choices in this election. Check it out by asking questions. Then go out and vote intelligently.

Carmen Penny,

Lawrence