To the editor:

Randy Weseman commented, during his praise of parents who raised funds to support activities within the school system, that the state had not adequately funded education. The state spends 68 cents of every dollar it receives on education, and I give approximately 50 percent of every property tax dollar to the school district. Just what defines the concept of “adequate funding”? Is it 70 cents on the dollar, or 75 cents?

Before I sign off on any further funding of education, I want this term quantified. A dollar is only a dollar, so I want those who claim that education is inadequately funded, to come forward and point out which single mother gets to go on welfare because there are no funds available to help her keep a job and get day care. Point out to me the elderly resident of Lawrence who has to give up their home because there is no funding to assist them in living at home. What programs for the poor, disabled, and elderly would they sacrifice on the “altar of education.”

The school district spends 85 percent of every dollar it gets on salaries and benefits. Perhaps USD 497 should ask its employees to pay a greater share of their benefits package. Perhaps, in a district that is top heavy in administrators, personnel cuts can be found. The school district should account clearly and accurately for every dollar it receives and justify the expenses paid before it asks the taxpayer to shell out more cash.

Ken Meyer,

Lawrence