To the editor:

I learned today of the support four of the elected Lawrence board of education members are giving to the idea of removing soda from the schools. Initially this sounded as though they were simply trying to remove the machines. Now I understand that they are considering prohibiting students from bringing soda in their lunches.

As a parent I seriously question the priorities of board members who spend time on an issue that is irrelevant in comparison to the many serious issues that are facing USD 497. Is childhood obesity a problem? Certainly. Is it the problem for the school board to address? No.

As a parent I want the board’s full attention to be on the size of classes, the materials and services available to the students at risk for being “left behind” and how the district is going to survive the budget without cutting programs such as art, music, physical education, etc.

The removal of soda machines from schools includes prohibiting teachers from drinking sodas when they are at work. Now I ask the general public, do you want to work somewhere that dictates what you drink? Will eliminating coffee from the building be next? If teacher morale is not already at an all-time low, let’s see how the group responds to being told they cannot bring a soda to drink during lunch. And if you don’t see that as a problem, let’s consider again the priorities of the board if they are discussing what teachers and students drink rather than how to manage the true needs of the district.

Jodi Trast,

Lawrence