To the editor:

School funding is crucial. How can anyone oppose more money for schools? I find that incredible. I have worked in many school systems the past 17 years that were without air conditioning. How many degreed professionals out there would go to work in Kansas in August without air conditioning? The building I now work in was built in the early 1900s, has crowded halls and needs repair.

Maybe some are doing OK, but most districts are in desperate need. Some say schools waste their funds, though much is required spending. Some would cut librarians. How sound is this as opposed to, say, pricey sports programs with facilities, busing and personnel needed?

In many European countries the community has sports activities that aren’t funded by schools. Many countries don’t provide services to those with special needs. It is awesome that our country wants to provide excellent well-rounded education services to ALL. It is deplorable that some expect it to be done with such a financial handicap.

Think, Kansas! Couldn’t we join Iowa in selling ethanol at our pumps? Figuratively and literally we’d pump up our own economy. There have to be ways to increase needed revenue while improving aspects of Kansas life without resorting to casinos. Let’s all start thinking and sharing ideas that would work better. Kansans have long been resourceful and ingenious when we needed to be. Now is the time.

Cynthia McGowne,

Tonganoxie