To the editor:

I recently learned that one of Lawrence’s finest teachers is looking for employment elsewhere. And for the worst possible reason.

This is a woman whose love for her students is obvious, whose joy in her job is a pleasure to behold. Her pupils adore her and have in many cases made quite amazing progress in reading, writing, arithmetic and beyond.

A few of those students have worked so hard, succeeded so well against the odds, that she wants to ensure that their progress continues. So she spent a good deal of her own time applying for summer program scholarships on their behalf and is even willing, since parents may be unable, to drive them to and from these programs.

Yet this teacher cannot afford to live in Lawrence. (And trust me when I say she does not live extravagantly.) Johnson County schools will pay at least $10,000 more per year. So despite her wish to stay where she is, she must consider the options. She is not alone. Free State High School’s award-winning band teacher made a similar decision. Scores of other Lawrence teachers face a similar dilemma.

This, of course, is madness. The excellence of the Lawrence school system rests on the quality and commitment of its teachers. They are integral to the current and future success of our community.

What can the community do to keep such talented educators in our classrooms?

Nancy Jackson,

Eudora