To the editor:

Scott Henderson makes a good point in his letter to the editor Friday: “It adds up.” What doesn’t add up is Henderson’s shortsighted understanding of school funding. He states, “It is wrong to raise taxes to improve the quality of life for one while making it more difficult for another.” Henderson fails to understand that funding education is not an expense for a few, but an investment for all.

Years of financial neglect have created a growing shortage of teachers. Kansas schools opened last fall with about 400 unfilled teaching jobs. How will Kansas attract and retain new teachers? How will Lawrence compete?

As a 12-year veteran teacher with a master’s degree, in Lawrence, I earn $44,050. In Blue Valley I would earn $48,979. In Kansas City, Kan., I would earn $57,850. Why would new teachers come to Lawrence when they could earn nearly $14,000 more in nearby cities? Why should current teachers stay? Tuesday’s election isn’t about improving the quality of life for some. It is about Lawrence becoming competitive in recruiting and retaining the best teachers, thus cultivating the economic health that follows quality schools.

But this issue reaches beyond Lawrence and beyond Kansas. The teacher shortage threatens our entire nation. Indeed, the survival of a democratic society depends on an educated populace. Without education, there can be no economic prosperity. Without economic prosperity, there can be no security.

Education IS national security. Vote “yes” on Tuesday.

David Reber,
Lawrence