To the editor:

It’s about the teachers.

Each time I see an action by the school board, an article, or op-ed about education calling for more funding for education, I feel a disdain on par with that I feel for the current political situation. Perhaps education should be better funded. Nobody really knows because administrators don’t publicize how they’re currently spending money or how it might be better allocated. Instead, they talk about buying iPads and other gizmos or perhaps a new initiative that will be “key” to improving “educational outcomes.” Well, to that I simply say no.

It’s just about the teachers. If more money needs to be spent, it needs to go to pay enough to compensate them adequately. No, we should compensate them more than adequately because this is truly one case where we really need the best and brightest.

I’ve been fortunate to work on interesting and high-profile tech projects. It is different in other fields, but in mine, most of what I’ve needed requires only a computer and the internet. And, one more important thing: interest and inspiration. Sometimes those come from within, but teachers are the people who will explain and inspire as young people start to choose their path through life.

I know what’s important. It’s the people who spend their time with our sons and daughters each day. It’s not the iPad. It’s not even the facility. It’s not complicated. It’s the teachers.