REFORM: Paying now for long term

In the "Are we spending too much for education in Coeur d'Alene?" debate, I think both sides are correct.

I am a teacher in Coeur d'Alene, and it's true. We can operate our school district for much less than we do now. There are always things that can be cut from a multimillion dollar budget ... so why not do it? Taken to extremes, if our students were in classes of 60, rather than the common load of 30 students/class/ teacher, we would spend millions less.

We could cut art, music, P.E., spend less maintaining buildings and grounds, eliminate sports and field trips, cut electives, etc. But is that what we want to offer our children?

When Coeur d'Alene School District had slightly more money, there were more adults working in each building, and students received more individualized attention. Each day, every additional caring adult in a school met the needs of a few more students. Furthermore, when the quality of education is increased, our community as a whole benefits. We get to live in a community in which the residents are better prepared to participate in a democracy.

We can offer an education that costs less. But, although "times are tough," I think our students deserve more and I will gladly pay my property taxes and be grateful that many others paid for me.

DAVID GROTH

Coeur d'Alene