SCHOOLS: Basics absolutely needed

It was astounding to hear from an ex teacher, Mr. Dave Eubanks, who explains that kids are passed on from year to year without learning how to read a clock, learn times tables, how to add and subtract and make change, how to read and write in cursive, and know how to spell. In recent years, it has been made abundantly clear that “the teacher” is “the” ingredient in our schools that creates success for students.

This list is astounding. TEACHERS allow students to pass from year to year in Coeur d’Alene without knowing such basic information? If this doesn’t define an incompetent school system, I can’t fathom what does. To admit as a school board member, that this is the status of our schools — defines a system that needs a new superintendent, school board, principals, and the majority of teachers. This is an astounding new low!

The editor’s Filling Cracks editorial in Wednesday’s Press points out a truly ineffectual public education system in Coeur d’Alene. Your kids are owed FAR better.

RONALD DEADY

Coeur d’Alene