Dear Editor,

This letter is in response to Jo Leyland's comments concerning what Guy Curtis and I have written concerning public education.

I agree with Guy Curtis only in regard to nepotism and favoritism in our school system. I believe that, on the whole, Mr. Curtis is not in favor of public education while I wholly support the concept.

I am sorry that Jo Leyland inferred from my comments that I feel the whole school system and quality of education is inadequate. Further I feel that her efforts as a school board member are commendable.

It does bother me greatly that, from her viewpoint as a member of the school board for five years that she feels my assessment of the situation is correct.

I too feel that, on the whole, our school system is adequate. We do have some very excellent teachers and we also have had some very inept ones. I feel there are teachers on staff now who should be encouraged to leave, to make room for more competent and eager replacements. My opinions are based largely on comments from students regarding the quality of education they have gotten from specific teachers. I am quite aware that students can be extremely biased and I have allowed for this but often the students whose opinions I have listened to are the better students who want to learn and have no axe to grind.

I am aware that the rapid changes that took place last year were in response to funding changes and laws that came down from Lincoln. But I am appalled that, while there was the need to save money and perhaps restructure the faculty, adminstration was given raises. I can think of nothing that would be more destructive of teacher morale than such an action. It was noted by me and others that those given raises did not do the magnanimous thing and decline them.

I am wholly in support of any school board member who is motivated by the need for quality education. I am wholly opposed to anyone who looks upon the public school system as a means of making as much money as possible while expending little or no effort on behalf the the students. I am wholly opposed to nepotism and patronage.

The education of our children is the single most important thing we can do for them and for ourselves. Education is the key to future success regardless of what career you pursue. The lack of education almost certainly guarantees a future that is bleak for both the under-educated and their children as well. It is with this in mind that I criticize the current situation in our schools. It is not an indictment of specific school board members who try to effect positive changes nor of teacher and faculty who are motivated and desire the best for the students.

It is not my intent to turn this publication into a debating forum, though personally I am glad to see ongoing debate and the exchange of ideas in such a medium. I thank you Jo for your response to my comments.

Leonard Smith
Imperial, NE.