Correction
A Staffpick in last week’s issue misspelled the name of Theatre [502]’s latest production, “Futura,” which we review this week (using the correct spelling!) on page 32. LEO regrets the error.
Gleeful Read
Upfront: I’ve written for LEO, mostly letters, for the past 18 years and gleefully read the Editor’s Note in the last issue, “I occasionally hear from irate right-wingers or disgruntled readers.”
Of course these disgruntled souls are the ones who can’t wait for each new issue.
Bob Moore, East End
Funding for Resources
As a student of the Jefferson County Public School system for the last 12 years, it is refreshing to read about Superintendent Donna Hargens’ reorganization and the $2.1 million in savings that will pay for additional resources in the schools. The elimination of 13 administrative positions and the reorganization, naming nine assistant superintendents, is possible evidence that staffing has been quite top heavy, leaving school resources way too lean.
For most of my 12 years of public school, I have consistently heard teachers and staff talk about needed resources to bring Jefferson County education in line with higher-ranking states. Most of the computers and software are outdated, and this is a crime since a large amount of what students do is learn by the use of technology. In classes where books are still used, there have been occasions where teachers informed students that books cannot be taken home since there are not enough because of funds. As a junior at duPont Manual, I can recall a class in which we had to share books until enough were bought for each student to have their own. Maybe with additional money going back into the schools, there can be more assistants hired to aid students who are struggling academically as well as behaviorally.
When most students spend more of their time each day at school than at home, it only makes sense to ensure that the school board is doing everything it can to help kids succeed.
Meredith Bell, junior at duPont Manual High School, CMA Program
Turning to TARC
As I waited at a red light at Bardstown Road and Grinstead Drive one afternoon a couple of months ago, I noticed several youths at the bus stop, many using cell phones while their dress and demeanor indicated minimum-wage lives.
Seated in my Kia Optima, I became focused on the problems caused by poor personal priorities. Spending limited resources on stylish technology instead of sacrificing some convenience for more long-term benefits can have dangerous consequences, I realized.
Can’t people realize that this culture of mindless gratification causes violence and addiction?
With this in mind, I soon obtained a TARC pass, turned in my parking sticker at work, and now I join these youth daily at the bus stop to do what I can to curb our addictions to oil and petrodollars and maybe prevent the next war.
George Morrison, Cherokee Triangle
