I seem to be getting popular these days. I was just informed by a person who lives here in Barnesville.

Here is the letter:

"To Dr. Smith

Regarding your letter to the editor. Randy Lucas and his raise. This is another question that I want to ask. What about the children of the Barnesville Scholl district in grades K-4 It has been said that there is not enough supplies in the supply cupboard. Pencils, crayons, colored paper, etc. This has NEVER happened in the past. Now the teacher, (instead of just going to the cupboard adn getting what her class needs) Sometimes a teacher needs something immediately, especially at this age level.

Has to write a requisition to get supplies ahead of time. Now lately, even with the requisition the principal Mrs Hannah s said that she will count out every item. Maybe Mr Lucas can give some of raise to pay these items. Who knows what else has been cut in other levels of the school."

This was unsigned, because many of the teachers and staff members are afraid of Mr. Lucas and the school board.

Jerry Smith, PhD.
Somerton, Ohio 43713

With the impending renewal of the school administrator's contracts on the March 26 at 7 p.m., this is being held at the Middle School. This is a must attend meeting. Especially for those who are suffering through these hard economic times.

Maybe we should all check to see how much of a pay increase these folks are getting. If it is more than a 3% cost of living increase with the way the current economy is, maybe these administrators should become shining examples of what being a good American is all about and return the money to the school system. Otherwise the school board will have to find a new tax revenue that doesn't violate the state supreme court ruling on property tax as the sole source of income from the local people.

Maybe the school district will have to implement PAY TO PLAY for all of the school sports. The coaching staff for all sports will have to work with no money, because the administrators will get all of the revenues from the sports as their pay raises.

Or maybe their could institute a Beer tax, Tobacco tax and a Pop tax in the local area to help make up the differences with these pay increases. Here is another great way to increase revenue, 1/2% sales tax on everything sold in the school district, or a possible a local income tax.

There are so many sources of money, it is astounding, but these days, no one can afford to pay more, especially if you are unemployed or so deep into debt or all the other reasons that people don't have as much money as they used to have.

I always thought that the teachers deserved the major pay raises, they are the people who are educating the young people of our country, the administrators are just support staff, so the teachers can do their jobs.

Maybe the school board should give their stipends income from being board members to the schools, that would a great act of what being an American is all about.


Jerry Smith,PhD.
Somerton, Ohio