Dear Editor,

Okay I’ll say it, $225,000 is a great deal of money, but it’s merely a drop in the bucket compared to what our school system’s “D” rating has cost this community over the last few years.

Let us all remember, when the school superintendent position opened, the community sent a loud and clear message to the school board demanding a competent superintendent who could successfully lead our students, teachers, and community. I strongly believe that Brian Shumate is just that person.

It is a true statement that our teachers need a pay raise, and there are other areas where our schools need better funding, but the salary of our superintendent is in no way going to impede any future pay raises for teachers, nor will it prevent the funding of other school programs.

To be clear, our superintendent’s salary will not increase your taxes!

Our school system has an annual operating budget of $110,000,000. As a business owner, I wouldn’t want anyone in charge of that amount of money who isn’t worth every bit of $225,000.

We need to cease this ridiculous reactionary behavior and focus on supporting our school system, teachers, students and our entire community. It is time to come together and provide the type of school system our students and community deserve.

Dale Jackson

LaGrange