Once again the Idaho legislature is reducing funding to education so that to maintain our education programs we must turn to levies and the inevitable rise in property taxes. Idaho should be ashamed!

As a school teacher, Prop 13 has allowed a few Republicans to wreak havoc on public schools. I know much more damage has been done but the time to stop it is now, now that the Assembly, Senate and Governor have the numbers and power to do it.

It will introduce psychology into the public schools so children don't grow up to become victims of their own emotions,they learn to be the creator of their emotions through understanding/education.After years of research and experience MY THEORY is generally accepted by school principals and counselors;All alcohol,drug addiction,CRIME,mental illness and depression come from HOLDING on to ANGER(ANGER COMES FROM FEAR).

I am a parent/advocate for children and adults with special needs. My son currently has an IPAD purchased by a family member. My son has dsygraphia, meaning his handwriting will never surpass that of a kindergardener hand writing. Since having an IPAD his math, socal studies skills, social skilss etc have drastically improved. I petition that schools budget for special eduation to provide every special needs child with an IPAD. This would greatly improve their educational and social skills to prepare them for the world once they are out of the special education system.

Three of my grandchildren attend Knox County Schools. Recently, Becky Massey and Bill Dunn are trying to legislate requiring school board elections to be partisan. Life is too short to go through this kind of complication.

I am a Wake Technical Community College student. I depend, not unlike many, on my financial assistance from the school. This is not in my best interest or the best interest of any student at this school. It is simply so that the school can save money and the higher-one corp can make money.

My granchildren attend Dearington Elementary School, which is about to lose a great leader/principal, Mrs. Teri Haley. Our children's education and well being should be our top priority, as it is for Mrs. Haley. And this unfounded termanation has to be stopped!

When I started out as a teacher in the 1960's our State was #3 in the Nation and now we are 48th!! How did this happen? Our Legislature has fallen down on the job of making Education a priority. The lottery was EXTRA money NOT money to take away from our budget. Under the Senior Jerry Brown our advanced educational system was the best in the country so middle class children received an excellent education for little money and became the future including me in our state. I want everyone who believes that Education is the way to better jobs to sign this petition to make EDUCATION A PRIORITY IN CALIFORNIA! WRITTEN BY: ROSALIE BERGMAN, RETIRED EDUCATOR

When it comes to running Bridgeport's schools, Paul Vallas gets an F. Paul Vallas' brand of corporate school reform uses our schools to create profit, not educate. Vallas has laid off 50 teachers, cut supply budgets in half, and wants even steeper cuts, all while being paid more than $230,000 a year, and signing $13 million worth of no bid contracts with his friends and former colleagues. Vallas also spends much of his time consulting for other school districts and states, including an $18 million contract with the City of Indianapolis and a $1 million dollar contract with the Illinois state Department of Education. Paul Vallas has failed Bridgeport's schools. It is time for him to go.

The trends in support of education and libraries are ominous.. hold your knife and think..

Wrestling gives youth an outlet to expend energy in an organized sport and teaches lessons that can be translated into other aspects of life. Wrestling helps develop life skills that encourage and build strength in self-esteem, leadership and work ethic. Wrestling tests one’s strength and physical ability which is innate and fun! Our youth need an opportunity to experience these values and traits that are enhanced by wrestling. A modified wrestling program would benefit our kids greatly because: • Anybody can wrestle – wrestling doesn’t discriminate. No matter your body type – height or weight – there is a place for you in wrestling. So you’re never too small or too big to participate. • No cuts due to lack of talent or skill. One’s strength and physical ability with determination is all that is needed. • Discipline – work ethic, focus and concentration are all traits learned, because it is a one on one sport, unlike other team sports where you wait for a ball to come to you. • Success has more to do with investment made rather than the natural gift one is given. • Provides a sense of belonging, self-confidence and pride. • Currently basketball is the only winter sports option for our youth. If you are not one of the few kids to make the basketball team, then there is no other modified winter sport for kids to participate in.

Without hesitation I will say that all of us will be adversely affected by those who fail to graduate from high school. Our State needs to correct the reasons that are preventing students from reaching their potential by not graduating from high school.