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LETTERS: Find out if money solves K-12 woes

To the editor:

Much has been written about the problems with public education in Nevada. Many people believe that tossing money at the problem will solve it. Many others favor nonmonetary solutions. In the long run, if money is the solution, then it becomes very expensive.

So why not do an experiment to see if money is the answer? Let’s put this question to rest with an experiment. If money is the answer to fixing Nevada’s education system, then let’s spend the money. But if it is not the answer, let’s put that suggestion to bed and not bring it up again.

To determine if money alone will solve the education woes of Nevada, for the next two years, select one or two low-performing schools to participate, not chosen by members of the education establishment. With currently employed staff (no stacking the deck) and with the current curriculum, pay every teacher in the school $200,000 per year. At the end of each year, determine by testing (not administered by the education establishment) just how much student performance levels change.

From those results, the taxpayers can determine which course to follow. Though this experiment is not comprehensive, it should give an excellent view of just how much highly paid teachers affect student performance. Using an extremely limited number of schools, the overall budget won’t be substantially affected, and we can find out finally if money alone is the answer. If it is not, perhaps this will silence those always wanting more money. And if it is the answer, we’ll all need to dig deeper into our pockets.

MARK R. CRAVEN

LAS VEGAS

Misplaced accolades

To the editor:

Regarding Henry Soloway’s letter complimenting Mayor Carolyn Goodman on founding The Meadows School (“Downtown stadium,” Feb. 16 Review-Journal), perhaps Mr. Soloway should look at the school’s website and review the cost of attendance. For beginning school (kindergarten), it’s $9,590 per year; for lower school (elementary), it’s $17,730 per year; middle school is $19,500 per year; and for upper school (high school), it’s $23,100 per year.

So, all you wealthy voters who supported Mrs. Goodman for mayor should be very happy about her founding The Meadows School, but for all of you middle-class and poor voters, her past achievements probably mean nothing, since you cannot afford to send your children to the school.

Additionally, regarding the failed attempt to use taxpayer funds to build a monument, (er, soccer stadium) to her and former Mayor Oscar Goodman, why did the city of Las Vegas pay The Cordish Cos. $2 million to come up with a proposal for Cordish to make a large amount of profit to build the stadium? Most companies in the private sector put together a proposal at their own cost in hopes of landing a contract — such as the arena being built at the MGM site — rather than requiring public monies and land gifts.

ROBERT BURTON

LAS VEGAS

Mayors know best

To the editor:

The mayors Goodman — Oscar and Carolyn — have decided what’s best for us, and by gum, we’d better just be quiet and accept it (“Stadium foes fear city maneuver,” Feb. 12 Review-Journal). They knew that voters would oppose public funding for a soccer stadium, and they figured out how to get around the voters.

The arrogance of the Goodman team is astounding. Never mind Las Vegas City Councilman Ricki Barlow’s ties to this maneuver. He’s just a useful pawn.

BEVERLY FAGIN

LAS VEGAS

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