LETTERS: Blame should go to educators, not governor

Regarding Bill Hanlon's commentary ("Governor bears blame for Nevada's low rating," Jan. 17 Review-Journal), his premise is that there is inadequate funding for education and that Gov. Brian Sandoval is to blame. Mr. Hanlon's attempt to transfer blame to the governor is unsupported by any evidence, only assertions. Mr. Hanlon offers an old excuse: something goes wrong, and it's someone else's fault. Certainly poor achievement can't be the fault of the educators.

Where is the evidence that more money will solve all problems? The funding for education increases every year, yet the achievement remains poor. It seems there is no positive correlation between funding and achievement. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, while expecting a different result. If one is in business and the enterprise is failing miserably, a bank will not extend that business a loan. Yet the failing education system has a constant drumbeat for more money as the students' achievement plummets.

Throwing money at the problem has not worked in the past. It is time to attack more fundamental concerns. Start with the educators. It's about quality, not resources. It's about needed policy changes that unions oppose. It's about skill and talent in the classroom, not credentials in education. It's about rewarding the best and eliminating the worst. It's about time for a change, not more funding.

Pat Sharp

Las Vegas

Eliminate Taxi Authority

I had to smile as I read the article lambasting the Taxicab Authority ("State audit rips Taxicab Authority," Wednesday Review-Journal). As someone who drove a cab for 12 years in Las Vegas, I observed practices that were unethical and perhaps even illegal, but to some degree, the people involved were protected by the Taxicab Authority.

I could expound greatly on this subject, but would certainly fear legal fallout. Perhaps this scathing report will accomplish what should have been done a long time ago: abolishing the Taxicab Authority.

Albin Raety

Las Vegas

MGM parking fee

Once again, corporate greed rears its ugly head ("What hath MGM wrought?" Jan. 17 Review-Journal). MGM Resorts stated that the charge will "enhance the guest parking experience." What euphemistic nonsense is this?

The only thing "enhanced" will be the MGM's pocketbook. As of now, my family has unanimously voted not to visit any MGM properties.

Norman Nero

Las Vegas

CCSD support staff

While I'm happy that Clark County School District teachers received a new contract with quite an increase in pay, I feel CCSD support staffers are being shortchanged. Support staff recently voted to be represented by the Teamsters, and the old union, the Education Support Employees Association, is challenging the vote.

The ESEA did not do well in representing support staff. This year, support staffers have seen pay decline, while incurring a benefits cost increase. Premiums are so high that having a family medical plan results in a very small paycheck. A single parent could not afford working as a support staff member while carrying a family medical plan.

The pay gap between teachers and support staff is also ridiculous. In situations where teachers have an aide, support staffers are making $11,000 to $15,000 per year, compared with teachers making up to $70,000. And now that the upper pay structure will go to $90,000, the inequity will be even greater. Does teachers do that much more in the classroom, library or field to justify such a large difference in pay, compared with the staff that supports those teachers?

Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky needs to do something about this pay inequity, or he'll soon face a support staff shortage in addition to a teacher shortage.

Elizabeth Cammiso

Las Vegas

Pat Sharp