Schools simply have to cut the fat from their budgets

Several school districts are singing the blues, “cash-strapped” and layoffs (“Layoffs loom as Snohomish County schools face shortfalls,” The Herald, April 19). What’s the reason?

Perhaps its teachers union greed, known as the McCleary mandate. Remember the union striking for higher pay? As the result of this decision, a teacher will be given a six-figure income, after 11 years. The Everett teachers are near the top of the pay scale. About 80 percent of some school budgets, are spent on salaries. No wonder these budgets are in the red.

Cuts have to be made. Sorry, kids. Another cause and effect, would be the “fat” all districts have. Visit any administration building, to ask youself, what do all these people do every day? But don’t worry about the kids too long. In two years these districts will still be in the red, but with a new levy on the way. Then we can have the fourth grade band once again.

Bruce A. Ferguson

Snohomish