With schools, we get what we pay for

I am disturbed by those who are calling for a first-day boycott of school under the demand that the governor address the problem of funds allocation.

The very students that Rev. Meeks and his mindless rat pack are supposedly trying to save with this brainless tactic are those most at risk of growing up uneducated and unemployable in today's world.

They are consistently the ones who need the most help - academic as well as financial - to get through school, including college. So how does missing a day of school help in any way?

I know some communities "get" far more to spend per student than others and I'm willing to have some of my very high taxes redirected in a reasonable way so that schools across Illinois can all be excellent.

But to grandstand that the system is "inequitable" is nonsense. I get what, and no more than, I pay for. If my neighbors and I have good schools, it's because we pay for them - and we pay a fortune.

We pay a fortune because, obviously, we can, but most of us work 80, 90 or more hours per paycheck (in often very ordinary, not necessarily high-paying jobs) to pay those tax bills - no subsidized housing or free medical care or food coupons here.

We have jobs (and some of us don't right now) we truly qualify for. We don't just "get" for our kids; we work for them.

Want better schools? Pay for better schools. It's that simple.

Encouraging kids to stay home and stay stupid is irresponsible leadership.

Instead, Rev. Meeks, encourage your community members to take advantage of the educational opportunities they have - to the nth degree.

These kids should challenge their teachers and keep pushing until they know what they need to know to get good jobs and pay their share of the taxes that are needed to maintain good schools.

P. Fuller

Elk Grove Village