Trade equipment to rehire a teacher

The recent controversy over the lack of accountability at the District 200 school board prompted me to visit the district Web site and review the minutes from prior meetings. In the Aug. 12 minutes, the board approved 7-0 an expenditure for more than $85,000 for fitness equipment for the new Hubble Middle School.

It's not that I'm against providing our kids with the materials they need for an excellent education, it just seems to me that when the district is running a budget deficit of millions of dollars and we're laying off our valuable teachers, the prudent thing to do would have been to postpone the purchase until district finances improve. When I was in middle school, we didn't need the latest treadmills; we ran laps around the softball fields outside; besides, it would be good for our kids to get a little fresh air for the next few years until the economy recovers.

If the choice is between letting go a District 200 educator, or spending the money on exercise equipment for 11-13 year olds ... hmm, now let me think ... I'm calling on the district to immediately cancel the contract, send the equipment back and rehire one of the teachers laid off due to the challenging economic conditions.

Scott Johnson

Wheaton