During the Depression, Gov. O. Max Gardner cut everyone's salary in order to save state jobs - everyone took a cut so that no one person would lose his livelihood. What an example of self-sacrifice for the greater good!
Facing its own budget crisis, our school system could learn from this history lesson. An across-the-board pay cut in Wake County Public Schools, starting with the superintendent, would probably save every job being eliminated. To give teachers a modest $500 bonus while cutting media and clerical staff who support teachers makes no sense. Many of our neighbors will be losing their jobs. This will mean more mortgage foreclosures, less private spending and a prolonged recession. Our neighbors, our schools and our children will suffer.
Amy Lee
