In light of the failed school levy, it seems obvious the School Board and parents of school-aged children overreached in their demands. In light of this, might I suggest the board look at this more modest proposal? Since the biggest problem in public education today is the cost, the board should consider the following ways to reign in unnecessary spending.

First, the schools should downsize the staff. Computers have been taking on an increasing importance in the instruction of the students, and there is no reason that process cannot be hastened. Computers have tremendous knowledge, can provide instant feedback, and are naturally engaging to students.

In addition, we all know that in the future, computer literacy will be far more important than actual literacy; for proof, compare the net worth of our own Bill Gates to the worth of any American poet. More importantly, computers are almost entirely non-union. A room full of computers can easily teach a class of 50 or even 60 students, which brings us to the second suggestion. Consolidate the schools. Rather than fracturing the Island with a fourth elementary school, consolidate the schools into a single building. Tear out walls separating students to accommodate rows of terminals.

After all, the best public education is a cheap one. Let those elites who measure the value of education on its cost send their children to private schools.

Ken Kendrick