Public schools need money for teachers, repairs, cooling and supplies. Historically, a plot of land was set aside for a school and supported by the community. Within the school the teacher ruled, the principal advised and set budgets. The school board solved problems, found solutions and did something about these issues. That era is long gone.

Now we have no decorum in schools. Bullying is more than messing with hair, schoolbook destruction and name-calling. Rookie teachers started at the poorest schools, with no mentors or cross-cultural training and poor pay. It’s no wonder the public schools are in trouble.

One serious way to consider funding public schools is a statewide lottery. Better to have the money stay in Hawaii, as opposed to Nevada, and help the state’s next generation.

Karen T. Sisler

Hawaii Kai

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.