We want to support kids in getting a good education, but the Northshore School District (NSD) is out of touch with reality and not concerned for the taxpayers in an economic crisis. Four districts are running an additional levy — NSD, Seattle, Everett and Marysville. This on top of Northshore’s two levies and one bond issue approved last November.

They are building an auditorium at Woodinville High and using bond money to refurbish the football stadium in Bothell. Why was this money not used for the capital budget instead of putting a capital bond issue on the ballot last November? It is not their money, it is ours. They do not understand wants versus needs. They are going crazy spending our money. Their district headquarters is a Taj Mahal, they furnished it with new equipment and furniture.

High schools have two principals. One is enough. One principal can run two elementary schools. It is done in other areas.

Five teachers cost $500,000 to be mentors for new teachers. The union is proud of this one. In other districts, fellow teachers help new ones with lesson plans, etc., and say they do not need mentors.

Medical benefits and retirements exceed the private sector. The school board thinks they have blank checks and represent the teachers and employees’ unions and are fairy godmothers granting wishes and are not caring about the taxpayers. They need to plan for a strike now to get things back in line. There are plenty of teachers out of work to fill needs. In Salt Lake City, teachers took a rollback in salary due to the economy. NSD wants more.

Every parent would like to give their kids everything, but sometimes you have to say “no.” Now is the time to say “no” to the Northshore School Board and make them make the necessary cuts and get tough on spending. They need to be replaced with business people, not educators.

The Washington Policy Center is doing a study comparison on NSD that will show over-spending. Watch for the report on their Web site, www.washingtonpolicy.org.

Help the kids, but stop the crazy spending by voting “no” Aug. 17.

Bob Terry