Jim Barber took a great leap in his letter to the editor about me (May 5). Nowhere did I mention a mobile home; I was talking about classroom trailers. I lived in a mobile home the first five years that I taught school in Moore County, and I am certainly not condescending to anyone who has or now lives in a mobile home.
Also, Mr. Barber, like many others, seems to think that he can simply write something in a letter and that the facts don’t matter.
Fact: I have never said that we have “unlimited” funds. Where does that come from? I did say that “I think it is criminal that students are in trailers.” Next year, we will have about 1,400 students going to class in 61 trailers.
We are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars next year to purchase 14 trailers, some to replace older trailers. This includes $60,000 to buy two portable bathroom units because the infrastructure on the campuses will not accommodate the additional trailers to house the students.
We have long lunch hours, overcrowded media centers, crowded gyms, etc. Students must go out in the rain or cold to go to anything outside their trailer. I am glad that taxpayers were willing to build school buildings out of brick and mortar when I was in school. Does this replace a good teacher? No, but is it a good investment? Yes. I simply think we can still do that today.
Mr. Barber, I have never personally asked the commissioners for money. The school board votes on the budget and then takes it to the commissioner. You are welcome to come to any budget meeting. They are open to the public. I don’t think I have ever seen you there.
Wiley Barrett
Southern Pines
