The teachers of the Tacoma School District do not get the credit that they deserve. This is clearly apparent in the letter (TNT, 2-4) in which the author claims that teachers are not underpaid and that they are just simply lazy and do not deserve extra pay. As a student at Bellarmine Preparatory School and the son of a teacher in the Tacoma Public School District, I know that this is simply a falsehood.

Re: “District failed to heed voters’ message” (letter, 2-7).

We are being asked to support our schools, and in turn our children, through a vote today in favor of reinstating existing school levies. These are not “new taxes” but rather existing levies that are in place now, but required by law to be reapproved periodically. The levies support operations and technology within our school district, which are vital to helping our schools provide the level of excellence that we expect.

The Tacoma/Seattle area really knows how to roll out the red carpet to visitors.

Re: “Job security seems to be priority” (letter, 2-5).

With today’s vote for the Tacoma schools’ bond issue, I’ve given thought to what previous ones have accomplished – at least for the high schools.

Re: “Teachers seem to have skewed priorities” (letter, 2-4).

Re: “Retain policy of don’t ask, don’t tell” (letter, 2-5).

Re: “Government is often the solution” (letter, 2-1).

I am a concerned citizen and parent. Our children are the future of the United States – our future presidents, the doctors and nurses who will treat us, the EMTs who will respond to our emergencies, the teachers who will teach their children.

We are currently looking at billions of dollars, countless hours and personal body scans to protect our citizens. I believe it’s time to speed up the process, maintain dignity and keep security. I would be willing to pay a fee, submit to a background check (similar to a concealed weapons permit screening process) and be issued a security card. The card would allow you to bypass the typical airport screening but still go through standard metal and explosive scanners. I envision the type of screening to look like that of flight crew and pilots.

Re: “Top salaries at WSU take big jump” (TNT, 2-1).

Re: “More auto dealers? Some in Fife say no” (TNT, 1-28).

Re: “Obama given a mandate to moderate” (George Will column, 1- 26).

Since January, my Advanced Placement government class at Spanaway Lake High School has been discussing the political standpoint of the Bethel School District levy. After inviting Shannon Booth into the class to hear the side that supports the levy, we wanted to hear the opposition’s views. Ron Morehouse, the newly elected Bethel School Board director, agreed to come speak.