The $3.5 million Highline School funding shortfall does not make sense. Did the Legislature or Governor shortchange Highline? What is the School Board doing wrong?

Bellevue has four high schools in the top 100 high schools in the nation. By contrast, Highline has a 30% drop out rate.

The Legislature changed the law and now only 50% plus one is required to pass school levies. Renton's school levy passed with a landslide 59% last week. The voters, King County, political parties, city councils and even the Port of Seattle are rebuilding Highline Schools.

Highline has a large minority and special needs population who face the risk of jails and prisons because they are minorities and/or have special needs. One prisoner costs as much as the wages for 3.65 teachers. Jails at the cost of education are a luxury we can no longer afford.

When I went to school, over 50 years ago, education K-12 was standard and 65 was the average life span. People live much longer now and need more education.

Schools must plan for two more years of schools (K-14) with more funds for special needs, advanced education, job training, after hour school programs, drop out prevention and on.

Take the money from Criminal Justice systems and place it in education where it will do some good!

The School Board and Legislators should start by getting some of the Governor's "emergency funds." This is an emergency!

Dan Caldwell

Des Moines