Support the lockbox: Vote ‘for’ Question 1

Maryland schools are badly in need of funding. Teachers as well as parents have to make up for a shortage of funds for school supplies and shortage of teachers. As a Maryland public school educator and momof kids attending them, I have spent hours donating supplies in one way or another for children because “money” for the supplies was unavailable.

I spent time trying to help out the PTA by baking goods to raise money for new computers. I have consistently made do with no supplies to support teaching researchbased programs recommended by the schools. I spent my own money for training and additional unpaid time to network at the statewide councils for my teaching specialty, and used my own money to put books in hands of needy students.

During staff meetings, the principal would joke that it wasagoodweekwhenhehadtime to talk and visit classrooms rather than work on hiring a new person because a disgruntled employee left. Schools are becoming very overcrowded, underfunded, and teachers are overwrought. It is common sense for Marylanders to vote “for” Question 1 to make sure the casino funds allocated for the schools actually reach them (“For Question 1, the casino lockbox amendment(sort of ),” Oct. 19).

By locking in the promise to provide the money to the educational trust fund, voters would prevent further political gimmicks that divert the money to other places. Real improvementisneededinourschools andthe money needs to be directed to them, not used for other matters.