Branstad won’t improve schools by cutting funds

As a lifelong teacher, I read with interest the article in which Gov. Branstad named Linda Lantor Fandel as his special assistant for education. She " ... will draw upon her extensive knowledge of the world education systems as we work to make Iowa's schools the best in the country."

After I read the rest of the article, I learned that she has reported on education. I think we call that "Monday morning quarterbacking."

The last time Gov. Branstad was governor he, at one time, employed a classroom teacher as his assistant. With his plan to reduce funding for preschools and to propose zero growth factor for K-12 education, it appears he and his assistant believe that in the future "Iowa schools will be the best in the country" despite being underfunded.

Bob Gilchrist

Marion