Students’ needs are being overlooked

To the editor:

Please, I understand that all these measures are important. But, does our legislature really need to be working on sledding on city hill and schools assuming a new role if bullying occurs off school property?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just get our legislators to allow local school districts to set school start dates that most nearly coincide with the needs of their students, instead of the Iowa State Fair Board.

And, wouldn't it be nice if our legislators would pass a reasonable school aid increase (is 1.5 percent reasonable?) so schools would have the monetary resources to not have to lay off teachers; buy new books, computers, and other materials; be able to make building repairs; and fund new or existing programs.

It would really be nice if Gov. Terry Branstad would sign such bills.

Gary Matson

Cedar Rapids