Cut school teams before classes

The cuts in New York State aid to Long Island school districts have led to much discussion about which academic programs to cut, and how many teachers should be laid off ["School budgets seem fat, but try to cut one," Opinion, Feb. 15].

You never seem to find anyone suggesting that the expensive athletic programs be reduced or that the number of teams that a student can participate in be limited, so that fewer teams and fewer expensive coaches are required.

Let's face it, when the student leaves school and has a successful career, how many of them will participate in athletic team activities? Practically none. Yet the parents want to cut academic programs that may be very important for their children's careers.

Our priorities do not make much sense, and it is about time that less emphasis is placed on participation in team sports.

Robert Ackerberg, Massapequa