High school taxes are paying off

To all the Long Island citizens who complain about high school taxes, the lesson for today is: You get what you pay for ["It's down to a science," News, Jan. 13].

Quality education comes with a high price. Retaining quality teachers, and maintaining outstanding, innovative programs costs money. The 57 semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search attend high schools all across Long Island. They represent the ethnic diversity that makes our neighborhoods great, and the schools they attend are in districts where residents pay high property and school taxes.

It's time to recognize that public education is not free. School buildings must be maintained, teachers, administrators and staff must be paid salaries commensurate with their professional standing. Students must be provided with ever-challenging programs that allow them to reach their potential and beyond. It's our obligation as citizens to pay for it.

Congratulations to the students, their teachers and parents on this remarkable achievement.

Helen Schulman

West Hempstead