Letter: Vouchers needed in Central Islip

I am writing to voice my frustration over what is going on in the Central Islip School District ["A study in contrast; Schools reopen for 250,000 students, but some face cuts while others expand," News, Sept. 7]. Thirty-one children in a first-grade class without a teacher's aide and 37 children in a third-grade class are appalling!

Many of the children of Central Islip are stuck because their families generally make significantly less money than those in most other school districts. These children do not have the option of going to private school.

The reason for large classes very simple: A midcareer teacher with 15 years on the job was making $96,037 last year, and is now making $102,931. The top salary of $173,000, without extra pay for coaching, etc., is nearly triple what a typical family makes in the community.

The school board of Central Islip thinks these salaries and class sizes in a modest neighborhood are appropriate, but I do not. This is a prime example of why we need a voucher system. If given the chance, I am certain many parents in that district would love to send their children to a private school or charter school.

Peter Lanci, Commack

Editor's note: The writer is a tax accountant.