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I see my last letter had no effect on the illegal gambling halls in our part of the county. I see where the good people continue to turn a blind eye. Do we have any law enforcement officials who will stand up and do the right thing? Is it going to take a tragic event to take place in one of these places for everyone to wake up? Where are our community leaders? Where are the church leaders? Where are the good people?

If you see this fat man walking alone, carrying a sign in front of the county courthouse or in front of one of these illegal game rooms, you will know I never found the "good people."

Joe S. Parker Blackjack

Dear Editor,

Every day I am reminded of my physical infirmities. I subscribe wholeheartedly to the observation by the New York socialite and philanthropist, Brooke Astor who stated some years ago, "Old age ain't for sissies." She also said, when asked how she kept her bouyant beauty, "Growing older requires a better and better sense of humor." The last remark when she was age ninety-seven.

Ms. Astor seemed to have an inner glow which enhanced her rare beauty. You know how some people are so "put-together, " that is, perfectly balanced, that others are drawn to that person like flies to honey? Brooke Astor was one of these beautiful people.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis was another. Not one person who met her could shake the notion that she did not care for them on a personal level. Her voice was so soft, one needed to lean forward to enjoy her magnetic personality. Brooke and Jackie were magical people.

There are people in Chandler and Brownsboro who have that unusual gift of finding the best in others. They are unassuming, competent individuals who effortlessly draw others to them. They are what we call "natural leaders." They somehow know, instinctively, how to work with persons of all persuasions, regardless of the nature and opinions they may hold.

Chandler has changed much since we moved here some twenty-odd years ago. The progress has been the selfless work of dedicated and thoughtful citizens who have moved the city forward. I appreciate anyone who has an expansive outlook, and the life of the city at heart.

It sometimes may seem that their efforts and hard work go unnoticed and unappreciated. Not so. Anyone who gives a thought to the positive changes these dedicated few have made, recognize and applaud their endeavors.

Count me among those who look favorably upon their thoughtful considerations, foresight and interest.

Thank you for caring, whoever you are. Charles C. Hall, EdD Chandler (area)

Dear Editor,

Sounds like some of our school district officials missed the memo that kids are NOT miniature adults. I have a concern about what some school district officials are trying to do to the school day for our kids, not to mention the work day for school employees. Once again officials are trying to make the day longer. In the past 3 years the school day has increased by 20 minutes.

An elementary child used to be expected to attend from 8:00- 3:10. Now they are going from 8:00-3:20 with NO naps. A child's need for sleep only increases as they reach Junior High and High School so school officials make them go even longer, 8:00-3:30. (Someone isn't doing their research.)

The new time would have them in school from 8:00-3:40. Before we know it we will have our kids in schools a full eight hours a day with only a 30-minute lunch break. It doesn't stop there. The kids still have their homework load to do at night. Forget after-school activities if you want to cram in some meaningful family time or dinner together.

When are kids supposed to have the time to be kids? Where is the time for rest and the creativity of playing at home, exploring outside, and having time to do things as a family?

While Brownsboro lags in offering competitive pay scales with surrounding districts, they have no problem with asking principals, teachers, aides (who already work for a sad amount), and other employees to stay yet another 10 more minutes. How about looking out for the kids instead of your precious TAKS scores? They do not need another 10 more minutes. If you cannot teach what is needed in the time you already have, then change how or what you teach.

School officials should not keep adding more time on a student's day because of their own mismanagement. Other school districts recognize the need for a child to have plenty of rest and time to BE A KID at HOME. Tyler Middle Schools have a 7-hour school day (this leaves time for homework), Lindale has a 7- hour, 5-minute day, but Brownsboro already has a 7- 1/2 hour day with a proposed extra 10 minutes. This is not a done deal. If you don't want the schools taking away more time from children of ALL ages, speak up and let the Board know before the next board meeting in May. They should reflect what the families of this district want and what is GOOD for families!

Olan and Cathy Loveless Brownsboro, Tx.

LETTER TO EDITOR

Dear Editor:

Last week, you reported on the April school board meeting. It was reported that the school board voted on salary increases for ONLY the teachers with a few years of experience, in order to be more competitive. I would like to know why our district is only trying to compete for the less experienced educators. Why not be competitive across the board? I believe it is a proven fact that overall, experience equals effectiveness in the classroom. How are the more experienced teachers supposed to feel, when they are getting nothing (or very, very little) above the state required minimum salary?

I will tell you how they feel; they feel discouraged, unappreciated, and under-paid for their years of dedication and hard work. They have worked hard every year to help students achieve great things. This hard work and dedication makes the administrators, school board and school district look really good.

Why do you think the Chandler Brownsboro area has experienced such growth? One reason is the great reputation that our schools have. If you read the newspaper like I do, you will often see in the school board minutes, that we can afford to give administrators raises, create new administrative positions, purchase expensive athletic equipment like new bleachers for the football field ... But we can't pay our teachers.

While we report this kind of news in our district, Athens ISD is raising the pay for all of their teachers, librarians, counselors, diagnosticians, nurses, and speech therapists. An entry level teacher in Athens will make $34,500 next year. A teacher in BISD would have to have 8 years of experience to make that salary. Athens says they are trying to be competitive with places like Mabank and Kaufman.

I have news for BISD. They had better start worrying about competing with places like Athens. I already know of several teachers who have left our district to go to a nearby district that pays more. Expect more of this to happen. Our teachers were already struggling to make ends meet. Now with gas and food prices sky high, they will struggle even more.

Our School Board has done an excellent job in the past looking out for the interest of our children. It is time for them to step up and fully investigate this matter and do what is right and fair for ALL of our teachers.

Joe Cawthon Chandler, Tx.