The News Courier encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and include name, address and telephone number for verification. Submissions that do not meet requirements are subject to editing. Writers are limited to one published letter every 30 days. Send letters to P.O. Box 670, Athens AL 35613 or email to adam@athensnews-courier.com.

New schools chief overpaid

Dear Editor:

This is regarding the article in The News Courier published Aug. 23, “State Superintendent could earn $250k.”

While Michael Sentance may be a fine gentleman I had to ask myself the following: Why does the Alabama State Board of Education decide to hire a person all the way from the state of Massachusetts? Is there really not one citizen in the entire state of Alabama that could not be put in that position?

If that’s the case than we definitely have a serious problem with our children’s education. I believe we have here in Alabama citizens that could fill that position, particularly since Mr. Sentance does not even have doctorate degree.

Secondly, why are the citizens of Alabama paying $250,000 for that position. Based on a five-day work-week the salary and benefits comes to almost $1,000 dollars per day.

The citizens of Alabama are constantly being told that we need to come up with more tax money for our schools. Little wonder we don’t have enough when we pay our school administrators such atrocious salaries.

Shame on you Mary Scott Hunter, who is Limestone county’s representative to the state Board of Education. Shame on you for putting your stamp of approval on such a slap in the face to our citizens. I think it’s time we take a good look at how much school administration is costing us.

Shame on us Alabamians for permitting such an atrocity.

Charles Moore Sr.

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