Regarding Jessica Cloward’s comments on school laptops vs. schools’ hidden issues (June 16 opinion page):

I for one am in favor of laptops for students. In today’s world, computers are necessary to adapt as technology continues to expand. That is not to dismiss the hidden issues that Ms. Cloward referred to: the need for new carpet, new books and new desks along with exterminating classrooms for pests.

I know the state of N.C. sharply reduced the number of teacher assistants in order to hire more teachers. It is certainly not fair to do that. Teachers need all the help they can get. Teachers never get the credit nor the pay they deserve. There is not enough money printed for me to tend to 30 kids, seven hours a day, five days a week!

I’m all for giving the teachers what they need to teach and trim the NC budget somewhere else! I vote for giving teachers what they ask for! Most people I know feel just like I do. If NC would trim the budget somewhere else, schools then could have their necessary resources, repairs and laptops. I think if more people would personally write Gov. Roy Cooper (at: 20301 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-0301) perhaps he would listen as parents voice their concerns. After all, he presides over this great state and our wonderful teachers.

Then there are our local representatives who represent us taxpayers. Send them a letter. Then of course, we all should send a letter to President Donald Trump. I’m with him about our airports being substandard and needing to be upgraded, but I would urge him to please take a look at the American schools and upgrade them before money is spent on airports! On average, it costs $10,615 to send a kid to public school for a year. (That’s federal, state and local government spending combined.)

— Gwen Johnson

China Grove