In a recent Mirror political cartoon, one gentleman lamented that the teacher shortage wouldn’t be happening if we valued teachers more. His companion retorted that there wouldn’t be a shortage if we valued education more.

Such words ring loud and clear today.

From the actions of the Trump administration’s cuts in education services and the elimination of the Education Department, our federal leaders are demonstrating the lack of value they place on education.

They care less about educating our youth than they do on making tax cuts.

Locally, our school boards have acted similarly when it comes to funding education projects and issues. One only has to look at the actions of the Hollidaysburg Area School Board which has consistently underfunded education by not raising adequate taxes to address maintenance projects and hiring appropriate teachers.

Recent projections for HASD have pointed out that in order to meet the maintenance and classroom needs, the district has to look long and hard at raising taxes, a decision which previous boards have failed to address. They have “kicked the can down the road.”

In the past, taxes should have been raised a little at a time. Adequate funding of education has given way to either tax cuts or underfunding.

Such moves were foolish and lacked insight.

At one time, teachers and new residents flocked to the Hollidaysburg school district. This trend has subsided as a result of underfunding critical education resources.

I challenge the HASD and its state and federal partners to take the necessary steps to meet district needs so education will be vital and an important priority.

William J. Padamonsky Sr.

Duncansville