In response to “BLP leader may earn bonus”: When I read the paper on Oct. 23, it would be an understatement to say that I was surprised to see that the Bend La-Pine School District is ending the year with a surplus of funds. It would be an even bigger understatement to say that I was surprised to see there is a possibility that the extra funds will be used as a bonus for the school district’s superintendent. Instead of adding to an already extremely generous salary, we should consider placing the surplus money where it is needed most, which is back into classrooms.

The youth of our community will be the next generation of leaders and professionals of our country. So let’s give them every chance and opportunity we can to succeed and get them back to full-time school weeks. If there are additional funds in the school district’s hands, then there is absolutely no reason to give out bonuses when students are currently on half-day Wednesdays. I do not believe that this is a responsible way to handle public money, as the article states.

Alex Larkin

Bend