On the first reading of “Auburn councilor suggests $1.2 million in school cuts,” (April 24) I started to laugh at the list of positions Ray Berube was suggesting be axed. As I read the article a second time, I experienced a variety of emotions that ranged from amusement and incredulity to shock and outrage.

Whenever the call is made for cuts to the school budget, we are assaulted with a litany of items that would directly impact the students, i.e., school closings and eliminating teachers. Kudos to Ray Berube for bringing to light these preposterous administrative positions, but shame on me for not being aware of their existence.

The school board must write an inordinate number of grants if an assistant grant writer is required at $38,192. What does the grant writer earn?

There is the office of learning and technology with co-directors; do they both earn $75,511? Five guidance counselors housed in the elementary schools. How many people in Auburn earn anything close to the salaries quoted in the article?

I am incensed that my tax dollars are used to pay for school costs that are so heavily weighted on the administrative side with, seemingly, little benefit to the students.

Kathi Clement, Auburn