It is my opinion that we are seeing a badly needed school reform in this once-great country. It is a shame, however, that we are only now trying to fix an educational system that has lagged behind most of the other First-World countries.

In “The Patriots Tool Box,” published by the Heartland Institute, the chapter on school reform offers some innovative ideas on how to turn schools, K-12, around and provide students with the tools needed to make the state into a leader in education, not a follower.

The new governor has some ideas on what to do to get the state back on the right track; one of those ideas is charter schools.

At a recent school board meeting, people were reminded by the administrators of the special education program how difficult and frustrating it is for them to meet the many special needs of these special but, in some cases, very challenged students.

Both the state and federal governments have promised to fund education. State legislators have a bill on the books promising 55 percent funding, but have only delivered 43 percent. The feds promised 40 percent funding for special ed, but fund 17 to 19 percent; however, neither agency is timid about attaching many strings in the form of mandates before schools get the money.

Those officials should put up or shut up. They should not promise what they cannot deliver.

Our students are our future. Let’s give them the help and respect they deserve.

Larry Pelletier, Auburn