The state has promised that it would pick up 55 percent of the education costs and towns would make up the remaining 45 percent.

At some point, the state broke its promise and now pays about 43 percent, leaving the towns to pick up at about 57 percent of school costs. This creates an extra burden on property owners.

In our town, 74 percent of tax money goes into the school district. Six percent goes to the county, leaving the town only 20 percent to finance all its expenses. I imagine many other towns are in the same position.

About 66 percent of all education costs go into teachers salaries, leaving 34 percent for all other expenses.

I believe teachers should be paid commensurate with their duties, but not entirely from property taxes. The first time I heard teachers, many years ago, quibbling about their wages, I was shocked. I immediately thought of an old farmer with acres of land but living on a $79 pension and others of meager income. Right then, I knew bargaining wages on property taxes was the wrong way to go.

We want a good education for our children. At the same time, one should not lose their home due to education costs.

Having the state pay its share at this time may seem harsh. Ultimately, more towns like will move back to a plantation status, leaving the state with an even greater burden. The state should pay 55 percent of education costs.

Gary A. Hutchinson, Carthage