To the Editor:

I find I must agree with John Herrington (Worthington News, July 23) regarding salaries and benefits costs to the Worthington City School District and taxpayers.

Never ask economists what is going on with the economy. Ask your out-of-work neighbor. Ask the county auditor who doesn't want to do the scheduled reassessment now because market values have dropped and that will cost the public sector money, including Worthington Schools. Gas up your car, if you dare. Buy fresh milk and bread. If you are over or under on your car lease, don't even look at your mortgage.

Raises given to people because they lasted another year do not fit this economy (not that they should fit in any economy) and won't for a while -- probably a number of years. I approve of barrier-adjusted performance raises and merit increases (demonstrated increase in value to the district and the classroom), but even as much as these may be warranted, I'm not sure this economy can support those at this time.

I hold administrative salaries to the same standard. I think that it is time that the teachers' union negotiates directly with the citizens it serves, documents its performance accountability and shows how any increase in our costs will be accompanied by an equal or greater increase in the quality of education offered to our children. Then let the people vote on the contract prior to and separate from any vote for an increased tax assessment. The times require accountability and realism.

Dennis Benson