Re: CAMP Summary: Professional Personnel Development

Dear Sally,

I have found the listed sites, but I have not found my way into the 
discussions, so I will pass on to you my two ideas which relate to finance 
and involving the business community in the schools. 

1. None of our children should have to suffer physically from carrying heavy 
backpacks loaded with necessary books to classes. 
    
    Remedy: Issue an electronic book to each student and update regularly 
with the assignments. This would save the very costly publishing expenses of 
traditional books, and would make the revision of materials practical and 
inexpensive. The same electronic book could be used for all classes and 
through progressive grades. By working with the makers of electronic books 
who are eager to have the public become familiar with them, incentive 
programs could be initiated, and the books could be provided at relatively 
little cost. (I do not have any financial interest in the making or 
distributing of electronic books.)

2. There is a practical way to increase funding for our schools; especially 
those with large campuses. Timber which can be used for construction purposes 
is bringing premium market prices. Suitable pines are fast growing and are a 
scenic enhancement to the school environs as well as providing inviting 
shade. From  well placed trees,  scattered around the campus, a few could be 
harvested each year when commercially viable, thus bringing in continuing 
income and not detracting from the landscaping. A single mature tree could be 
worth tens of thousands of dollars. This program could be planned in 
conjunction with a commercial lumber mill which would have its own forester 
overseeing the project. Not only would this provide a needed commodity for 
the public, it would lessen the pressure on our National Forests to extract 
timber from them. The students could also learn valuable lessons in 
horticulture and economics from this venture. (I have no financial interest 
in any business associated with planting and harvesting trees.)

I you are able to plug these ideas into the appropriate place in the dialogs, 
I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

Charlene Little