Well, here we go again. Another school board struggling with shrinking enrollment and increasing costs to maintain a district.

It was interesting to read that it is not legal to furlough teachers for purely financial reasons. Every other institution in the country, including the federal, state, county and municipal governments, can reduce personnel to adjust a balance, but the school districts cannot adjust the number of educators? Even the U.S. military can adjust to changing times.

You stated in your article ("Teacher furloughs contentious as budget founders," June 18) that Sto-Rox school director Edward Maritz believes administrative spending is out of control, that the crisis is being overstated and that administrative cuts would be preferable to cuts in teaching staff.

Well, that certainly validates the contention that we wouldn't need as many administrators and school superintendents if Pennsylvania did not have 500 school districts within the state.

Dr. Maritz goes on to say he would welcome state control. "Let's turn it over to a board of control, absolutely!" he said as the meeting was breaking up. How unfortunate that only when these districts fall under state control can any discussion of a merger come about.

In February, Gov. Ed Rendell proposed state-ordered school consolidations in his budget address. Well, Governor, we are listening to what you are saying, but will there ever be the political will to see it through?

MARTY O'TOOLE

Rosslyn Farms