I have to applaud the Avonworth School Board and administration for the creative thinking that has gone into dealing with the district's budget deficit.

No one wants to lay off employees or cut programs, but Avonworth officials have demonstrated that they are willing and able to do what has to be done to live within their means.

At this point, any thinking is good thinking, and we're seeing no thinking coming out of Northgate officials.

Attending the recent Avonworth School Board meeting, I was astonished at the difference between the elected and appointed officials serving the two local districts. At the Northgate board meetings ,I hear excuses from the few officials who actually contribute to budget discussions. I have seen absolutely no evidence of a willingness at Northgate to do anything but justify additional tax increases. With the exception of Dave Natale and Shirl Reinhart, the board members have, at least publicly, done nothing but sing the company anthem of "We're victims. We have no control. There's nothing we can do."

Perhaps the Avonworth board and administrators should hold an in-service day for Northgate officials, and show them exactly what it takes to meet a budget crisis head-on.