Letters to the Editor: Nothing heartwarming about a teacher paid too little to afford his own car
![Students stand on either side of a man as he walks under their arms stretched over him](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bf5c625/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5340x3801+0+0/resize/1200x854!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fca%2F4a%2Fd8dd65d14271a3f8fc081cae5f20%2F1177192-me-students-buy-car-for-teacher-09-fo.jpg)
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To the editor: While it was heartwarming to read about students and families at YULA Boys High School raising money to buy a car for math teacher Julio Castro, who commutes from Santa Clarita by bus and scooter, I had to wonder: Why isn’t a math teacher paid enough to purchase his own car and not have such a long commute?
Teachers are paid deplorably, but YULA is taking advantage of their teachers’ skills and knowledge. You don’t need a math degree to figure that out.
Bonnie Porter, Los Angeles
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To the editor: What a wonderful story of a dedicated teacher who was appreciated and rewarded by students and parents where he teaches. He now has a car to ease his long commute, plus insurance and gas for a year.
Unfortunately, teachers and other workers often spend much extra money and time that could and should be given them.
Mr. Castro, enjoy the car — and enjoy how much you are valued as a teacher.
Barbara Azrialy, Los Angeles
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To the editor: We are supposed to find it heartwarming that a high school math teacher is apparently not paid enough to afford a car on his own? As the parent of a brand new schoolteacher, I was saddened by this article.
Risa Slavin, Porter Ranch