To the Editor:

For the strongest education for our children and for economic prosperity, Fairfax Co. must pass a Meal’s Tax. We all know the critical nature of the best education for all children but we need reminding that the highest quality schools also yield the highest housing prices.

Currently, Fairfax County is losing too many top teachers to neighboring school districts, especially Arlington County, who pay significantly higher salaries. I cite the following report to the FC School Board last December: A study conducted by Segal Waters Consulting has revealed that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teacher salaries fall well behind those of other local jurisdictions, particularly in years 5-20 of a teacher’s career. Over a 30-year career, an FCPS teacher earns $142,000 less than our survey average and $293,000 less than a teacher at Arlington Public Schools. When considering total compensation over a 30-year period, the gap narrows to $52,000. The study was presented to the Fairfax County School Board at its Dec. 7, 2015 work session.

A Meal’s Tax will raise crucial revenues for schools, infrastructure and social services. Few, if any people do not eat out in D.C., Arlington or Alexandria because they have a revenue-producing meal’s tax. Few, if any will decline to eat out in Fairfax either.

Let’s all get behind the Meal’s Tax for the benefit of our children and to maintain quality schools that raise the value of our homes.

Dennis and Shirley Bloomquist

Great Falls