The educational establishment needs to stop regarding the behavior and learning style of boys as a "problem" and start addressing the needs of all students ("Single-sex class results mixed," April 29).

As one who attended an all-boys high school, and one in which there were few if any major discipline problems, I can say that when done properly, single-sex education can be a huge positive experience for boys. And the grand and successful tradition of all-boys education in other countries such as England should show us that it is not the nature of boys that is the "problem" - rather, the problem is the failure of the educational establishment to acknowledge and recognize the unique needs of boys.

Vincent Schmithorst, Terrace Park

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Don't take pope criticism so seriously

Regarding the letter "Mocking pope is cowardly, impolite" (April 29), saying that most Catholics are offended by Jim Borgman's take on the pope: The letter writer should loosen up. We live in a very dangerous and depressing time right now. With all the violence and death around us, we, as Americans, need to take every chance we get to laugh and have fun. If this means that one joke per month can be had at the expense of a very old, religious figurehead, then let it happen.

Also, because the writer made the assumption that most Catholics are offended by Borgman's attempt at bringing light to our society, I will assume that only the writer and a few of her friends were offended, and that she did not bother to ask around or consider what Borgman was trying to do.

Scott Hilton, Oakley

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It's up to courts to help mentally ill

The front-page article "Mental services face hit" (April 27) illustrates that common sense continues to be uncommon in Columbus. State bureaucrats are bent on implementing service rates that are astronomical, ignoring pleas to amend them.

These state officials continue to view local county-passed tax levies as theirs to spend. Thank heavens there are individuals willing to take them on through a taxpayers' suit.

Let's hope the courts will have the sense to rule on the plaintiffs' behalf and rescue Ohio's most vulnerable citizens from funding schemes that endanger the future of their services.

Fred Valerius, Reading

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Drop idea for West Chester center

Much space has been devoted by the Enquirer describing the pros and cons of the controversial proposal to build the West Chester Township Community Center. However, now that the estimated cost to build the center has risen to the astronomical cost of $33 million, I think it is time to kill this white elephant once and for all. And, for those in West Chester Township who wish to continue with this ridiculous idea, I suggest you adopt the city of Mason's Community Center implementation plan - the one that got Mason's Community Center built 20 years after Mason became a city.

George E. Bryant, West Chester Township

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Keep university collaboration focused

The collaboration area universities propose with communities is worthwhile ("Universities to collaborate," April 29). As tuitions and student fees skyrocket at universities and other schools, we should all pray for a few important things: 1. The collaboration empowers community members of all ages and doesn't grow administrations, already heavily institutionalized; and 2. It provides steppingstones for environmental education - the academic subject capable of framing a better social consciousness.

Brad D. Berman, Mason

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Loose, vicious dogs pose problem

I am sick of being attacked by loose, vicious dogs running around Price Hill. I am a responsible dog owner and I moved to Price Hill about a year ago. I walk my dog every morning. In the last six weeks, we've been attacked three times.

The SPCA won't help, and the police won't help. Who do we call? How can we, as a community, solve this problem? I have contacted City Council about this issue and have heard no response.

Please help stop the vicious dogs (not just pit bulls) running loose in Cincinnati. This is an issue that just keeps getting worse and worse.

Judi Rothenberg, Price Hill