Higher education — particularly how we pay for it — can be a divisive topic, particularly in college towns like Kent.

Last week we explained how Kent State University is bracing for a big cut in state financial support. The story included news about Kent State President Lester Lefton's $100,000 bonus, which was approved one week ago by the university's board of trustees.

The story also addressed whether students may see a hike in tuition and fees for the coming semester.

Readers responded to all three topics. Here's some of what they had to say:

Robin Anderson:

"Doc Lefton also got a bonus for his very first year at the University. You know, the year that the University kept Doc Cartwright around as a consultant for an extra year after she retired, just so's she could "show him the ropes"? Speaking of "unnecessary", I've read that some universities around the country are even eliminating some long-established sports teams. Who'd have thunk it?"

Pat:

"Who does Lefton think he is???? A 25% increase when families are struggling to send their kids to KSU. He should have declined the increase."

Laurel Myers Hurst:

"Dr. Lefton thinks he is the president of the second largest university in Ohio. If I had to guess, I would bet that a large portion of Dr. Lefton's bonus will be reinvested in KSU or in the arts community. He's not building a stockpile of classic cars or villas in Tuscany. The man works round the clock. His contract awards him bonuses for performance, and his performance has been outstanding."

Kate Bigam:

"A TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT bonus amounting to a half-a-million dollar paycheck yearly? Sure, $100,000 doesn't amount to much when we're talking $13 million in cuts, but if Lefton is "not proud of" the hits the university has had to take, perhaps he should put his money where his mouth is & take a bit of a hit himself. Surely that $100,000 bonus could pay the annual salary of at least two new janitors."

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