EDITOR'S NOTE: Below is a selection of responses shared by readers of MDJOnline.com in reaction to recent MDJ stories ...

Editor Kim Isaza blog: Is there any limit on number of school fundraising schemes?

Vickie73 wrote - Oh honey, it is just the beginning. I was so glad when graduation day came. Open your wallet.

Bdresdfwerfd wrote - Our school is now in middle of Boosterthon. They actually hold a "pep rally" during school to get the kids fired up to get sponsors. It is absolutely ridiculous. The fundraising at Ford Elementary is just about non stop. Until they get it under control, I absolutely refuse to participate in any of them.

Another Ford Mom wrote - Ford Elementary is having its Boosterthon Fun Run this week to raise money for a science teacher. Some 48 percent of the money raised goes to the Boosterthon people. Our children's academic time is spent in a pep rally and listening to the peer pressure and brain washing of "Crazy Chris" and "Lightening Luke." They go from room to room, during regular classroom hours, to pressure the kids to collect more money. They call "Little Bobby" to the front of the room and let him play with a prize he could have if he raises only $3/lap more. Then they take the prize from Bobby and tell him to go raise the money so he can have this silly prize. I'd much rather write a check directly to the "Foundation" to help pay for the science lab, but I'm so angry about the way they are treating our children and taking advantage of people's generosity (since half the money doesn't go to the school) that I am not going to be giving any money to the school.

Teacherone wrote - I understand and agree about the "raise money for so and so's health cost, etc." However, schools have been forced to raise money to provide programs the county and state used to provide for but still mandate. Please, please call your representative and ask for him/her to return the funding that was given just last year. While you are at it ask him/her to return the funding that was cut over the last 10 years. Each of the last 10 years the Ga. legislators have reduced school funding by a minimum of $350 million. Google it!

O.C. wrote - When my children started bringing things home to sell, I went to the school and told them not to send anything else.

Susan25 wrote - A few years ago, within the first two weeks of school, between my four kids there were seven different fundraiser packets sent home. That was it for me. I mostly throw them in the trash. My kids are not going to be noncommissioned salespeople. Every now and then I will buy some wrapping paper or magazine subscription. It never ends. Cheesecake and cookie dough are the worst. Who wants to pay three or four times the amount for the same stuff you can buy at Sam's, if you want it at all? Another thing, when the fundraisers go home, the whole neighborhood is selling the same thing. And who decides which charities and causes are allowed? These junky prizes are paraded before the kids and they're all hyped up to sell whatever in the hopes of earning a piece of dollar-store junk.

Magnetized wrote - Just wait until they have the children create drawings in class, transfer them onto over-sized refrigerator magnets, send them home with your child, and want you to pay for them. That's right, paying for your own child's art. Call the PTA, ask what the average profit per child is from a fund-raiser and write a check. Your family, friends, and co-workers will thank you.

Anonymous wrote - A lot of stuff your school gets for the school they get from fund raiser money. Not from the county or the school board.

Laura A. wrote - Great post. Get ready Ms. Isaza, as it only gets worse. The focus on this type of thing is entirely too prominent in Cobb schools, yet the strange thing is this: When in elementary school, they want children to sell. But by the time they're in high school the fund raising is simply called "class dues" and at our high school (Harrison) one cannot even participate in clubs or student government without paying them. Pay to play. In the richest district in the state. How sad.

Candidate Johnny Sinclair owes $70,000 in back taxes ...

Joe B. wrote - Sounds like he'd fit right in with the U.S. Congress or perhaps on Obama's staff.

Emilio wrote - I pay taxes. So should he.

Mildred B. wrote - Hmmm. So that is the smell of something crashing and burning. Johnny, you're a pleasant fellow, but given the way we now feel about politicians, screwing up on paying your taxes just doesn't fly. Give it up and bury your ego. You are toast.