Putting our students first

By Mo. Gov. Matt Blunt

Educating children is my number one public policy priority, and as a result Missouri public schools are receiving $158 million in new money. The old policy was to rob the schools and withhold money from education. My policy puts schools, children and taxpayers first.

The budget I signed increased state funding for schools, with no job-killing new taxes. We did this by setting priorities. We reduced the growth in welfare to a manageable level and also made reductions in the rest of government.

Having made the decisions required to increase funding for education, we now must do the best possible job of ensuring that the people's hard-earned money reaches the classroom, which is the heart of learning.

Missouri has not been doing the best possible job of delivering the dollars to the classroom. Far from it, despite the model efforts of many districts that work hard every day to put children first.

In February 2004, the Associated Press reported that more than 150 local districts -- more than 1 in 4, statewide --in

creased spending on administration while laying off teachers and cutting resources for the classrooms. I am deeply grateful to the districts that did a good job but was surprised that so many districts -- 151, by the AP's tally sent the wrong message to families, taxpayers and teachers.

The recent slide in classroom spending since the 1999-'00 school year represents more than $42 million in recent state education spending. If we will raise the share of our dollar that goes to children, teachers and classrooms only modestly, to 65 percent, it will mean an extra $6,080 per year for a class of 20 youngsters, or $304 per child.

It is my intention to ask the Legislature to place the Our Students First initiative on the November ballot. If adopted by the people, there will be no effect on the 100-plus districts that already meet the 65 percent standard. If approved by the people other districts will have to meet the standard already achieved in more than 100 districts that no less than 65 cents on every dollar will go to the classroom.

This is a reasonable benchmark all Missouri districts can meet without compromising important educational priorities and without resizing their districts. Some of our smallest rural districts have already hit the mark. Some of our large suburban districts have as well. It is not about demographics or geography or student population. It is about focusing resources on delivering dollars to the classroom.

Some school administrators have complained that they should not have to meet the standard already met in more than 100 districts. Why not? I understand that it is human nature to resist change. To be sure, I am proposing exactly this -- that the area of spending that supports administration yield a modest part of its turf to the needs of classrooms.

Some superintendents have said the 65 percent policy is a mandate. A reality check is needed here. When the people of Missouri support a ballot initiative, it is the law. It comes from the people, and should not be disrespectfully addressed as if some bureaucrat issued a memo demanding more water fountains in a building.

Change is not necessarily easy.

But change is good when it increases support for education, and does the best possible job of delivering the taxpayers dollars to the classroom, which is where learning occurs.