Editorial: Make public schools whole

We'd like to believe few parents have dipped into their children's college fund during this recession. That's probably naïve, given the state will borrow from our children's public education fund this spring to the tune of $423 million.

As we reported last week, state government will run out of money in March.

Officials expect tax revenues might be adequate by May 30 to repay schools with what amounts to an involuntary loan, resulting in two-thirds of the state's districts tapping reserves, cashing in investments early or having to borrow. A few school boards also may go to the unions and retirees for relief.

All these public options, however, don't negate the fact Minnesota lawmakers have not met their long-standing obligation to fund basic education. The reality of a difficult economy doesn't excuse them.

The 2010 Legislature convenes this week. We encourage lawmakers to work in a bipartisan fashion on behalf of all citizens — especially those under 18 who have no voice.

District after district has made deep cuts in curriculum, personnel and co-curricular programs. Deeper cuts into the core classroom education will be inevitable if school boards can't count on state aid coming to them.

Like those parents who may have borrowed from their children, the state promises to pay schools, i.e. our children, back. Legislators and the governor must make it happen.

Tags: minnesota legislature, opinion, editorials