Protecting all of education

THE House's proposed $625 million cut in education spending could be Exhibit A in the case for broadening the state's definition of basic education.

House budget-writers' treatment of K-12 education was a step up from the budgetary razing schools received a day earlier by the state Senate. But both budgets threaten our entire educational system, from preschool up to two- and four-year institutions.

Cuts in education were achieved by adhering to a simplistic and outdated definition of basic education; everything outside of it was slashed. Voter-approved funding for smaller class sizes, professional development for teachers and other efforts that drive academic achievement were drastically cut. Layoffs are likely since most districts used the funding to hire more teachers and specialists.

The House effectively cut teacher pay by eliminating a workday right before the first day of school and right after the last day.

In one area, the House deserves credit: It spared levy-equalization funds used to help schools in communities with lower property values. That cut would have been devastating to 200 school districts, many in Eastern Washington.

Some of these cuts will be restored by districts once they receive $700 million in federal stimulus money. The money bypasses the Legislature and goes directly to districts.

The public schools, from K-12 to higher education, are experiencing a spike in enrollment. The state is obligated to meet the increased demand.

The way to do this is to broaden how education is defined so that all aspects, from technology to specialists, are included — and, more important, protected — from budget cuts.