Education funding is a priority

Public education has not felt as much of the pain experienced by other sectors of Ohio government in the wake of spending cuts imposed by Gov. Ted Strickland this year. But that may change if the federal government does not, in effect, bail out state government, the governor is warning.

Strickland has ordered spending cuts in nearly all areas of state government, in three mandates issued this year. The most recent was Dec. 19. The governor has said the state budget is in even worse shape than had been believed just a few weeks ago. Some analysts worry a shortfall of as much as $7.5 billion may face Ohio during the next two years.

But, again, Strickland has not directly ordered public schools or state institutions of higher learning to reduce spending.

Clearly, any significant spending cut affecting schools would be difficult to implement. Most public schools operate on annual budgets, with spending concentrated during the instructional year. Reductions ordered now could mean cuts in staff and programs - and that would be detrimental to students.

State officials including Strickland recognize the unique and vital role education plays in state government. But last week, the governor said there may be no choice but to order education spending cuts.

"We're talking about real job loss and significant reduction of support for K-12 and higher education," he warned.

Strickland's comments made be intended to put pressure on Congress to provide financial assistance to Ohio and other states where revenue is not meeting plans for spending. About one-third of the states have encountered severe budget challenges. Some of their governors have predicted near-catastrophic consequences if Congress does not provide assistance.

Ohio's situation cannot be sugar coated. Already this year, Strickland has ordered $1.9 billion in spending cuts and other measures intended to keep the budget from drowning in red ink.

Still, he and other state officials have been right to exempt education from direct cutbacks. Decreasing the quality of public schools and institutions of higher learning would have long-term ramifications, making it more difficult for young people in Ohio to compete for good jobs. The state's economy would be damaged - at least to some extent - permanently.

It may be necessary for Strickland to order at least some spending cuts for education. But if that happens, we urge him to hold them to a minimum, to avoid causing damage to the economy that, in years to come, would have an adverse effect not just on Ohioans, but also on revenue available for state government.