A good plan

The agreement to expand community college options in Cape Girardeau -- reached last week by Southeast Missouri State University, Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff and an advisory group of community leaders -- is a start. A trial program will test the interest in and viability of offering associate of arts degrees here.

The community leaders voted unanimously for this collaborative effort, which is a good signal to the state's Coordinating Board for Higher Education that this experiment should get a green light.

Other factors in favor of beginning community college-level classes undergird the agreement: The Career and Technology Center has space for startup classes; the presidents of Southeast, Three Rivers and Mineral Area Community College in Park Hills all support the plan; and participating students will be able to take advantage of the A+ scholarship program.

This plan also is an opportunity for Southeast and the two community colleges to work together on the common goal of providing the best opportunities for a college education. There are still many wrinkles to be ironed out, but this agreement provides the opportunity to do just that.

Everyone involved in this agreement is to be commended for keeping the focus on what's best for students.