CANDIDATES LOOK TO ENHANCE EDUCATION

Missouri's Constitution makes it crystal clear that the first priority of state government is public education. The requirement that the state give its first, and most serious, attention to education is the result of years of citizen concern and a new emphasis on local elementary and secondary schools.

This need to give first and special attention to education in 540 school districts around the state also defines the principal issue of this year's gubernatorial contest, although it is accurate to say that such emphasis is not always apparent as candidates for governor in both parties battle each other for the right to enter the general election in November.

It is further accurate to note that the eventual winners of next month's primary elections will probably not win because of their stands on education, despite the constitutional injunction that this shall be their highest priority of business as chief executive of Missouri. The reason for this is not difficult to find: most of this year's gubernatorial candidates agree on a large number of points concerning educational improvement.

One is even tempted to say the candidates have agreed in advance to a kind of consensus about local schools: they need more state money, they need to be more accountable, teachers should receive increased compensation, curricula needs must be expanded, and increased reliance must be placed on academic achievement by future graduates. The five major candidates have presumably pre-empted Gov. John Ashcroft's earlier wish to be known as Missouri's education governor.

As briefly as possible, we will summarize the basic proposals on education by the five candidates, three of whom are Republican and two who are Democrats.

ROY BLUNT: Wants a constitutional requirement that Missouri devote one-third of its operating budget to elementary and secondary education. Says state economic growth will fuel increased funds for education, and would provide added fiscal incentives to schools that raise student test scores, lower dropout rates and inaugurate new kinds of schools to meet local needs. Calls for educational skill testing in grades 3, 6 and 12.

BILL WEBSTER: Would issue state bonds for more than $300 million required to meet federal desegregation orders in St. Louis and Kansas City. Like Blunt and others, favors allotting lottery proceeds to education. Would allow students to attend schools of their choice, starting first within single school districts, then later expanding to other areas. Like others, calls for strengthened community colleges and vo-tech units. Wants testing for grade and high school achievement.

WENDELL BAILEY: Suggests improved school funding by closing tax loopholes on boat owners, certain retailers. Lottery funds to education. Would strive to improve economic conditions in core city areas, making them more viable for neighborhood schools. Would shift some deseg travel money to these areas. Favors standardized testing, tougher college admissions, improved community colleges and vocational education. Also wants legal requirement to devote one-third of state revenue to schools.

MEL CARNAHAN: Only candidate favoring a tax increase for education. He would raise $196 million in added revenue each year for three years by increasing corporate income taxes, limiting federal tax deductibility for state income tax for large corporations and wealthy individuals and increasing cigarette taxes. Would earmark all for education. Favors August amendment to permit increase in local school taxes by simple majority. Would provide social services at schools, reduce class sizes, totally fund Parents as Teachers, reward districts that showed test score improvements, lowered dropout rate, add teacher assistants, start college loan fund for every Missouri family.

VINCE SCHOEMEHL: Favors one-third revenue allocation to education, dedicating 50 percent of state growth to schools, adding lottery receipts and provide added revenue by closing sales tax loopholes, reducing state jobs. Wants schools to become centers to "build the whole person" and provide health and social services as well as day care. Would create higher salary schedule for teachers who demonstrate competence and secure added training. Wants different emphasis on achievement testing. Would increase all levels of science instruction, including both library and computer sciences.

Well, there you have it. Compared to some previous campaigns in which little or no attention was given to educational problems and their solutions, this one is understandably centered on schools, with much of the candidates' concern centering on local schools. The candidates shared several other beliefs, including the need for providing improved equity in the state's School Foundation Plan. This point is a sticky one, promising to pit urban and outstate schools in a battle that could go on for several years.

Although the governor bears the responsibility for administering the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the legislative branch is also a principal player in school funding and reform. Years ago the General Assembly paid scant attention to details concerning how schools are administered, what subjects were emphasized or what services were provided. As the public has grown more aware of the need to enhance educational opportunities, and correct many of the disturbing failures, legislators have demanded a greater voice in public education programs.

There's certainly nothing wrong in this as long as the executive office exercises strong leadership that is designed to enhance educational opportunities for Missouri's 850,000 school children. Much can be gained by both branches of government working closely together, cooperating on ideas to advance the constitutional goal of making education the top priority of state government. What has sometimes occurred in the past has been an abdication by one of the two branches of its responsibility and authority in seeing reforms instituted in what are most assuredly the most important programs funded by state government.

The five principal candidates for governor in 1992 all give evidence of understanding Missouri's crisis in education. It's a better start than some campaigns have offered.