Funding for A+

Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader

Something strange is going on at the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Even though the agency knew in April that its projected budget would not cover expenses for the A+ Schools program, it did not ask for more money from the legislature.

The program pays for eligible students who meet certain academic and citizenship requirements to attend any two-year college in Missouri. ... The department proposed capping funding at 12 credit hours per student a semester instead of continuing to allow students to enroll in an unlimited number of credit hours each semester.

When Gov. Bob Holden learned of this change in policy last week, he began the process of restoring funding for the program. But the funding shortfall didn't have to happen in the first place. DESE received the full $12.6 million it asked for from the legislature. More money would have been made available for the program if it had asked. ...

DESE officials said this is the first time for a funding shortage. With the support of the governor and the legislature, it should also be the last time. There's no need for unilaterally cutting funding for a popular program like this.