IT TAKES MORE THAN MONEY TO EDUCATE WELL

Excellence in education is achieved in many ways. Committed, caring educators with sufficient resources and facilities are crucial to an exceptional learning environment. But big dollars, while helpful, are no guarantee of instructional success.

Just look at Missouri's urban schools, where money has been pumped in at some of the highest per-pupil ratios in the state. Student scores in those schools remain woefully lacking.

But there is a local success story. The Jackson School District's recent report card shows lower-than-average per-pupil spending and high graduation rates. In other words, the district and its staff are ensuring that taxpayers are getting the biggest bang for their bucks.

Jackson's per pupil spending is just under $4,000 -- considerably lower than the Missouri average of $5,184. But the district's four-year graduation rate is 90.1 percent, and its dropout rate is an impressive 3 percent.

Jackson demonstrates that top-notch public education doesn't have to cost a fortune to be effective.