[ OUR OPINION ]
Embrace of school
budgeting idea
a welcome changeHOUSE Democrats' enthusiasm for a different method of school funding represents a promising break in the logjam over control of money for public education. The concept, supported by the Department of Education, teachers and the Lingle administration, would loosen legislative hold on spending and allow budget decisions to be made at the school level. The notion seems sensible, but its application could become divisive and may require other changes in school operations.
THE ISSUE A plan to reform education spending draws strong support from legislators, educators and the Lingle administration.
Although the idea is still at the talking stage, decision-makers should review the DOE's 1994 study of a similar proposal, how such modes have been carried out in other school systems and how effective they have been in improving education.
The plan, generally known as the weighted student formula, assigns each pupil with a certain amount of money for education. It provides a base figure that reflects the cost of administrative operations, then additional money is assigned to the student for "characteristics," which include such needs as special education and bilingual services. The formula would add more if a child comes from a low-income family and qualifies for federal funds. A school's budget would be made up of the sum of all its students' allotments.
Because the allocation is attached to a student, schools could develop specialty programs and compete for pupils. For example, if a school has a high number of children who need bilingual services, educators could put together a strong bilingual program using its students' cumulative dollars. If the program is successful, parents may choose to enroll their children there instead of at another school where such services may be lacking.
Although the plan would distribute money to students whose learning challenges may be greatest, parents whose children have no special needs may feel they are being short-changed. In addition, formulas developed in many mainland school districts do not allocate extra money to children who are high achievers and who may need elevated programs to reach their potential. Some education experts argue that formulas should consider these students as well as those who may be talented in arts or music if public education spending is to be equitable.
If schools are given the freedom to spend their budgets, principals and other administrators must be held accountable, which may be problematic since principals are now members of a public worker union. However, if a school fails to satisfy parents, they can move their children to another one. Taking away a student's allocation may be a strong device for reckoning.
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Citizens are crucial
in fugitive capturesCITIZEN involvement led to the capture of all three prison escapees nearly a week after they walked away from what is supposed to be the state's most secure correctional facility. People who called police after spotting the escapees are to be commended, while those who aided the criminals should join them behind bars.
THE ISSUE Three fugitives were arrested in Windward Oahu six days after their escape from the state Halawa Correctional Facility.
The three men, each of them dangerous, left their cells on the morning of April 4 through an access panel and exited the building through a ventilation shaft, then squeezed through the front gate of the state's maximum-security prison in Halawa Valley. A pig hunter who was confronted by the men in a Hauula valley two days later gave police the tip they needed to learn their approximate whereabouts.
On Thursday police received critical tips from the public, leading to the fugitives' arrests. That morning, a woman who lives in the valley heard voices outside her home and notified police. Later that day:
>> Officer Rik Orton spotted fugitive David Scribner walking alongside Kamehameha Highway near the Ponds at Punaluu and, after calling for and receiving backup, made the arrest.
>> A woman riding a city bus recognized passenger Albert Batalona as one of the fugitives, called her daughter on her cellular phone and told her to call police. Batalona was arrested after a police officer boarded the bus and other officers stopped it.
>> A citizen notified police that fugitive Warren Elicker was in a white Ford pickup truck. Police stopped the truck near Castle High School and made the arrest.
Police also arrested the driver of the truck and are interested in finding out how the escapees obtained beef jerky and water that were their sustenance. Anyone who abetted the fugitives should be prosecuted to the fullest.
