Even in robust economic times, state officials should be looking for ways to save taxpayer dollars and move toward their goals quickly. But when the state's finances are in a pinch, it's even more important that curbs on spending be instituted as swiftly as possible.

That doesn't seem to be the case with closing and consolidating public schools.

A proposal being reviewed by the state Board of Education to allow the education superintendent to examine closings and mergers under certain circumstances makes more sense than the current process, described as cumbersome and time-consuming.

The plan would still require public involvement, as well it should. Closing schools is an emotional issue, particularly for parents who don't relish sending their children outside their neighborhoods. In rural areas, closing a school could mean children having to travel long distances and the loss of a community center.

However, as the cost of operating schools and maintaining buildings continues to rise, the Department of Education can't ignore efficiencies and best practices that can minimize expense, especially when state revenues are in decline.

Because enrollment in public schools has been dropping during the last decade, the state has a surplus of 356 classrooms, the Star-Bulletin's Alexandre Da Silva reports. One school, Keanae Elementary on Maui, has been without students for three years. Despite this, the department still must pay for a custodian, utilities and even a federally mandated $440,000 cesspool project since it remains open for public use.

There are at least four other schools with small enrollments that could be closed. Some would send students to campuses within a few miles of their current schools. Others would involve longer commutes, and opponents argue that the distance creates hardship for students and that transportation costs could negate savings.

These arguments arose earlier this year when the state Legislature passed a measure that would have an independent panel recommend closures at specific school complexes on Oahu and Hawaii island, and expand some schools where more space was needed. Because Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed the bill, other options need exploring.

The proposal would place much of the responsibility for closings on the superintendent. Though she would have to base decisions on certain benchmarks, accountability would be more focused than with the current system of appointing a task force at district levels to conduct a study, which diffuses authority and guarantees any resolution would be drawn out.