Smaller raises for teachers probably is the prudent course for the Lawrence school board this year.

As much as this community supports its public schools and appreciates the job done by its public school teachers, it simply isnâÂÂt financially realistic to expect raises for next school year to match the 5 percent overall increase teachers received this year.

The Lawrence school district already has made significant budget cuts to deal with a loss of state funding this year. Earlier this week board members were discussing the possibility of staff furloughs to cope with cuts expected in January. Supt. Randy Weseman summed it up pretty well: âÂÂThe roads narrow considerably when you donâÂÂt have anything to offer.âÂÂ

The district teachersâ chief negotiator was taking a wait-and-see attitude toward raises. No one would expect the teacher representative to give up on raises before negotiations even begin, but teachers must realize what a difficult situation the district is facing.

If itâÂÂs any comfort, until the economy turns around, school teachers certainly arenâÂÂt alone. State employees are in an even worse situation and many private businesses are likely to be miserly with raises this year.

In the long run, Kansans need to recognize what an important role teachers play in our society and find the money to compensate them accordingly. Unfortunately, the money simply isnâÂÂt likely to be available to make significant steps in that direction this year.