To the editor:

The headline in Monday’s Journal-World reads “Budgeting puts schools to test.” The story, which has a subheadline of “Allocation of funds a delicate balancing act,” details yet another example of the plight of education in this country. Providing a good education for every child has to be a national priority — and, indeed, should be a fundamental right — but is hampered by a severe lack of funding.

An example of why this country’s education system needs to be better funded and, therefore, improved upon lies within the Journal-World itself. In the story that sits atop Monday’s front page, headlined “Winter weather tightens icy grip,” a couple were described as being “disappointed a forecast storm had yet to materialize.” One has to wonder what, exactly, is a “forecast storm”? Perhaps the reason the storm did not materialize is because it should have been described in the past tense as a “forecasted storm”!

Recently President Bush announced a new plan to explore space. He hopes “the fascination generated by further exploration will inspire our young people to study math and science and engineering and create a new generation of innovators and pioneers.” Without allocating sufficient funds to this country’s education system, many students will not receive even just a basic education never mind about being equipped and inspired to become innovators and pioneers.

John Wysocki,

Lawrence