To the editor:

The recent Kansas Supreme Court decision ordering an increase in school funding may receive strong support in this area, but it is a bad example of constitutional government. The court has overstepped its authority by violating the basic checks and balances defined in the Kansas and U.S. constitutions. In addition, the court has attempted to suppress localities by limiting property tax options.

Lost in all the furor over funding formulas and local option budgets is the simple question of quality management. One can only hope that the administrative efficiency study commissioned by Gov. Sebelius will not be forgotten after this decision. Our government owes us basic due diligence before asking for a tax increase.

Patrick Wilbur,

Lawrence