To the editor:

While listening to Gov. Brownback’s State of the State address, I was struck by the use of the word “suitable” to describe the sort of education he envisions for the children of our state.

“Suitable?” Is that all? I would hope the state of Kansas could do more for our children than provide them with an education that is merely adequate. He charges the Legislature with the task of defining what a “suitable” education is for our future Kansans.

For legislators without children in the Kansas public schools, that definition will probably be based on a desire to cut the education budget. They may want to dismantle important programs and probably do away with arts education altogether. Sports, on the other hand, will likely continue to be well funded.

Don’t all children in Kansas deserve quality, well-rounded educations? Brownback’s rhetoric implied that only those fortunate to send their children to private schools could hope for good quality educations. All other children in Kansas will be subject to an education system that is only suitable.