A Sunday Journal-World story about the possibility of starting an International Baccalaureate magnet school in the Lawrence school district noted, “At this point, the concept simply has been floated as an idea by (school board member Rick) Ingram during the board’s goals-setting process. Other board members have asked questions about how much the program would cost, both to enter the program and to train educators to implement the curriculum.”

It’s unfortunate that the first concern seems to be the cost of such a program rather than what it would add to the excellence of the school system or the possible dividends from a more challenging academic program for some district students.

Consider all the efforts, emphasis and money spent trying to elevate and stimulate students who need help to improve their academic skills. What about providing similar programs to stimulate and bring out the best in Lawrence’s superior students?