Inquirer Editorial: Obama right to target schools with new stimulus

President Obama's $30 billion plan to rebuild schools and keep teachers in the classroom is a needed step not only to help create jobs immediately but to ensure children are prepared educationally for jobs in the future.

At a time when numerous states are cutting funding for public education, the president's plan would make a major investment in both infrastructure and human capital. Obama included the education proposal in his overall $487 billion plan to create jobs and stimulate the stagnant national economy.

Critics who are focused on abandoning public schools for other alternatives are expected to oppose Obama's idea. But while the plan may need adjustments, it provides a good basis for discussions leading to an acceptable compromise.

Obama does have a strong ally in the politically powerful National Education Association, which has seen school districts cut programs once deemed essential and lay off teachers previously considered essential.

The plan falls in line with the sweeping reforms backed by Obama to raise student achievement by improving poorly performing schools, which have failed generations of students.

The education plan would not only keep 280,000 teachers on the job and allow districts to hire more, but also spend $25 billion to modernize at least 35,000 crumbling public schools and equip them with science labs and wired classrooms.

The average school building across the country is at least 40 years old. Many cash-strapped districts are struggling to maintain the facilities.

Under the plan, Pennsylvania would get $944 million and New Jersey $518.6 million to distribute to districts to repair or renovate existing schools, but not build new ones.

If approved, the funds could not be used to replenish state aid, but the rules would allow states enough flexibility to determine how best to use the federal money.

Philadelphia and other urban districts with large populations of poor students stand to fare well under the proposal. City schools would get $395.6 million.

The country's community colleges - which have seen record enrollment amid soaring tuition costs at four-year universities - would get $5 billion to improve their facilities.

Under the federal stimulus two years ago, it took too long for the government to spend the money. This new proposal by Obama seeks to avoid that by setting project priorities and deadlines.

It is also important to make sure the final plan includes strict guideline to ensure funds are spent wisely.

For example, before any renovations, school districts should be required to assess their actual classroom needs. Philadelphia schools had 70,000 vacant seats last year, clear evidence that the School District has too many buildings.

The president is right to make schools a priority. Better teachers and better schools offer a lesson plan in which students can succeed.