Publisher’s note: the purpose of this website is to present views on today’s political, social, cultural and economic issues from a variety of viewpoints and in a manner that is both civil and intelligent. Most of the features published here are in the form of interviews with elected officials, candidates or representatives of special interest organizations.

Occasionally an opinion essay will be published, as is the case this week. Publication of an essay does not necessarily imply endorsement of the opinion(s) expressed. Opinion essay submissions from all viewpoints are welcome and may be emailed to mike@mikefergusononline.com for consideration.

By State Representative Paul LeVota (D-52), House Assistant Minority Leader

As your State Representative I committed to improving schools in our State. With that in mind I am co-sponsoring several ideas that can improve education in Missouri.

The foundation for academic success is laid before a child begins kindergarten. With this concept in mind I am promoting legislation to establish a pilot public preschool program for 4-year-olds serving 5,000 children in a mix of rural, urban and suburban school districts. Grants would be awarded based on need and a district’s ability to successfully implement a preschool program.

I believe that providing more children with the opportunity to attend preschool will improve their chances of achieving academic excellence. All students in a participating district would be eligible for the preschool program regardless of their family’s income. Districts, however, would be allowed to charge parents according to a sliding scale based on family income.

Another effort I am supporting to improve education is legislation to address an unintended consequence of the new school funding formula passed in 2005 that jeopardizes local programs for gifted students in jeopardy.

The new formula eliminated a financial incentive previously given to districts offering gifted programs. As a result, some districts could choose to drop such programs. This bill will guarantee that gifted programs are maintained at districts that currently offer them.

This legislative session I am also support exempting our school districts from paying the state’s 17-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel. This exemption would provide much-needed relief to districts on their student transportation expenses at a time when price of fuel typically exceeds $2 a gallon. The exemption would save districts more than $2 million a year.

Rising fuel costs have proven a serious financial problem for schools that transport students over long distances and districts that operate large bus fleets. An exemption from paying fuel taxes would reduce some of the strain on their budgets.

These ideas are just a few that improve schools for kids. I want to encourage everyone to stay in contact with their elected officials and share your ideas to improve our state. I am very thankful for the people who approached me with their concerns and ideas. I will continue to be open to any suggestions from the citizens of Missouri.