As parents, we are often faced with the challenge of providing our children with what they need. And, often, that is in direct conflict with what they want.

When it comes to birthdays and Christmas, a list is usually provided asking for this and that, this toy and that toy. It is a balancing act between what they want and what we as parents can afford and what we feel is best for them.

Such is the case when it comes to providing for our children on an educational level.

For far too long, Mississippi legislators have discussed possible changes to the way public education is funded.

They have looked at new formulas to disburse funds differently and new programs aimed at spending funds more efficiently.

But, the underlying problem remains.

Regardless of how lawmakers divide the pie, the pie remains far too small in Mississippi.

While legislators delve into topics and debates many would argue are wastes of time, we are doing critical damage to the state’s already abysmal history of investing in our children’s education.

We are not alone.

Other states — primarily in the South — have cut spending on public education and so-called entitlement programs.

While examining entitlement programs to make sure they are used to encourage and drive residents to a better standard of living makes good financial sense, undercutting the education system is doing nothing but harming those who are the least amongst us.

In Vicksburg and Warren County, we have seen what innovative thinking and investment from businesses and individuals in that innovation can do to a public school system.

We have seen the Leader In Me grow from just a handful of schools in the Vicksburg-Warren School District to what is now almost a system-wide influence.

But, in this regard, Vicksburg is unique. We have means others do not. We have leadership — both in the private sector and in the public sector — who make sure innovation and partnerships thrive.

While we would hope for such change throughout the state, we cannot expect it.

Our legislators must understand we cannot continue to cut from our schools and expect better results. We cannot cut from our postsecondary systems and expect college to be an affordable option for students in the future.

We are a state that must make a choice between what we can afford and what is best for our children. And, we can no longer afford to not properly fund public education.

It is my hope our legislators — some of whom have children in public schools — understand the value education can play in Mississippi’s growth and invests in it wisely.

Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post. He can be reached at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com.