Newton County schools face more tough budget decisions in the next few weeks, But Superintendent Gary Mathews is quite right in contending that pre-kindergarten is too important a program to cut.

Pre-kindergarten gives a critical boost to families most in need of its services in terms of providing educational enrichment to at-risk students. It sets a positive tone for the years of schooling to come.

There are of course expenses involved in providing pre-kindergarten, but the boost it gives to at-risk students pays for itself in the long run.

Mathews has long said the Newton County schools are student-focused, and his advocacy for pre-kindergarten is evidence of this approach.

We're glad that most members of the school board are supportive of this crucial program.