It's become a familiar scenario: Gov. Linda Lingle announces her budget for education. The Department of Education objects to items missing from it, including tens of millions of dollars for specific projects, such as drug-sniffing dogs in schools, and asks for more money. Lingle, who is required to submit a balanced budget, says no. The DOE lobbies the Legislature for extra money. Lawmakers may approve money for some items, but no matter: The whole process circles back to Lingle, who decides when — or if — the money is released.

Can this be the best way to manage budget priorities for our public schools? Of course not. But, unfortunately, with so many different cooks stirring the budget pot — the DOE, the Board of Education, the governor and the Legislature — the only hope for sensible education policy is that they all work together.

But they don't, or won't.

The frosty, arms-length relationship between Lingle and the DOE and Legislature seems more entrenched than ever. It represents the failure of leadership to unite and focus the DOE's bureaucracy on its fundamental mission: a quality education for every Hawai'i child it serves.

Last week, Advertiser reporter Loren Moreno reported on the DOE's request for $48 million in additional funding to pay for such projects as more help for homeless children on Maui and the Big Island; more classroom space for third-graders; random drug testing for teachers; and, yes, drug-sniffing dogs.

Lingle said no to the package, citing the need for fiscal restraint, as well as the $30 million the DOE has left over. DOE officials predictably went to the Capitol to lobby lawmakers, who will now contribute to the debate.

Common sense needs to prevail.

First, the breach between the governor and the DOE should be closed. Although the school superintendent is not appointed by the governor, she should have a seat at the governor's Cabinet table.

Second, carryover funds in the DOE budget should be open to negotiation. In a tight economy, the DOE can't keep asking for more.

Third, the state auditor should keep a closer eye on the DOE budget and how it's spent. That's a key step toward accountability.

Finally, all of those with authority over the DOE budget should swallow their political pride and work together to achieve the common purpose.

It's a lesson any child can understand.