An arson investigation into the University Laboratory School fire raises critical questions for the state's Department of Education that go well beyond one school.

Arson suddenly ups the ante, as well as our public responsibility.

The public should always be concerned that schools are fire-safe. But if the fire was intentionally set, it brings up the issue of school security and whether our schools are adequately protected from vandalism that can result in a major fire.

So far, the record is not good.

As Curtis Lum and Beverly Creamer reported, in the past two years alone, schools have suffered fire damage estimated at more than $10 million. Some of that is the result of arson.

The vulnerability of our public schools is made worse by an older plantation-style architecture with aging wooden structures. Many of the campuses also have open-air layouts and are designed with accessibility in mind, without perimeter fencing.

That means many schools are perfect targets for firebugs.

Glenn Tatsuno, the head of Safety and Security Services at the DOE, said more security on school campuses would help, including the installation of modern security cameras. But that high-tech solution can cost up to $15,000 per school.

The DOE budgets just $7.3 million to provide security for all schools. That makes the kind of surveillance that can be an effective deterrent seem like a real luxury.

The DOE has another $650,000 budgeted for roving security guards. But at best, those reinforcements cover just a few schools a night.

No one is advocating fencing up schools. In fact, simple things such as including schools as part of a neighborhood community watch would be helpful and cost-effective.

Still, you get what you pay for. And when it comes to security, the Legislature hasn't provided any night security money in 10 years.

The DOE should revisit the security issue and work with the Legislature to get more money to help protect our public schools.