State lawmakers recently approved 24 study resolutions, including one calling for an in-depth look at an idea to consolidate some of West Virginia's counties in order to maximize economies of scale.

We think this study, the brainchild of state Sen. John Mitchell, is of vital interest to West Virginians, but realize any changes would be several years down the road. Mitchell says 55 counties is too many for a small state like West Virginia, and he may be correct.

So, a detailed examination of the impact of decreasing our number of county commissions and boards of education is necessary to get a more accurate picture of what the change entails.

Another key study deals with the school calendar and is of keen interest to Gov. Bob Wise.

That resolution passed by the Legislature asks for a study on whether the state's public school students receive enough instruction time during the school year.

Wise says we need to make sure that our children are getting the full 180 days of instruction as mandated by law. This is a critical issue if West Virginians want to keep up with an ever-changing global economy.

Wise also is backing Mitchell's study based on its merit.

We think the governor is correct in choosing to favor studies of these two issues.Study resolutions, more often than not, wind up as bills that are later promoted and passed by legislators.

However, there is no guarantee all 24 studies will be done. But, we fervently hope these two issues are examined with a critical eye.