We were pleased this week to receive an invitation to a May 7 retirement party for Peter N. McWalters, commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

Of course, we weren't officially on the guest list, but the formal invitation was passed along by a concerned citizen who noted that the invitation to the $30-a-plate party at the Westin Providence hotel was mailed in an envelope bearing the official state Department of Education seal.

"You are cordially invited to attend a celebration in honor of Commissioner Peter McWalters' contribution to Rhode Island Public Education," reads the invitation sent with postage paid by the state.

McWalters' special assistant, Sharon Osborne, told us every effort was made to plan the party and notify people without using state resources.

"The majority I know were sent out through e-mails," she said. "Were there some that went out through snail mail? Yeah, I'm sure there were."

Osborne continued: "As you've seen, we're asking people for $30 to help pay for the thing. We're trying to keep it on the up and up."