School’s Out

 

I’ve been spending a lot more time on YouTube since I discovered how to watch it on our big flat screen television. Last night the following promo caught my eye:

The Simple Genius of the Interstate Highway System: The US’ Greatest Ever Investment

Now, I have nothing against the Interstate Highway System. But my first thought was: the greatest investment in the United States was the institution of public school systems. 

This is, of course, a rather apples to oranges comparison, since the long history of schools in this country is a story of local and state investment in education. The federal government got involved rather further down the line. But the word I was focused on was “investment.”

I truly believe that the greatest investment a nation can make is in the education of young people. Yes, the interstate high way system can get you places. In the long run, a good public school education can get you many, many more places. 

Do you see where I’m going with this?

Today is the last day of school and my heart is aching for teachers and other school support staff whose positions have been eliminated due to budget shortfalls. This obviously hurts them but it also hurts everyone who is left behind. It doesn’t feel to me as though we have created a way to give our schools the financial investment they need. 

If you don’t continue to place a priority on highways or bridges it doesn’t matter how brilliant it was to create them in the first place. You have to keep on investing in them to provide necessary improvements and repair. The same is true for our schools. 

In order to invest in the young people who are the future of our country, we must invest in their education: safe and healthy school buildings, curriculum, teachers, specialists, support staff, materials,training, transportation, food programs, leadership…

If we don’t?  Then a good K-12 education will become largely the province of the well-to-do, rather than an open door to everyone. And it is clear that there are forces in this country that would like to see that happen. They don’t believe that equal opportunity is a common good.

Dear future public servants:

I want to know how you plan to invest in our schools and the people who make them work. 

Dear parents:

Keep valuing education and keep advocating for public education. Model for your children the joy of learning in your everyday life.

Dear teachers:

I don’t believe that anyone can every truly know how much you invest of yourself, every single day, to meet the needs of your students and bring them along in their educational journey. It breaks my heart that we are in a place where we are not investing in you and your students with that kind of commitment.

You are important. Your work is important. Thank you for every day you have given to our children. Every day is an investment. The future will be filled with people you have touched, lifted up, encouraged, challenged, inspired.

Education for all is the United States’ greatest investment. Meeting that commitment is our greatest responsibility.

And now, Summer. May it bring rejuvenation and respite and a chance to have some pure, simple fun. 

Village Green/Town² Comments