Public education is the cornerstone of a community. It gives all our children an equal opportunity for a career, to go to college, or to serve in the military. It’s a pathway out of poverty. And it prepares every child to be an adult able to exercise the responsibility of being a citizen. In South Carolina, public education is so important that it is enshrined in our state’s constitution.
Public schools also make our community richer and more prosperous. Successful students build a strong workforce that attracts investment, grows our economy, and broadens the tax base. Strong public schools also improve property values. For most Americans, their single most valuable asset is their home, so increased property values build wealth for Columbia families.
Unfortunately, too many of Columbia’s children are being left behind by the Richland One School District. Consider just one fact: each year, 44% of Richland One’s graduating seniors are not ready for college, a career, or military service. That’s roughly 700 young adults graduating from Richland One high schools each year without the basic skills to make it in life.
We have so many valuable resources at our fingertips and so many assets across Richland One – curious students, dedicated teachers and staff, and engaged parents. We plan to tell those stories. But we also have problems that have festered too long to the detriment of our students, teachers, and community.
We believe Richland One can change for the better by celebrating the wins and shining light on some problems. We need a common set of facts and a dialog about solutions. And we need high expectations for leadership because we just can’t accept leaving so many kids behind each year.
