How to make a difference for public school kids if you don’t have kids in school | Plazas
The state of Nashville’s public schools affects us all, whether we are parents, employers, taxpayers, or a combination of the above. It is key to the health of our city that the next generation, our pool of future leaders, is prepared for success in their academic lives.
We believe that when people come together, incredible things can be accomplished. And if our Nashville community comes together, joining forces to demand that more of our students get the education they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond, we can change the trajectory of public schooling in our city.
We also recognize that the challenges attached to education can seem so big, and so systemic, that it may feel impossible that any one individual could make a difference.
In The Tennesseean, David Plazas shares why this is not the case, and gets detailed on ways in which Nashvillians can help our public school students succeed:
“We pay property taxes to the city, and about 40% of the municipal budget pays for MNPS. Aren’t we doing enough?
After listening to the wisdom of an educator this week, I do not think so. This wise man reminded me: “It’s about the kids, not the system.”
It is a reminder that we could be doing far more to invest in children who will one day take care of us and lead us.
The investment in schools is like investments in parks and public safety. Not everyone may need, like or want to use these services, but they make a community stronger, safer, vibrant and more attractive to longtime and new residents alike.
Educated children make for informed, productive adults invested in the future of generations to come.
Conversely, the consequences of doing nothing or not enough will only perpetuate hopelessness and dysfunction among children who feel nobody cares about them. The result: More unemployment, poverty, crime and idle youth.
We’re convinced – are you? Read more about the ways you can help our students thrive.
