Radio Commentary
Americans believe high-quality public schools help build
stronger families and improve local economics.
That was the finding of a poll commissioned by the Public
Education Network.
Asked
to cite the benefits of good public education for a community, 24 percent said
good schools help build stronger families, making that the top choice.
The second
impact cited, with 20 percent support of respondents, was that high-quality
public schools improve the local economy by attracting businesses.
The third
greatest impact, cited by 15 percent of those who responded, was that good
schools lower crime rates.
Next came creating community
pride, instilling civic values, boosting property values, and, most tellingly,
“all of the above.”
Among
parents of children 18 years or younger, 88 percent said that having good
public schools in their community was important.
Of those without children, 84
percent still shared that belief.
It is heartening to know
that quality schools were supported in such overwhelming numbers by members of
the public. They clearly recognize the contributions of our schools to our
communities and our society.
