With the upcoming election, voters are being asked to “invest” in education. What does that mean? Investing in our public schools will have a direct impact on the growth and sustainability of Rapid City’s economy. In general, a well-educated populace earns higher wages. They are more productive and have a more comfortable lifestyle. These citizens are secure and stable. They have better purchasing power which in turn collects higher tax receipts. This is a truth that is hard for some to hear but it is one that must be said.
On the other hand, a poor educational system leads to more money being spent on social programs. Failing to educate leads to higher levels of crime, welfare, and overall dependency on others. We understand there are fiscal problems and challenges and it has led our district to make cuts. This has no positive long term effects other than the almighty dollar. Money spent on education prepares our youth to become contributing members of society who are not tied to low paying jobs and have no other options. They will have what it takes to navigate the economy. In a well-educated community, public expenditures actually decrease.
We also know there are market consequences for an inadequate education. It provides a need for an economy that rests its success on jobs that have little opportunities for advancement. It causes a community to become stagnant. Any business that would be attracted to the area would not be interested in investing the community; they would just be looking for inexpensive labor. If we want to attract quality businesses we have to be a better prepared workforce. Investing in schools has proven to have a direct impact on the business climate of the community. Outsiders see people who want to achieve a high value 21st century education. They see a community that is capable of embracing and executing innovative ideas. This is further reinforced by smaller classroom sizes, professional development for teachers, innovation in instruction, and use of the latest technology. The return on this investment is infrastructure. One that Rapid City needs outside of tourism.
The economy isn’t what it was ten, twenty, even thirty years ago. We are not talking better or worse, we are talking about what drives it and what it hinges on. Our economy is now knowledge based with a direct connection to technology. In order to stay competitive we need well-trained teachers and strong well-rounded schools that can produce top-notch students. The economic growth we would see from better schools includes increased individual earnings, increased home and auto sales, overall job growth, more people spending, and more tax revenues.
A strong community with a healthy economy will look for high value in education and not focus solely on cost. Are we equipping our current students, who are tomorrow’s citizens, with the skills and attitudes needed for success? Can they contribute civically in a knowledgeable way? Economically? Investing in them equals a return in labor and productivity. It leads to a decline of social problems which often drains a local economy. Education is the best way to break the cycle of poverty. Considering the impact of economic development in this way is forward thinking and takes courage on the part of the community. We must invest now. There are no other immediate solutions that can stop this downward spiral. We want to lift up our community. We want our children to have the best classes, teachers, technology, and curriculum during their educational career because we want them to stay. We want a new cycle to start, where Rapid City is being taken to greater heights by our own children.
On the other hand, a poor educational system leads to more money being spent on social programs. Failing to educate leads to higher levels of crime, welfare, and overall dependency on others. We understand there are fiscal problems and challenges and it has led our district to make cuts. This has no positive long term effects other than the almighty dollar. Money spent on education prepares our youth to become contributing members of society who are not tied to low paying jobs and have no other options. They will have what it takes to navigate the economy. In a well-educated community, public expenditures actually decrease.
We also know there are market consequences for an inadequate education. It provides a need for an economy that rests its success on jobs that have little opportunities for advancement. It causes a community to become stagnant. Any business that would be attracted to the area would not be interested in investing the community; they would just be looking for inexpensive labor. If we want to attract quality businesses we have to be a better prepared workforce. Investing in schools has proven to have a direct impact on the business climate of the community. Outsiders see people who want to achieve a high value 21st century education. They see a community that is capable of embracing and executing innovative ideas. This is further reinforced by smaller classroom sizes, professional development for teachers, innovation in instruction, and use of the latest technology. The return on this investment is infrastructure. One that Rapid City needs outside of tourism.
The economy isn’t what it was ten, twenty, even thirty years ago. We are not talking better or worse, we are talking about what drives it and what it hinges on. Our economy is now knowledge based with a direct connection to technology. In order to stay competitive we need well-trained teachers and strong well-rounded schools that can produce top-notch students. The economic growth we would see from better schools includes increased individual earnings, increased home and auto sales, overall job growth, more people spending, and more tax revenues.
A strong community with a healthy economy will look for high value in education and not focus solely on cost. Are we equipping our current students, who are tomorrow’s citizens, with the skills and attitudes needed for success? Can they contribute civically in a knowledgeable way? Economically? Investing in them equals a return in labor and productivity. It leads to a decline of social problems which often drains a local economy. Education is the best way to break the cycle of poverty. Considering the impact of economic development in this way is forward thinking and takes courage on the part of the community. We must invest now. There are no other immediate solutions that can stop this downward spiral. We want to lift up our community. We want our children to have the best classes, teachers, technology, and curriculum during their educational career because we want them to stay. We want a new cycle to start, where Rapid City is being taken to greater heights by our own children.