We hear it all the time; everywhere we read, listen to, or watch the media: America is losing its competitive edge in education. Other developed countries are producing students better educated than ours, particularly in the sciences and math.

It is broadly acknowledged that while America far surpasses other countries in the quality of its institutions of higher learning, i.e. colleges, universities, and research facilities, it is failing to keep pace in primary and high school education.

Some will contend that spending more money on our schools is not the answer. We acknowledge this viewpoint, but realize that good things are not possible without a critical level of support and services. The modest increase in spending proposed in this referendum is essential just to keep pace with where we are, and not fall farther behind.

We all should agree that the best investment we can make is to support those who will take care of us and inherit the future, our children. All three of our children were educated in the Austin Public Schools, from 1985-2009. We know well what makes our schools effective. Our children all received an excellent education here and have gone on to college and graduate school. We want this quality of educational opportunity to be available to the next generation and beyond.

We support the referendum to on Nov. 3. Please vote yes for the future of our community.

Kay and Rodney Middlebrook

Austin

There are 0 comments - Display All Comments