As parents, community members, and teachers, I believe that we should have one goal: to provide for our students a higher quality education than the one we received. We desire for them to be able to compete in the workplace, to have the necessary skills to bring their dreams to life and possess a deep passion for giving back to their community.
I’ve been monitoring the recent controversy involving Hamilton County School Board members, the advocacy group UnifiEd, and other local leaders.
Like many residents, I am concerned.
UnifiEd is proposing strategies to address school segregation and poor school conditions which are issues that stem from limited and poorly allocated resources. These proposals come as a direct result of policies that have been short-sighted - ones that do not impact all schools.
We need a systematic approach to creating a higher quality school system. This leads to a higher quality education for our children. When we invest in our children, we produce higher quality individuals that lead to more opportunities for them and our community. Businesses rely on productivity and a child’s education is a crucial part of growth and productivity. This improves our revenue and stability for our economy.
I am a parent daily involved in my community, currently the chair of Community Advisory Board (CAB), a board focused on breaking down silos of communication in our community that directly affect children and families. I’m invested in doing what’s best and right for all Hamilton County children and all of our educators. I strongly believe that it’s time to turn the tide, become fiscally responsible with our taxpayer’s money as we build up our schools, and grow our communities in a safe and equitable way for everyone.
We need to improve all schools and fight to recruit and retain more qualified teachers. Yes, this helps the impoverished and less fortunate, as it should. It also helps our entire economy, as it should. It’s our community. It’s our Hamilton County. It’s time we rise together.
Miracle Hurley