Topic: Education
An open letter to local educators:
As a former teacher, I know that most educators don't study economics unless they plan to teach business or social studies. Therefore, it seems likely that many teachers and administrators may miss a few interesting tidbits about economics, including those related to the teaching profession.
First, it seems important that teachers and administrators remember that a school holds tremendous monopoly power compared to other local businesses. Many communities without parochial education experience the effects of this monopoly. Business leaders often complain that recent graduates lack the skills needed to build local business and that the schools prepare too many of the brightest students to leave the community for college rather than to stay and succeed in local companies.
These complaints seem to fall on deaf ears because present-day school administrators answer largely to state authorities and less specifically to their local board. Board members are also currently encouraged to attend to state requirements rather than thinking locally. The lack of educational alternatives in many communities exacerbates these perceptions by strengthening the real and perceived monopoly power of the local schools.
Second, as an economic developer, I find that business leaders wish that school administrators and teachers would remember a few important things about improving the local economy.
A school can only increase local tax revenue (and educator salaries) by a few means: 1. by soliciting increased tax rates while hoping not to drive away too many property owners over time, 2. by providing outstanding general education to children and managing the regional perception of the school to increase the value and attractiveness of the community in hopes that resulting strong growth will lift everyone's economic situation, or 3. by training and teaching students to succeed in specific existing local businesses and adding direct value to the community and its tax base year after year.
Obviously, I recommend choices two and three in combination. As a former educator, I know that a well-rounded education seems infinitely preferable to specific training for a local industry. That said, the business community has a point in asserting that too little of the current primary and secondary school curriculum adds value to the local economy through students. Educators need to consult business leaders about curriculum now more than ever if our communities and graduates hope to stay competitive in a global economy. I only hope it is not too late for educators to think globally and act locally. Any educator willing to take up this challenge may do so easily by joining their local P-20 council to solicit curriculum ideas directly from local business owners.
Norm Lucas
