Supe's On: K-12 public education must be a priority

SAs our state continues to focus on the workforce and economy, research demonstrates K-12 public education must be a priority. Continuing to drive forward teacher and staff compensation is critical for student success as schools work to recruit and retain the best teachers possible. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics and Center for Labor Market Studies demonstrates that employability, personal income, and our economy are directly correlated to a high school diploma.

High school graduates have a much lower unemployment rate than a student who chooses to drop out. In addition, an individual with a high school diploma earns approximately $500,000 more over a lifetime than a high school dropout. Further, the lifetime fiscal gap between individuals with a post-secondary degree or certificate and a high school dropout is over $1 million dollars. Beyond the financial impact on the economy, a high school diploma increases the probability of an individual’s involvement in family and civic life, while decreasing the likelihood of their participation in criminal activity. 

As our state focuses on the workforce and economy, research demonstrates public K-12 education must be a priority. Continuing to improve teacher compensation is critical for student success as schools work to recruit and retain the best educators possible. 

Strengthening, supporting, and providing resources to K-12 public education is critically important for developing our workforce and building the economy.

Go Lynx!