Solve the School Dropout Problem
In Buncombe County during the 2006-07 school year, over 500 students dropped out before graduation. This is an alarming statistic. These children will suffer a life of hardship and our entire community will suffer from numerous social problems if this trend continues.
After 7 years as an educator and 8 years on the Buncombe County Board of Education, I know that the school systems cannot solve this problem alone. The health department, social services, sheriff’s department, and a host of non-profits need to work together with schools and families to bring this epidemic under control. As your County Commissioner, I will work to coordinate with all community services to lower the dropout rate.
We already know how to recognize which children are likely to drop out of school. With the help of teachers, child care providers, parents, and guardians, we can discover potential problems early and give these children the help they need.
Every child has unique talents and must be offered a path that allows them to succeed. Some students will excel at math and science, others at art and literature. There are many for whom vocational training offers the most benefit. Children will stay in school as long as they feel they are learning valuable skills that will lead to a successful future.
Our children are the most precious resource that we have. We owe it to them and to ourselves to help them to be productive citizens.