Census data tells us that thirty percent of people move to different communities for family related reasons, one of which is better schools for their children. It’s a story we are all familiar with; families moving to Alta, Jackson, Boise or elsewhere. But, the best public schools are not just about great educational opportunities for our children; it’s about economic growth and prosperity.
People ask me why education is so important to me as a candidate for county commissioner. Some say education and public schools are not part of being a county commissioner. I disagree and here’s why: Teton County residents have a vision that fosters a high quality of life. But what exactly does that mean? Again, Teton County residents give us the answer. Polls and surveys over the last five years repeat the same message: quality of life is about living wage jobs, opportunities for our children and conserving the natural amenities that make Teton Valley so unique. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful place because we continue to struggle with the first two priorities.
Decision makers have asked you to invest in your future, and for the most part you have, whether it’s for road and bridge infrastructure, emergency services, or levies and bonds for schools. I understand the hesitation in investing more of your hard earned money when you’re not confident of the outcome. We need to have confidence in our leaders that they: 1) understand our vision, 2) have a plan to implement our vision and, 3) invest our money wisely to implement the plan and achieve concrete results.
The school board knows they have room to improve and have started working on a strategic plan; they’ve supported our teachers with a master contract; they’ve taken steps to improve parent involvement and communication. Throughout all that, they must continue to ask us to invest in our schools by supporting local levies and facility bonds to meet operation costs and the needs of our growing student body.
The school board alone cannot achieve building the best public schools in Idaho. It will take a comprehensive effort involving all of our community leaders – school board members, mayors, commissioners, nonprofit leaders, business owners, etc. Too often we lose the forest through the trees; we lose sight of our vision and get stuck in the morass of politics and loud voices. Business as usual will not cut it. If elected Teton County Commissioner, I will commit to building a coordinated and collaborative effort with other community leaders to achieve our vision for an economically prosperous future.
At the end of the day, we all want the best education for our children, and I urge you to get informed, get involved, and vote yes on the school bond in November. But also vote for leaders that understand your vision and have the skills and experience to realize it. Vote for me, Cindy Riegel, and Bill Leake for County Commissioners to ensure that our schools and your vision get the attention and support they deserve from our county.
This article appeared in the Teton Valley News on September 11, 2014.