Education
Education is the cornerstone of a stable and compassionate society. We often associate learning with our formative years, but I believe it is a lifelong commitment.
The purpose of education is not just to prepare us for work, but to enrich our lives, and to give us the tools we need to govern ourselves in a participatory democracy. I cherish the exposure to the world of ideas my university education granted me, and the skills acquired for my profession at law school. Self-directed learning and continuing education every year allows me continue my journey.
If my dream of an informed and fulfilled citizenry is to be given a chance, we must start with the basics. Preschool and Head Start programs must be available to all children to help reduce the gross inequities of our society. Health care and nutrition programs should not be looked at as handouts, but as building blocks for education. Hungry and sick children cannot learn.
All schools must be free of violence, bullying and drugs. A child whose mind is clouded by drugs or paralyzed with fear cannot concentrate on math or history.
When I was young, my parents were very active in the PTA. This steadfast partnering program between families and schools is the gold standard. Parents who have the time, desire and vested interest in the success of our children selflessly give of themselves. Our schools have found new partners in education to help fill the funding gaps. MainStreet of Fremont, which I have been a part of, has partnered with Linden Elementary School in Fremont. Dozens of other business partners have provided money, materials and volunteer time to their adopted schools. This is the strength and commitment of community working together.
The state can help our primary schools by reducing high property taxes, introducing cooperative purchasing, and by providing liability protection. The control of primary education must remain close to our communities and families who have an interest in success.
Our schools have been strapped with poorly drafted initiatives, which sometimes punish sensible and efficient districts. We have seen the restriction or elimination of critical life skills programs, such as driver’s education, and enrichment classes, such as music, art and physical education. We must truly prepare our children for life, and that is no longer restricted to the three “R’s.”
It would be great if all those students who wanted to go to college or trade school were given a chance. But with the alarming rise in cost for higher education and the foolish changes to the student loan and federal financial aid programs, that dream is slipping away. We must fight against waste and foolish misdirection of resources to keep tuition affordable to all Nebraskans.
While maintaining diverse and competitive higher education options, we can work to avoid duplication and encourage cooperation (e.g. including credit transfers). With so many people changing jobs and careers, new and innovative options must be expanded for the non-traditional students, including distance and online learning. For our higher education system to fulfill its mission, we must redirect change to progress, if we are to provide the stability we need.
