As educators with many years of experience and a deep conviction that strong public schools are an American value, we want to encourage others to take a second look at STEM.  We understand the need to prepare students to become part of a modern workforce, but are we ready for politicians and business leaders to begin planning our curriculum?  Many public schools are integrating technology into their school day instead, encouraging student interest in STEM courses at an early age.

We also find it hard to believe that STEM schools that are funded by taking money away from public schools would receive enthusiastic support in Lawrence County. Public schools are already being plundered regularly, the victims of endless budget cuts.  We dislike the fact that the tax dollars of working families will be used to school the few who qualify for a specialized education.

The Lawrence County Democratic Party is taking a stand on this issue. Their platform includes the following statement:

“We believe in all the public schools in Lawrence County. Our goal is to provide high quality education for all children so they can achieve their highest potential in life; equal opportunity for all. Schools are not businesses, teachers are not factory workers, and students are certainly not products for sale. Our schools are not perfect, but we will take responsibility for fixing them.
We also don’t believe that parents should be robbed of school choice, but if they make that decision, they should have to pay for it, not the taxpayers. With scarce dollars available, we should focus that money on creating and supporting top-notch public schools.”

We couldn’t agree more, and we hope others are paying attention to this issue as well.

 

Abby Fowler – Ironton
Amy Ferguson – Kitts Hill