Education is an investment

July 23, 2012

The Virginian-Pilot editorializes, "Norfolk's School Board requested an economic impact study from the city last week, the latest step in the division's struggles to shore up its standards and its reputation. Board member Brad Robinson told The Pilot's Steven Vegh that such a study, designed to show the return on dollars the city spends on the division, would alter the city's thinking about schools. Rather than a cost, he said, schools are an investment."

Progressive Point: Virginia families depend on public schools to prepare our children to succeed in an increasingly competitive 21st century economy. Public schools are an investment in an educated and productive workforce. Good public schools lift up our neighborhoods and increase home values. But most importantly, when we invest in our schools we invest in our children's future--and Virginia's future.

We all have a stake in our children's future, and Virginia should be leading in education--not getting left behind. Investment in our schools ensures all Virginians have an opportunity to succeed. Access to a quality education is more than just part of the American Dream-Virginia's families and economic future depend on educating the next generation.

Get the Facts:

• An economic impact study commissioned last year by "Virginia Beach schools showed that every dollar spent by the division produced $1.53 in spending in the region. A more than 50 percent return on investment makes a powerful marketing tool." (Virginian-Pilot, July 22, 2012)


• Increasing investment in our schools and closing the educational-achievement gap between the U.S. and higher-performing countries could boost our gross domestic product by 16%. (Wall Street Journal, April 22, 2012)


• Working Americans with a four-year college degree earn about $1 million more over their lifetimes and experience half the unemployment rate when compared to those with a high school diploma. (Bankrate.com April 23, 2012)

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