Ned Staebler
Without the creativity, innovations, and energy of young people, Michigan has no hope of evolving or expanding its economy. We cannot import inspiration, innovation or creativity. We must make those homegrown virtues, and education is the answer.
Plain and simple, I believe that investing in Michigan's future means investing in our children. They are our greatest resource and we have an obligation to ensure that they are prepared for the realities of the 21st century workforce.
This belief is more than social idealism or a sense of parental responsibility (though both are an important part of my values). It is an understanding that a good education is the unshakable backbone to civic, economic and cultural stability. In order to compete on both the national and global stage, Michigan must create and cultivate a world-class society of thinkers and doers. Entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, and leaders don't just happen, they are encouraged, developed and nurtured.
That is why even now, we must increase our commitment to both K-12 programs and higher education. Michigan needs to invest in topnotch teaching talent, provide students with the resources they need to excel, and create an aggressive and comprehensive vision for how to best prepare Michigan's next generation.
It does not mean finding places to cut corners or compromise standards on education. That kind of thinking is the epitome of being "penny wise and pound foolish". The de-funding of the Michigan Promise or cutting per-pupil k-12 spending are examples of exactly what we shouldn't be doing.
Of course, we should recognize the reality that resources are scarcer than ever before. This is why we need to make sure we are investing our tax dollars wisely. This means focusing funding on the classrooms-teachers and student support services- instead of administration and operations.
Parents (and their kids) need to understand that in the 21st century, college is the new high school. That is, a college degree is a prerequisite for entry into the 21st century workforce. We have world-class universities in Michigan, and we must continue to invest in them.
As both a community leader and a father, I see education as both a foundation for a success and a litmus test for Michigan's commitment to its future. If we are not willing to pledge ourselves to making every generation of Michigander its best and brightest, how can we expect our state to truly shine?
