Will Davis said it again. "The quality of [local] schools is the deal maker or breaker on many [economic development] projects." The managers of those companies thinking about investing in Chesterfield don't just ask about the schools, they point at a specific one and say, "I want a tour. Now." Not in a couple of months after some cosmetic fix-ups.
Virginia enjoys a reputation for quality education at all levels. So does Chesterfield County. However, that reputation is on the brink of being flushed down the toilet by a state legislature with too many members who cannot, or will not, think beyond the next election.
In Chesterfield, some of the new School Board members show signs of (1) seeing the connection between quality physical plant (an important component of quality education) and economic revitalization and (2) being willing to do something about it.
The final outcome remains to be seen but those who care about good jobs, a stable economy, and a reasonably high quality of life for everyone had better also begin voicing their support for restoration of school budgets and teaching positions.
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Education
"If we don't have a trainable work force, we're not going to be successful in economic development." -- Will Davis, Director of Econcomic Development, Chesterfield County.
That begs the question, what is a trainable work force? What attributes are necessary for a person to be trainable?
Trainable (or trainability) means a person is capable or learning a particular set of skills intended to fit that person for a particular role. Examples: computer programer, nurse's aid, doctor, lawyer, automobile repairman (or woman). [Adapted from the Free Online Dictionary .]
Of the things controllable by society, the most important characteristic of a trainable work force is possession of a quality education. In my opinion, if Virginia continues to short change its public education system from Pre-K through graduate school it will soon lose its status as one of the best places to do business because it will soon fail to create a "trainable work force."
That begs the question, what is a trainable work force? What attributes are necessary for a person to be trainable?
Trainable (or trainability) means a person is capable or learning a particular set of skills intended to fit that person for a particular role. Examples: computer programer, nurse's aid, doctor, lawyer, automobile repairman (or woman). [Adapted from the Free Online Dictionary .]
Of the things controllable by society, the most important characteristic of a trainable work force is possession of a quality education. In my opinion, if Virginia continues to short change its public education system from Pre-K through graduate school it will soon lose its status as one of the best places to do business because it will soon fail to create a "trainable work force."
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