It's education, stupid

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.

Manchester Growing

44 new apartments are being built in Manchester, a section of Richmond south of the James, by Urban Development Associates. The BizSense article mentions several other projects under way in that area.

Successful revitalization in south Richmond is crucial to revitalization efforts in adjoining areas of Chesterfield County.