What can the business community do for a bunch of fourth-graders?
That’s a simple version of the more profound question facing us today: How can we deliver on the growing commitment to improve K-12 education in our community?
At least we’ve taken the first step, which is to recognize that a strong education system can help us return to economic health. A hallmark of robust economic development is a vibrant education system from preschool through college. But our K-12 education system is ranked 50th in the nation, and that is not going to propel our children to be competitive in a 21st-century global economy.
So how do we turn our schools around?
There is a dearth of financial and intellectual capital in K-12 education. And that’s exactly where we can make a big difference — frankly, in our own self-interest. There are ways to get engaged, directly and indirectly. A logical investment in K-12 education is a direct one with the Clark County School District, either through district-sponsored programs or at the school level.
The model for this type of investment is my former employer, Station Casinos, which “adopted” 10 at-risk schools in Las Vegas. The company’s annual contribution, $5,000 per school, does not include the time Station team members spend reading to students, making repairs to facilities or adding other enhancements to schools. The result is immediate and impactful.
Cannery Resorts run a similar program for three schools. What if every major business in our community did the same thing? That could create a significant shift in the success of our schools.
Businesses also can invest indirectly. For years, nonprofit organizations have provided service and support for K-12 education. But the nonprofits are in desperate need of intellectual and financial capital.
Nevada PEP, headed by Karen Taycher, provides information, services and training to Nevada families of children with disabilities. Nevada Succeeds, led by Brent Husson, is committed to improving the quality of the state’s education system through a variety of approaches and initiatives. Communities in Schools, directed by Diane Fearon, surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. These are just a few that are helping.
Would you like to help? There will be exceptional returns on your investment, not just for our children but for the future of our community.
Glenn Christenson is chairman of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.