Jan. 3, 2008

Mayor Smathers announces plan to improve state schools

Community involvement stressed in e-mail to supporters

Dear friend,

You've no doubt heard politicians say schools should be held accountable to their communities. I agree. But I believe it is high time we start talking about holding communities accountable to their schools.

Many of the problems plaguing North Carolina's schools originate beyond the schoolyard gates. Teachers whose pupils are too distracted by family problems to study and students who are saddled with low expectations are coping with issues the schools themselves can't solve.

If we want to boost academic achievement statewide, we must provide meaningful, community-based support to our hard-working teachers, school administrators and students. Districts already grappling with overcrowded classrooms and aging facilities shouldn't have the added burden of going it alone.

Study after study has shown that the best predictor of scholastic success isn't income or cultural background: It's parental involvement. Students whose parents help them with their homework and talk to them about school matters consistently perform better - and so do the schools they attend.

Quick-fix legislation at the state level won't keep more kids in school. To reduce our dropout rate statewide, we must give local leaders the tools they need to create schools cherished by their communities, in which citizens of all education levels feel comfortable and invested. We must help local leaders build communities which encourage and support parental involvement.

Folks, I know this works, because it's worked here in Haywood County. I'm proud to share with you this picture of a billboard touting a few of the statistics demonstrating our success:

Our schools are performing because our community supports them - and not just at our football stadiums on Friday nights. The Haywood County Chamber of Commerce in 2006 launched a program to provide signing bonuses for new teachers: Nearly 100 business and individuals have contributed to the growing fund.

We must continue to hold our schools to the highest standards. But as we evaluate our school systems, we should also begin assessing community support through objective measures: What percentage of parents attends teacher conferences? What percentage of parents belongs to the PTA? Is there a schools foundation providing scholarships and enrichment grants? What percentage of the tax base is directed toward education? This list is not exhaustive: I look forward to talking to you further about other indicators of community involvement.

Community support isn't a substitute for the best teachers, best facilities and smaller classes. But our state's schools will never thrive without it. For our schools to succeed, we must have the involvement of parents and communities.

With best wishes, I am sincerely,

Pat Smathers