Georgia’s Most Vulnerable Children
Print This PostWhen I read Charles Blow’s column in The New York Times last week—a poignant commentary urging us not to forget about America’s most vulnerable children–I began to think about the counties in Georgia mired in persistent poverty and all the children we must remember.
I appreciate the gravity of the decisions our new governor will face during these dire economic times, but this widening gap translates into additional costs to our state that we can’t afford to pay. I urge Gov. Deal and our legislators to be mindful, as they balance the budget and set policy, of our most vulnerable citizens.
We can only make a difference across the state by first looking at community needs. Our work in local communities to provide a credible, knowledgeable response underscores why we must continue to work smarter and aligned.
Check out this interview with Dr. Garry McGiboney, associate superintendent for Policy, External Affairs and Charter Schools at the Georgia Dept. of Education. He says we have resources in this state to improve the graduation rate, but that we need to better utilize them. He also talks about creating standards across the state, because out of standards grows equity.
Given these challenging times, we may struggle to close the gap. But at the very least, we must do the right thing by not widening it.
Tell us about the gaps in your communities and the work you’re doing to improve student equality.