Cameron James Balmain: Nation’s future depends on improving our schools

I believe our country’s future depends on the quality of its schools. In California, when a child turns 5, they are eligible to go into kindergarten. At such a young age, where social and cognitive development are most affected, hiring and retaining teachers and expanding access to quality early education should be a priority. Many states have headed in the opposite direction. There are serious consequences to spending cuts to K-12; restoring these funds should be on the list of change.

Even though the recession in 2007-09 drastically reduced state’s revenue, some states are finally starting to raise funding for schools.

Yet, many states are still cutting even years after the recession. They weaken schools’ capacity to develop the intelligence and creativity of the next generation. We must figure out how to create more revenue for school districts. If we work together for changes in the schools, then we can all start seeing a change. The old ways produced change, but not the change that we so desperately need today.

This story was originally published November 22, 2016 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Cameron James Balmain: Nation’s future depends on improving our schools."