PHIL G. BUSEY SR.
The Edmond Sun
EDMOND —
This fall brings another school year. However, the next years are critical for Oklahoma‘s economy and much rides on improving public education. Budget cuts made this year will have a lasting effect. The issue is what actions can be taken to improve our educational system. It doesn’t just rest on reforms in education alone. We need a complete re-thinking of government and realignment of priorities.
Oklahoma’s government can be improved by a long-term plan for reduction in waste by attrition and identification of services and agencies that can be consolidated, combined and restructured. Finding efficiencies is a key for any business to remain profitable in difficult times. The same basic principles that apply to business must be applied to government. The next governor and Legislature must be committed and willing to tackle long-overdue reforms.
It will not be easy, but Oklahoma’s future depends and focused, aggressive actions driven by bold leadership. Education is a foundation of on future. It is essential to economic development. Our children’s future depends on reform in public education and long-overdue improvements, from curriculum to teacher pay, teacher evaluations to technology and consolidation of districts.
This is an opportunity for Edmond to showcase its premiere educational systems. At the core of Edmond’s growth as a community and emerging marketplace is its investment in education. Oklahoma can take lessons from Edmond.s dedication to public education even though it may mean higher taxes and more community investment. The dividends are worth the investment.
Compared to most, Edmond has experienced strong, continual growth. Much of this is attributable to the great school districts in and around Edmond. Economic growth cannot be separated from education. Edmond’s schools are an asset that individuals, families and CEOs look to to drive decisions about residency and relocation.
Edmond has the resources to continue to build on its expansion and drive its own economic development. We cannot depend on the state alone for the next years to have the capability to support new initiatives in education and business. As Peter Drucker said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” In Edmond we have to be about that. Our quality of life and our children’s future depends on us more than ever.
The debate over State Question 744 will be hot and heavy this fall. While it is not the best approach to education reform, the point is the Legislature and state leadership can take a clue from its support that reforms in public education are considered essential.
The best way to avoid potential funding problems caused by passage of SQ 744 is for state leaders to finally begin work on a comprehensive educational package that can be implemented over the next five years with phased funding within a budget improved by economic conditions and other governmental reforms. Progress may come slowly but it can be controlled, funded adequately over time and measured. Today status quo is not enough.
Compromise between SQ 744 supporters and opponents is needed to agree that reforms will mean more funding and re-commitment to excellence phased into the classroom. We can all agree the goal is better per pupil expenditures and improved education through systemic change.
The fact that SQ 744 is even on the ballot is a desperate wake-up call bringing attention to a serious need. Avoid potential negative impacts from its passage with dialogue and action for overdue reforms. Let’s roll up our sleeves to achieve change and more investment in classrooms in a spirit of cooperation.
Singly the most important beginning for Oklahoma’s future and economic growth is investment in public education and creation of a platform for a continual educated and skilled workforce for business expansion. In a global marketplace “business as usual” education won’t work. Innovative action and reforms implementing new ways of bringing students, teachers, schools and business together are needed. Edmond is a model. Kids need input early about educational choices and career awareness.
Bringing business and education together in cooperation can reap substantial dividends for our children and our economy. Developing career awareness centers in shopping malls for all kids, teachers and classes can offer career resources, interaction and information provided by area companies and universities.
Without homegrown workers companies have no choice but to look elsewhere. Students opt for general degrees instead of specialized degrees. Aerospace and energy have huge investments in Oklahoma. Let’s be a leader among communities offering industries a new and progressive solution. Educational options mean future opportunities for business expansion.
This next year in Oklahoma government must be about education reform. To attract businesses we need to produce the best and the brightest. We can no longer accept dismal rankings for our systems. Our priority must be about education reform and providing the best education for our children’s future. Investment will reap benefits.
PHIL G. BUSEY SR., an Edmond resident, is chairman and CEO of The Busey Group of Companies.
