When some people talk about boosting economic development in Lawrence County, they don’t often think about the steps it takes to get there.

Tuesday, March 07, 2000

When some people talk about boosting economic development in Lawrence County, they don’t often think about the steps it takes to get there.

While finding businesses with jobs to fill is important, and infrastructure is an attractive asset for any area, there are other factors that are critical in making sure Lawrence County is competitive in the economic development game.

One of the first stops on the way to that goal is the schoolhouse.

Without top-flight education programs, or at least classrooms that have the technology and materials students need to succeed, no matter what kind of industrial property this community has to offer, really good prospects will look elsewhere.

Having bodies to fill jobs is not enough. Industries are looking for workers with skills as well as a good work ethic. Those are the sorts of qualities our children have to get from their schools.

Keeping our schools strong and efficient and zealously watching test scores and other measures of the success of this area’s education programs will give Lawrence County not only an advantage in the "qualified workforce" arena, but also guarantee that students will leave here with the education they need to find jobs.

Attention to education is an important part of preparing this county for the 21st century – and it is a responsibility we cannot shirk.