Healthy communities live, breath and think, just as our own bodies. In that sense, jobs and businesses become the body, public opinion is the brain, stewardship is the soul. And education is the heart. Without it, all other functions fail. That is why our community must not fail education.

Education is a key factor for a new employer to locate new business in our region. Often, employers here have relied on hiring out-of-state skilled workers to meet job demands. Our technical college, community college and university institutions are making great strides to meet these needs. Success of our higher education programs is directly tied to becoming globally competitive. This will require coordinated efforts from all regional stakeholders.

Our K-12 education system is in constant need to financial support, facility upgrades and leadership support by local businesses. Charleston area schools have among the best, high-achieving academic schools in the nation from our selection of magnet and charter schools. We also have among the worst failing schools in the state and nation from academic performance and test scores, primarily in low-income and rural areas. Grassroots community initiatives are needed to help our low-achieving schools prosper.