Without a good education our young people will continue towards the destructive behaviors of drug abuse and violence that are plaguing many.

Many of the new economy jobs require at least a high school education or even higher degrees. Schools need more funding from both the City and State in order to lower class sizes and provide ways to better engage our youth. Instead of cutting arts, music and sports programs we need to keep these and grow other programs such as Service Learning/Community Service to keep schools relevant to the neediest.

In addition, we should look at parental training for parents of students who are at-risk of dropping out of school. Finally, the City can build upon the work that the Chamber of Commerce is doing to set up work internships by also connecting more youth to the trades and other vocational opportunities.