We all benefit from modern schools

As a veteran Cedar Rapids educator, I am voting for the Cedar Rapids school’s bond issue. It benefits all concerned by providing modern buildings to help educate all students. School facilities are the places we prepare future ready students.

Nelson Mandela, president of South Africa, once observed, “There is no greater revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children.” In the 21st century residents have an obligation to provide the school facilities that will serve all children in Cedar Rapids Community Schools.

The fundamental question is why must we do this? The answer is simple. Today’s public schools must meet the needs of a changing world.

Currently there are many outdated schools that don’t serve well. Schools must have advanced technologies, similar to the workplace, that teaches students what they don’t know.

This bond issue is the right thing to do for these reasons. First, schools improve life in the community. Daily educators help students learn the skills life requires. Many of us can easily identify the great teachers who helped prepare us. Teacher’s need the tools to do their jobs. Modern facilities are the foundation of learning. .

Today’s educators are doing a better job than has ever been done before. With modern facilities they can do even better.

Second, the economic development of the community benefits when schools equip students with workplace skills.

Finally, life is progressive. Current generations create future generations. Modern facilities and effective educators help this happen.

The reason I am voting for this bond issue is simple. We all benefit from our public schools. It is our civic duty to provide modern schools for our children, and future generations. There they can learn, unlearn, and relearn what they need to know. This bond issue will provide safe and effective places for that to happen.

William C. Jacobson is a former Jefferson High School principal, former Executive director of business services C.R schools and former superintendent of the Marion schools.