I was shocked and dismayed to hear about the potential closure of several elementary schools, among them, my alma mater, Emerson Elementary. Although I understand the need for an audit, and the potential budget constraints, I believe that this issue is symptomatic of a larger problem — a lack of investment in public education, especially in underserved communities.
Enrollment numbers could be solved by busing from underserved districts. Budgets could be re-allocated to pay teachers what they deserve. Investments in low-cost green energy and sustainable landscaping would reduce overall maintenance costs, and collaborations with other state institutions — such as local libraries and agencies that serve children with special needs — would help raise the quality of education.
I grew up in that area. I enrolled in some of the advanced programs. My decision to obtain my master’s degree and become a librarian was influenced in large part by the encouragement of the teachers, as well as access to the wonderful libraries and reading programs. I have seen the value of a good, free primary education. It helps stave off poverty and inequality, and it creates a passion for learning and community involvement — at least it did for me.
If we continue on our current path of prioritizing systems that devalue public education and overvalue punishment and criminalization, if we continue to ignore mental health, if our children have no decent place to learn that their parents can actually afford to send them to, Utah will suffer. Our children will suffer.
We can do better, I know we can.
“Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sarah Laursen, South Jordan
