According to the National League of Cities, the recent Youth, Education and Families Council (YEF) was hosted in Saint Paul, Minnesota to discuss future goals of the NLC’s Institute for YEF and the expected results of federal education policy on local school systems.
Members from all around the US participated in the discussions covering effects of current economic conditions, along with youth local community members to brainstorm for potential answers, share ideas and recent plans and accomplishments across the country in the face of our education crisis.
Per the article” Daniel Johnson of Tampa, Fla., described his city’s determination to “not fold in the face of the recession” as it proceeded with plans to open a new children’s museum and park. Similarly, Angelika Arias of Newark, N.J., reported that, despite incremental cuts in recreation center hours, her city was maintaining an optimistic perspective and pushing forward with key priorities at the start of Mayor Cory Booker’s second term in office.
Other cities have forged ahead with planned initiatives. Councilmember Marquisha Griffin of Maricopa, Ariz., told the group about the opening of a new library and new partnerships with tribal communities. Councilmember Kenny Ruffin of Riverdale, Ga., highlighted his city’s work to complete local economic development projects and Councilmember Chris Richey of Deer Park, Texas, described new collaborations in the construction and renovation of city facilities.
Finally, Councilmember-at-Large Ronnie Steine of Nashville, Tenn., recounted the critical role that a soon-to-be-completed youth master plan is playing in the “fight to overcome cynicism” and “give hope in the context of austerity” in his city. The emerging plan is identifying potential budget savings as well as service gaps, and will provide a road map for future investments by both public agencies and private partners. In the process, Steine noted, the planning effort has “revolutionized thought processes among key stakeholders by having young people at the table.”
Local school systems and reformists should take inspiration from the work of the NLC and take action in their local communities to fight the downtrodden education system in these tough economic times. It is the action of a few that can spur the response of many.
Posted By: Paul Adams
Wednesday, July 14th 2010 at 12:23PM
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