No-brainer: Care about the future of Wayne County? Fund programs that work.

Should anyone still be wondering whether there will be graduation coaches at Goldsboro and Southern Wayne high schools this fall?

No way. Not if they are serious about improving the quality of some of the county's struggling schools. And not if they really are determined to put this county's schools on the map.

The truth is the numbers speak for themselves.

Not only are the graduation rates improving, these staff members have proven records of engaging children in their studies and going the extra mile to make sure they understand the importance of education and achievement.

And while they are at it, they are teaching a little responsibility and self-determination as well.

How could county and city leaders think any expenditure could be more important?

The fact that the Communities in Schools program has to scurry around looking for funding for these programs says something about the priorities of a few of the leaders in the city, which denied funding this year.

That should have been the first allocation approved this year -- no matter what the original intention was for the program.

When decisions are made about putting money in certain places and not in others, and leaders talk about the importance of schools in the future of this community, one has to wonder if they are serious about putting children as this county's top priority or not.

The county has already made its allocation. How sad that the city did not think it was worth the effort -- or a positive step for the city's future.

With so many programs that say one thing and deliver another, funding one with a proven track record, and potential to do even more is a no-brainer.

Published in Editorials on July 25, 2011 10:51 AM