Investment in education now will pay untold dividends for New Jersey’s children in the decades to come

In light of some recent, encouraging economic news, many individual investors are starting to feel more optimistic about their portfolios.

Regardless of the economic outlook, millions of us continue to seek that perfect no-risk/high-return investment. And as we seek that magic investment bullet, we should turn our attention to New Jersey’s system of public education.

Since we all know today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, it becomes evident our greatest risk will come from failing to make an investment in our public schools.

We would like to propose that, as New Jerseyans, we all commit to making a sure-fire, high-return investment in the form of increased community involvement in our schools. This investment of human capital will help strengthen New Jersey’s portfolio in the future of public education.

The demand for this investment is high. According to a survey completed by Public Agenda, "Just Waiting to Be Asked," 52 percent of individuals who rated their schools as excellent or good would like to see more community involvement in schools. Of those individuals who rated their schools as fair or poor, 74 percent indicated a desire for more community involvement.

This investment is a win-win. While the state’s children would certainly benefit from increased community involvement, recent statewide research from New Jersey United for Higher School Standards, "Building Strong Bridges — A Report on Public Engagement in Education," suggests students would not be the only beneficiaries.

According to the research, parents who are involved in their children’s schools are more than twice as likely to feel the schools are doing a good job than uninvolved parents. They are also more likely to be satisfied with their child’s achievement, feel their child is motivated to learn and think their child is doing well in school.

With the notable benefits to parents, schools and students, and demonstrated public interest in involvement, why is engagement in education not more widespread?

New Jersey United’s research offers some possible explanations. For example, more than a quarter (27 percent) of all parents and nearly half (48 percent) of minority parents in New Jersey feel unwelcome in their children’s schools. Not having time and not feeling as if they are qualified are the most common reasons mentioned by residents who were not willing to help improve schools.

As individuals, we may not be able to assist schools financially, but we can help them with our time, expertise, dedication and support. This assistance cannot come only from a core group of committed parents and a handful of progressive schools. We must strive for a true collaboration — one that can positively impact all of the children in New Jersey. Our students deserve nothing less. Quite simply, an investment in public education today is sure to pay untold dividends tomorrow.

Mary O’Malley

Executive Director

New Jersey United for

Higher School Standards

Livingston