What’s the value of a school? $15,000,000? Priceless? Not So Much?
This is a question many communities would never think to ask. Tofte and the Birch Grove Community have talked about this for years.
One of the ongoing challenges Birch Grove Community School must face is maintaining/increasing enrollment. Due to our remote location and low population, this problem is likely to be part of our reality.
Our school is located in an area that is tourist based and the cost of living is high. The economy impacts enrollment each year. Due to the constant movement within the student population, and because of economics, Birch Grove Community School must be flexible and have the ability to adapt. The community has understood this and has continued supporting the school. Birch Grove Community School is one of the top public schools in the entire state for receiving outside contributions based on percentage of budget.
Most people take for granted the ability to send their child to a local school. “The community recognizes the importance of this ‘hidden gem on the North Shore.’” This is a quote from Marcia Beachem, a teacher for special education and enrichment.
The backbone of this country has been quality public education. Because Birch Grove Community School is available, Tofte has the ability to attract a workforce, will create jobs, and will include professionals in the community.
What do children contribute to community? They bring joy, lift a frown and remind us why we exist.
Forget the children, what’s the real value in dollars and cents?
Economics: Who will purchase a home and invest in an area where the little children are exported?
Workforce: The school is a vital factor in attracting young families. Tofte wants to keep the paychecks generated within its community circulating within its community. This is healthy and good business sense.
Living wage jobs: A school provides professional jobs that diversify the economy and community.
Can we place value on this? Value is recognized, but actual numbers won’t be agreed upon.
Each month a representative of our local schools will offer thoughts in Issues in Education. This month’s s contributor is Judy Motschenbacher, founder of the Birch Grove Foundation and Birch Grove Community School, who has served countless years on both boards and has volunteered an unimaginable amount of her time and effort for over 30 years to Birch Grove.
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