To the Editor:

The last few years have been more economically difficult than any time since the 1920s. How can we best encourage well-paying new jobs in our community?

Economic research shows time and time again that much of the answer is public education. Schools are an important engine of economic prosperity in at least four different ways.

First, better schools spur local entrepreneurship and attract state, regional and national businesses. The evidence shows that high quality schools help determine where new businesses locate, and are far better for the community than sweetheart tax breaks or insider deals. Better schools lead to more jobs in our community.

Second, better schools lead to higher wages in the community. We need excellent schools that adapt and innovate in the face of changes, so our graduates have the creativity, knowledge and critical thinking skills they need for the different kinds of jobs available in this new economy.

Third, better schools encourage our brightest and most motivated young men and women to stay in the area, or return after college, contributing to social stability and tax base growth. Better schools thus lead to better local choices for our greatest asset in job creation: our young people.

Fourth, the school district is one of the major employers in the area, and buys goods and services here that help keep the local economy strong. Those that believe any cut to the school district budget is a benefit to taxpayers have not fully thought through the complex role played by the district in the local economy. Cutting waste and unnecessary bureaucracy is needed in our district. But knee-jerk cuts to essential educational programs offer taxpayers only short-term savings at far greater long-term costs. Better schools strengthen the ability of public education to serve as the backbone of our community.

Public education is the foundation of our democracy. But it isn't just high-minded principles that make it valuable. The public schools are also one of the surest investments we can make in our community's economic viability.

I have no doubt the American economy will recover in future years, but the strength and vitality of the East Penn community in this new economy will depend in no small part on the strength of our public education system.

Dr. Ziad Munson

associate professor at Lehigh University

candidate for the East Penn School Board