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I was disappointed by the low turnout at the third annual Mary Bacigalupo Educational Forum last Saturday. The subject, however, “The Price We Pay: Economic and Social Consequences of Inadequate Education,” was compelling and important regardless of the empty seats. Dr. Henry Levin of Columbia University explained the costs on the individual and society associated with high school dropouts. For some details, see this Sun article, or to view a replay of the forum, check with LTC (it won’t air until late December). You may also get direct information on Dr. Levin’s work here.

Prior to the forum, I didn’t know exactly what society pays for an individual’s inadequate education, but I knew it was high and that it impacted all of us. The most compelling moment at the forum occurred when an audience member asked how we improve education amid consistent fiscal shortages. Mayor Caulfield answered that we tighten our belts. He also reminded folks that Lowell relies heavily on state funding (we all know about the state’s fiscal crisis). Lowell Supt. Chris Scott added that we look for ways to improve programs that enable us to lower spending, such as reducing special education costs by paying less in out-of-district tuition. These points are valid, but the real answer to that difficult question is you cannot do a better job of educating your students without the necessary resources. Each year, we look to teach children more efficiently and effectively, to meet escalating student needs with reduced services, and to make it known that excellent schools are a vital investment in our community. As Dr. Levin’s report showed, the economic consequences of an inadequate education are costly. Actual solutions to an excellent education, however, were lacking. How do we engage students and parents? How do we educate the whole child when testing is the primary focus? And how do we provide a 21st century education with dwindling resources? Perhaps those questions are too complex and uncomfortable to answer at a community forum on a Saturday morning. The reality is: As we look for efficiencies, we also have to educate our youngsters better, which in this tough fiscal climate often means fighting for what our children need because good schools are too important and the consequences of not doing so, are too costly.