In the last couple of weeks I have sat in two meetings with state legislators who discussed the special session on education and the changes that came from that session. Several of those changes are much-needed.

For example, making sure credits earned at one state institution transfer to other state-institution. It is so frustrating for students (and those paying for their education) to spend two years at a community college or another state school and then learn many of their credit hours will not transfer to the four-year school of their choice. Schools within the state university system must work out a way to make those hours transfer.

And, we must continue to improve and offer more post-secondary education. This doesn't necessarily mean college. It means providing people the skills they need to get good-paying jobs. There are very few jobs that don't require some sort of post-high school training. And, because not every student can afford to go to college, we must make sure they know training is available and it should be affordable.

We also must do something to help make sure students who do enroll in college complete their degrees. According to Rep. Harry Brooks who sits on the Education Committee and the High Education Subcommittee, the state has data that shows 44 of 100 high school graduates enroll in college. However, only 19 of them complete their degrees.

Brooks was one of the legislators sitting on a panel during an information session hosted by the Society of Professional Journalists on Jan. 23. During the session someone asked about all the other problems in society, such as the high incarceration rate, and what was being done to address those issues.

Brooks replied, "Once society starts operating around the importance of education, the better it will be."

I agree completely.

At this week's Chamber of Commerce breakfast John Forgety, candidate for the 23rd District House seat, said the long-term answer to any recession or depressionary time is education.
I second that.

In the coming weeks you will have the opportunity to support an educational institution right here in our own county. Hiwassee College, which has been educating Monroe County students for more than 160 years, will soon kick off a campaign to raise $100,000 in 90 days. Without Hiwassee College, many Monroe County students would not have been able to go to college.

And even today, many Hiwassee students are the first in their families to attend college. And with that education they are ensuring a great beginning for their lives and for the lives of their children and grandchildren.

So, if someone calls, writes or visits you, please consider giving to this campaign.

editor@advocateanddemocrat.com | 337-7101