THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13,2005

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13,2005

Our View

Investing

Public schools take their share of hits and the two public schools in this county are no different. Even though they are blessed with a much smaller school population than surrounding counties, they are still vulnerable to big-time ailments. They are plagued with construction woes like leaky roofs and classrooms that are too hot or too cold and a staff that is underpaid and overworked. With most county residents being in their senior years, forking.out money to educate this county's youth is often met with indifference, arrogance or annoyance. Where's our money going? Are they handling it right? What are they doing over there? Nurturing young minds takes time. It also takes the support and encouragement of a whole community to make it happen. What we do collectively, how we partner with those we've entrusted our children to is an investment in what we hope to be a fine future. It should be everyone's concern what kind of children our schools turn out after 12 years or more of public school education. Are they good citizens? Are they committed to giving back to their coihmunity?

Can they survive out there? Make the grade? Support a family? It takes time. It takes money. The doctor you see, the mechanic that fixes your car, the musician that delights you at an evening's entertainment, the soldier that goes to war for you, . the artist whose work you purchase, and the deputy that comes when you call were all school students once and depended on their teachers, parents and community to get them through. - Rappahannock County is a unique place to live. There is no question about that. It's a wonderful place to raise children and watch them grow. They are a long-term gain that everyone will profit and benefit from. Let's be bullish with this investment.