It is the educational buzz"¦"¦..a documentary titled, Waiting for Superman.  This depicts public educational institutions that are dysfunctional.  Students from these schools wait in an audience for their number to be called which will allow them to attend a charter school with a more stable learning environment.  These are the students and parents that understand the value of a good education.  What will it take to "turnaround" these schools that are reflective of many big city public schools?  Perhaps some have lost the value of education.  Isn't it ironic that third-world countries beg for an education and here many do not take advantage of learning?

Boone County is a place where less than 8% of the population has less than a high school diploma.  Did you know the less education a person has, the more likely he or she is to be unemployed?  A high school dropout is four times more likely to be unemployed than a college graduate.  Education is the single most important factor in determining a person's success.

Those who acquire education beyond high school have an average life expectancy of seven more years than those whose education stops at high school.  Why do people with more education live, on an average, longer lives?  They have better access to quality health care, and have great ability to cope with stress and avoid depression.

We are very fortunate in Boone County to have three great educational institutions;  schools recognized with the State 4-Star Awards and the National Blue Ribbon Awards.  These schools have dedicated teachers and parents who are accountable to student learning.  They have facilities that foster growth and development of the whole child.  Superman has never left Boone County but we must continue to support our schools to continue to make this a great place to raise children!

Respectfully,

Dr. Judi Hendrix