Editorial
In our view: Turn slogan into reality
Dismal graduation rates undercut the purpose of public education and reduce the value of taxpayer-financed schools. That may seem a harsh assessment, but it mirrors the fact that too many students waste years of educational opportunity by dropping out of high school each year.
It is a troubling phenomenon that has had educators, legislators and parents scratching their heads for decades. Reducing the problem to dollars and cents is basic. Tax dollars expended on young people who walk away before completing their education is, if not wasted, then given a reduced return on investment.
But the truth is that the most serious impact of a high dropout rate will be felt by those who refuse to finish their schooling. They may achieve success in life at some point, but it most likely will require a greater struggle.
Education simply is a key to opening doors that can lead to better paying jobs, college degrees and personal fulfillment. While a high-school diploma doesn’t guarantee happiness, it does increase the opportunities.
We applaud the determination of the Joplin, Webb City, Carl Junction and Carthage school districts to develop a specific, collaborative plan for encouraging more students to remain in school and thereby reduce the dropout rate. Certainly there is room for improvement. Only 74.2 percent graduate in Joplin, while the rates run from 85 and 84.5 percent for Carthage and Carl Junction, respectively, to 82 percent for Webb City.
Missouri’s graduation rate is an unimpressive 85 percent.
Giving impetus to local dropout prevention efforts is a new law requiring that youths remain in school until 17 years of age. Under the old law, they could leave at 16. That means students who dropped out at 16 last year will have to return this fall.
No one believes that every student will graduate. For a variety of personal reasons, some young people will not complete their educational experience. But they should.
“Graduation Matters” is not only a Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education slogan, but a prophecy.
- Editorial
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In our view: Qualified for the job?
Voters in Jasper and Newton counties will be making decisions on several key positions on the local level. Among them are the presiding commissioner races in each of the two counties.
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Voices: Ensuring a safe place
When we think of our community, we want to think that we live in a safe place. This is one reason why people live where they do. On Aug. 3, the city of Neosho will be asking the voters to approve a tax levy that will go to fund city services.
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Voices: Operate ‘leaner’
How gullible do these local businesses think the citizens of Neosho are?
It is quite all right for these businesses to support an increase in property taxes. While they may state that this increase will affect them, it will, in truth, have very little impact upon them. -
Voices: Integrity and work ethic
I am writing this letter in support of William “Bill” White. He has donated countless hours as past president of the Joplin Swim Team, where I was fortunate to serve on the board of directors with him for the last four years.
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Voices: Qualified candidate
Aug. 3 is almost here and we in the 129th District have a very important decision to make.
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Voices: Way of life
Jim Stone’s recent column in The Joplin Globe shares with readers the “need to stop parroting the words of pundits ... to honestly listen to each other ... and pursue a dialogue that actually makes our nation progress.”
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Voices: Missed opportunities
I see the friends of Gary Nodler are out in force now. Of course, the fact that Gary Nodler has been a state senator all this time is not due to any exceptional ability on his part. Rather, no one bothered to challenge him until his term limits ran out.
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Voices: Blunt’s election ads
Congressman Roy Blunt’s political ads promise to “clean up” government and reduce spending that has put the United States in debt. They sound like they are for a “new” candidate.
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Voices: Vote for a fresh face
With the elections drawing near, the ads ramping up, the door bells ringing, the signs are a-flying, and everyone drawing opinions, why would you vote for a fresh face?
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Editor's note: Campaign letters
The Joplin Globe wants to hear from candidates vying in the Aug. 3 election and their supporters and critics.
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