Voice of Business Blog

Setting up our region for a strong future – economically, socially, and culturally – requires action today. Creating real, meaningful change takes time and contributions from everyone. But this week, there’s an easy opportunity for you to kickstart that change and help put Greater Rochester on the right path for a strong future. When you vote on school board elections and for school budgets in your local district, you’re taking advantage of a unique opportunity to ensure the next generation of workers has the preparation they need to be successful in our rapidly changing world of work. Here’s why it matters:

1. Promote Partnerships Between Schools and Businesses

Strong education systems support our workforce and economic future. By engaging with your local school district, you can show your support for new partnerships between school districts and businesses. School districts are eager to build these partnerships with local businesses and find ways to expose their students to real-world learning examples. There are already many proven examples of successful partnerships throughout our community that offer students mentorship, employability skills training, and career exploration opportunities that they would not be exposed to otherwise.

2. We Need Strong Leadership on our School Boards

Districts are in need of dedicated, qualified school board member candidates. Board members dedicate many hours to board meetings, training, and committee responsibilities. They must work collaboratively with their school district superintendent and fellow board members in the best interest of the district. Board member areas of responsibility include district policy, budget, and academics.

3. Modeling the Future We Want to See

This is a chance to model the values and civic duty we want current students to adopt. While school board and budget votes may not get the media attention of Federal, State, or even other local elections, they have longstanding impacts. By showing our children, peers, and students the importance of showing up on election day to vote, we are creating better, more engaged students who will grow up into civically responsible and responsible adults – which is exactly what we want for our community’s future.

On Tuesday, May 19, we all have an opportunity to make our voices heard by participating in our school district’s budget vote. Evaluate your district’s budget proposal as a way to ensure the next generation of workers has the preparation they need to be successful in our rapidly changing world of work. The future trajectory of our children, our economy, and our region depend on you – make sure you act accordingly.