As stated by Carolyn Fluehr-Lobban (Candidate for NH House District 18), "public education, with its long-established secular base, lies at the foundation of democracy and civil society" in America. This is due to a number of important reasons:

Equal opportunity and a level playing field: Access to quality public education provides a level playing field for students to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for success, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This helps reduce disparities in opportunities and creates a more inclusive society.

An informed citizenry: A well-informed and engaged citizenry is necessary for democracy to exist. Public education provides the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for individuals to make informed decisions and participate actively in civic life and the democratic process. It promotes understanding of democratic principles, institutions, and rights.

Sense of shared identity, values, and responsibilities: Public education cultivates civic values and helps instill a sense of shared identity and purpose among students from diverse backgrounds, while fostering respect, tolerance, and understanding, and cooperation to promote a cohesive society.

National security: One of the biggest threats that countries like China and Russia pose to America’s security is not conventional warfare, but the ability to hack into and paralyze our electric grids, banking system, military communications, and other targets. While Americans look inward and attack each other, these countries are well-poised to attack us from our vulnerable back side.

To guard against this increasingly likely scenario, we need enormous numbers of young people to develop the technical knowledge needed to keep our country safe in today’s world. Small teams of MIT graduates won’t begin to cut it. These skills must be mainstream and public education must provide the foundation.

Creating a skilled workforce: A well-educated citizenry is crucial for economic growth and innovation—in New Hampshire and across America. Public education provides the foundation for developing a skilled labor force, providing students with the knowledge and skills required for the job market, whether students are destined for college, vocational training, or any career path.

Innovation and entrepreneurship: Education fosters creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills, which are essential for driving innovation and economic progress.

Crime reduction Public education provides young people with access to opportunities for personal growth, reducing the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. It also promotes socialization, character development, and positive values, contributing to the stability and well-being of communities. Eliminating the root causes of crime is exponentially less costly than dealing with it after the fact.

Public education is an essential investment in the future of individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole!