Rally to stop cuts to public education

Colleen Wood believes that an investment in public education is an investment in the future of Florida’s economy and she has informed Historic City News that on Monday, March 14th, she and members of her organization will stage a Rally to Stop the Cuts to Public Education.

Wood suggests arriving between 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Plaza in downtown St. Augustine between Cathedral Place and King Street. The rally starts at 5:00 p.m.

The message from members of the non-partisan, grassroots organization “50th No More” is that good schools matter to everyone. “Whether or not you have children in public schools, we all benefit from good public schools,” Wood said. “When schools are good, property values are higher and communities are better. People want to move to those states that value education.”

Wood told Historic City News that when the group formed in the summer of 2008, the US Census Bureau reported that Florida ranked an embarrassing 50th place in the country — in terms of spending on education. “Our elected officials in Tallahassee have made choices which have put us in this position,” Wood said.

“Florida’s public schools have a huge impact on your real estate property values, your crime rates, and sense of community pride,” Wood pointed out. “Our children and our communities deserve better than 50th place.”

Hoping to raise awareness and support, Wood invited Historic City News readers to join them to ensure the future and continued success of Florida’s public schools.