Education

Issue Overview

According to the 2010 census data, Palm Beach County is home to approximately 300,000 citizens under the age of 21, clearly demonstrating the need for quality educational opportunities. How are we meeting this need? Is Palm Beach County is an educated community? With 187 public schools in our county, a school district operating with a budget of 2.3 billion dollars for the 2011-12 academic year and an "A" rating for the seventh year in a row from the Florida Department of Education, we should be.  But education does not begin and end with the School District of Palm Beach County. In addition to the 187 public schools, there are over 100 independent and parochial schools and 35 charter schools, not to mention a wealth of higher and continuing education opportunities for citizens of ...

...all ages. 

Why does it matter to me?

The knowledge gained through quality education empowers people and strengthens communities.  It is a powerful "equalizer", opening doors to better opportunities and quality of life.

Some of the individual benefits of education included:

• Improved health and nutrition:
  Education greatly benefits personal health, and may be the single most effective preventive weapon against disease.
• Increased career opportunities:
  Research has established that every year of schooling increases individual wages for both men and women by a worldwide average of about 10 percent.
• Reduced inequality:
  Education is a great equalizer. Illiteracy is one of the strongest predictors of poverty, and quality early education has a dramatic influence on those living in poverty.

Benefits to society include:

• Increased  economic competitiveness:
  An educated and skilled workforce is one of the pillars of the knowledge-based economy.
• Increased sense of community:
  Education helps to build community by establishing connections to place and enhancing awareness of community environment and issues

What can I do?

If you are concerned about educational opportunities for all ages in our community, there are many ways to become informed and involved. The Palm Beach County Education Commission is a good place to start.  Or plan to attend to the School District of Palm Beach County Board meetings, held on the third Wednesday evening of each month.

If you have a topic related to education that you'd like to share on YourPBC, we want to hear from you!  Whether through an organization or on your own, discuss, debate, volunteer, advocate, and spread awareness!