Leslie Boggs
National PTA President
The long-term success of our nation depends on all children having access to a high-quality education.
More than 50 million children in the United States attend a public school. Through our public education system, our children have access to opportunities, experiences, and knowledge — regardless of their race, religion, ability, or socioeconomic status — that improve their overall well-being and allow them to reach their full potential.
However, across the country there are great disparities in the quality of and access to educational opportunities. From crumbling infrastructure, to a lack of textbooks, technology, and counselors to support students and provide mental health services, far too many children have been left with insufficient resources.
We count on our schools to provide the educated, innovative, and creative workforce of tomorrow — the entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, artists, and political leaders that America needs to ensure our nation will flourish in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Unfortunately, decades of underinvestment in education has created unsustainable situations in so many of our nation’s schools, shortchanging students. We must do better. We have to do better. Our children’s and our nation’s futures depend on it.
Making a difference
We must make investments to ensure every public school in our nation has the proper resources to help every child learn, grow, and succeed. All children have the right to a well-rounded education with a range of learning opportunities that stimulate their whole self, including experiences in the arts, STEM, physical education, and health, among other subjects.
The arts, for instance, inspire self-expression; help students explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas; and build children’s confidence. Participating in the arts is critical to students’ academic achievement, as well as their social and emotional development.
Closing the STEM gap
STEM education and experiences are another area of critical need. There is a rapidly-growing demand in our nation for STEM professionals and to develop the next generation of leaders, we must help children build the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue STEM degrees and career opportunities.
The future of our nation is at stake. We must ensure all children have the opportunity to grow, achieve, and become the productive citizens of tomorrow. We must work together to ensure every child has access to a high-quality, well-rounded education. We must support our schools and advocate at the federal, state, and local levels for robust and equitable investments.
Together, we can make every child’s potential a reality.
Leslie Boggs, National PTA President, [email protected]