...As time to boost schools continues

... As time to boost schools continues

Just as the Chamber is working to increase its visibility in the business community, so is the Columbia County school system working to improve its relationship with area businesses.

The system kicked off the school year last week with a breakfast recognizing school business partners. Columbia County businesses are waking up to the importance of the school system - and coming to the table to help pay back a little of what the system does for the community.

Lets face it; Columbia County does not give away land to prospective businesses, and we dont have a lot of grant money, says Stan Shepherd, vice chairman of the countys Development Authority. What the county does have to attract people and commerce is a first-class public school system.

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It has been a long-standing fact that if your kids go to Columbia County schools, theyre going to get a good education, Shepherd says - and that reliable quality is used as a lure to bring business and residents to the community.

The result is more commerce, but its also led to overcrowded schools and a pace of construction that can barely keep up with the influx. The frenetic pace of growth leaves little money for frills such as teacher recognition programs.

Thats where the school business partnership comes in. By giving back to the school system, businesses help improve the schools - which, in turn, improves the business climate. Real estate companies, especially, should pony up; the school system is among Realtors best selling points.

I can assure you: Nobody moves here because the roads are pretty and the greenspace is pretty, says Columbia County School Superintendent Tommy Price. Its because we have such a good school system.

To help support that system, businesses should call 541-0650.