Bold steps needed to tackle crisis
POINT OF VIEW: Education reform a must

BY PHIL G. BUSEY SR. Comments 0
Published: November 6, 2009

At the World Business Forum in New York last month, global government leaders, CEOs and economists discussed the world we live in. It is a far different place from a year ago, yet alarmingly unchanged in critical areas.

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There is instability, inequality and an environment unsustainable. Underlying is the reality we live in the most rapidly changing, interactive global economy in history. The companies and nations that succeed will be those embracing innovation, speed in problem solving and building interactive relationships. Leadership is required.

Success requires assertive adaptation to change, bringing the best minds and resources together to solve systemic problems in society, business and politics. The universal foundation is stronger educational systems. The next generation of entrepreneurial leaders will be called upon to meet challenges head on. They are in classrooms today.

We have been complacent. Public education is the basis of America’s success. Our country once led in universal base education. No longer. This is unfathomable for the most affluent and powerful nation on earth. Our economy is inseparable from education. In 1992, there were only 50 sites on the Internet. Today 50 are added a minute. Knowledge is spread at light speed globally. Training methods in government are shaping around the iPod and PC. Still we do not pay teachers enough or invest in basic technologies. We expect to hold this generation’s attention with smart boards. We are failing.

If we truly want the best for our children, we will demand reforms that may cost. The Legislature has failed to act aggressively for years. The issue is being forced by State Question 744. Moving our educational system into this millennium begs increased funding. Education has to be our first priority. Current rankings will not attract businesses or tax revenue to Oklahoma — our state owns the worst college freshman retention rate in the nation and is ninth-worst in graduation rate.

In 2000, America led the world in citizens with four-year college degrees. Today we have slipped to 10th. To remain strong and sustain our leadership position in the world, we must invest in education. In Oklahoma, we must accept added funding is necessary for systemic change.

Those paying the highest price are our children. State government must provide the best public systems enhancing the lives of citizens to contribute. There is none more important than public education. It isn’t a commodity. It is an essential building block for our future.

More rapid change will increase the need for bold decisions. Adaptable, entrepreneurial and well-prepared students are the hope. Oklahoma must improve in education to be taken seriously in an era of global competition. SQ 744 may not be the answer, but it has sparked overdue debate for educational reforms. New tax revenues depend on expanding industries hiring well-prepared employees. To lead, let alone participate with other states, we have to reform education.

Busey is chairman and CEO of The Busey Group of Companies. SQ 744, likely on the ballot in November 2010, would tie the minimum average amount the state must spend annually on common education to no less than the average spent in surrounding states.