Education is at the center of our economy – and at a crossroads.
Are you involved yet?

So news last week that Maine finished 33^rd nationally among state applications to win federal education reform funding hurt.  Editorial boards around the state were angry and embarrassed.  Commentators were critical.  Many folks struggled to understand why Maine has spent more money on fewer kids and seen academic results stagnate, or slip, over the last 15 years.

It's easy to dissect failure and assign blame.  For the business community it's often harder to get involved in fixing what's broken in education.  But without all of us participating in efforts to make Maine education - from birth to adult - better, we're in trouble.  Here's a quick list of ways to help.

1.  Talk to your local education leaders and find out what your company can do to contribute to educational excellence in your community.  If you have kids in school start there - but even if you don't you can make a huge contribution just by reaching out and participating.

2.  Next, think about joining up with any of several business related education reform efforts.  The Maine Employers' Initiative provides support and recognition for companies that engage in adult education for their workers; the Maine Compact for Higher Education focuses business leader support on improving higher educational attainment in Maine; and the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education's Prepare Maine campaign gives businesspeople a way to join in efforts to improve K-12 education across the state. 

3.  Finally make a list of what you need from Maine's education systems - and share those needs with education leaders.  The dialog between business and education in Maine is far less than it needs to be.  Educators need your feedback and your best thinking about how they can help you survive - and thrive. 

We all have a tremendous stake in making Maine's education system more successful - educators in turn share our desire to succeed.  The indicators are telling us it is past time to get involved.  As you return from a wonderful summer, this is one policy area that urgently needs your personal engagement.