Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

With all due respect to Chairwoman Aspen Murphy of the River Region Chamber of Commerce, I must disagree with her recent comments published here. The Chamber’s vision is not clear, at least in one key area.
If anything, the Chamber and its members have turned a blind eye to what should be a key component of both economic development and community improvement — public education.
The Chamber and the business community have given lip service to public schools, endorsing tax renewals and extensions. Occasionally its member businesses send employees to help judge science fairs. But, at least in St. John Parish, the Chamber and its members have stayed away from any direct involvement in public education. Few, if any, of their children attend public schools. Instead, like lots of other St. John residents, they assume that paying tuitions guarantees their children a better (and safer) education — neither of which is demonstrably true.
While I was on the School Board, I even arranged to provide a seat for the Chamber on the Board’s Finance Committee, to give business a direct view of School Board operations and a direct voice in how its money is spent. It was never occupied.
Enlightened businesses across the country, and even some right next door, realize that people and businesses are attracted to life in places with quality schools. It’s not just nice; it’s essential. But offering quality schooling requires involvement. So I encourage Ms. Murphy to lead the Chamber to be not just actively involved but highly involved.
It will pay off financially in higher property values and in a higher quality of life in the end.

Russ Wise
Former St. John School Board member
Former President, Louisiana School Boards Association