Commissioners proclaim National School Choice Week

The Highland County Press

Highland County Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer proclaimed the week of Jan. 28-Feb. 2 as National School Choice Week in Highland County during their Wednesday, Jan. 23 board meeting.

Hillsboro Christian Academy board member Kirby Ellison, principal Connie Sears and student Jacob Ellison attended the proclamation signing.

"We would like the community to be aware of the opportunities for school-age children in Highland County," Sears said.

Sears told commissioners the county has a large contingent of families who home school their children and that there also are good public schools and private schools available for families' consideration.

The commissioners' proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, every child in Highland County has the right to the highest-quality schools possible; and,

WHEREAS, education is critically important to the health and economic vitality of Highland County and plays a significant role in a family’s choice of where to live; and,

WHEREAS, citizens across Highland County agree that improving the quality of education in Highland County, particularly for the neediest children, and expanding access to highly effective schools should be an issue of importance to our city’s leaders; and,

WHEREAS, Highland County recognizes the critical role that an effective and accountable system of education plays in preparing all students in Ohio to be successful adults in a global economy; and,

WHEREAS, Highland County is home to a multitude of high-quality public schools, chartered nonpublic schools, and home schools; and,

WHEREAS, educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community; and,

WHEREAS, Highland County has many high-quality teaching professionals in public, nonpublic, and home schools who are committed to educating children; and,

WHEREAS, through continued teamwork between parents, teachers and schools, our community can strive to provide greater educational diversity and instructional excellence for our children; and,

WHEREAS, the vital cause of education reform is one that transcends ideology and political party affiliation; and,

WHEREAS, research in Highland County and across our nation demonstrates conclusively that providing children with multiple schooling options improves academic performance and revitalizes cities; and,

WHEREAS, School Choice Week is a nationally celebrated event and during this week we join with millions of parents, educators, schools and organizations around the country to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options that challenge and motivate all our students to succeed; and,

WHEREAS, Hillsboro Christian Academy has chosen to officially launch efforts to promote National School Choice Week in Highland County.

NOW THEREFORE, the Highland County Board of Commissioners, do hereby 
proclaim the week of January 28th through Feb 2nd, 2013, to be

National School Choice Week in Highland County

and we call this observance to the attention of all of the citizens of Highland County.

Adopted January 23, 2013

Highland County Board of Commissioners