By Nadia Ramlagan
A new postelection survey found voters across the political spectrum said they support investing in public schools and teachers.
The findings from the Hunt Institute are at odds with the West Virginia Board of Education’s recent decision to approve the closure or consolidation of six public schools, due to declining enrollment.
Bob Wise, the state’s former governor, said parents continue to rely on schools for mental health resources.
“Parents understand that the mental health issues are still hanging out there,” Wise observed. “They were there before; COVID only exacerbated them, and we’ve not seen a full recovery.”
A majority of voters surveyed said they are in favor of ensuring students have access to high-quality teachers.
Wise added the data show parents and voters feel positive about their local community schools but are pessimistic overall about the country’s current education system.
“The reality is most voters and parents, the survey respondents, think about education as being a critical issue at the state and local level,” Wise emphasized.
Last year, more than half of parents and voters said their local public schools were doing a “good or excellent job,” compared to 36% of parents and voters nationwide.
Wise pointed out 69% of survey respondents strongly favor increasing internships, apprenticeships and other job skills opportunities in high school. He stressed the message is clear voters are supportive of building a strong foundation for education and employment for young people.
“I think it’s important that policymakers actually pay attention to what the voters are saying, as opposed to their perception of what is public opinion,” Wise urged.
More than 245,000 students are enrolled in West Virginia public schools.
