Nurturing Children…A Common Purpose for Any Community - Brief Article

School Administrator, Sept, 1995 by Homer H. Kearns

Children are everybody's business. After all, if we don't look after the health, safety, and education of our children, we are, in essence, giving up on the future of our nation.

During the past few years, the American Association of School Administrators has joined with the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National School Boards Association to forge an alliance on behalf of children, youth, and families. This "Wingspread Collaborative" is a natural alliance since what each of these groups does or does not do will have profound effect on the others. I

In meetings at the Wingspread Conference Center in Racine, Wis., and in Washington, D.C., I have reinforced with city and county officials the common interest we have in our children.

At our most recent meeting, we focused on the effects of the current welfare system on children and families and ended that gathering with a news conference calling for welfare reform.

Leaders of these bedrock institutions in American society agreed that any welfare system ultimately should lead people, to the extent possible, into the job market. Getting people prepared for the world of work is only possible when we support education and training and when we offer support services mat help parents stay on the job.

Carolyn Long Banks, president of the National League of Cities, declared that our nation and every community must "invest in its human infrastructure." Kay Granger, chair of the health committee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, said any reform should "seriously intend to move parents from welfare to work."

Randall Franke, president of the National Association of Counties, raised alarm about a congressional proposal to limit support for foster care programs in light of a dramatic increase in child abuse. Boyd Boehlje, past president of the National School Boards Association, noted, "If children can't eat at school because Congress eliminates school lunches and can't eat at home because Congress cuts their mothers from welfare, these children will be unable to learn and the cycle will repeat itself."

This community of interest in our nation's children will continue. As issues arise, mayors, city and county officials, school boards, and school administrators will be communicating, seeking common purpose, and speaking with an even stronger voice. As president of AASA, I have been asked to chair this historic "Wingspread Collaborative" during 1996-97.

Leaders make connections. They bring people together in common purpose. No doubt, as school leaders, we must make hard decisions, develop budgets, and exercise policy leadership. However, we may be at our best when we are connecting people who can make a difference.

I urge you to be a catalyst in bringing community leaders together for the benefit of children and education. Your leadership will pay dividends today and for generations to come.