Open forum: Investment in education is an investment in economy

The challenge facing our county executive and County Council in the development of next year’s operating budget is one of the most daunting in years. All of us from the local, public sector agencies understand the magnitude of the problem and are working in close collaboration with county officials to achieve savings and enhance efficiency.

It’s easy in times of fiscal crisis to look for quick fixes. Thankfully, that is not the Montgomery County way. This is one of the main reasons we have successfully weathered so many past economic storms and always maintained our reputation as one of the nation’s finest counties, with a service level and quality of life that is second to none.

The hallmark of that quality of life and the main reason for the county’s sustained economic success is that its leadership and citizenry consistently reaffirm a commitment to assuring that access to a high quality education remains a top priority. Consistently, they have understood that an investment in education is a sound investment in assuring a strong community and local economy.

In today’s economy, it’s important that we adhere to the same sound investment principles that have worked so well for our county over the long haul.

The Montgomery College Board of Trustees is particularly grateful that our county leaders have always understood that support for education must extend not only to our outstanding school system, but also to our outstanding community college. Even in the face of the current fiscal challenges, this year should be no different.

The power of investing in educational excellence is unequivocal. A recent economic benefits study demonstrates that every dollar invested in Montgomery College yields a return of $1.90 to the local economy. And for every dollar a student invests in that education, their return on that investment is $5.90, based on their average earnings after graduation.

Community colleges are engines for workforce creation and development, and in times of a downturn in the economy, more people than ever rely on them to start — or restart — their education, brush up on career skills, or return to school to help launch a new career.

Montgomery College is approaching 10 straight years of increased enrollment, which has now climbed to a record level. This decade-long trend will continue in the year ahead, based on current projections. The reason is simple. More students than ever are coming out of high school with the expectation of going to college. In addition, for the past several years — culminating with this year’s class of 2008 — the number of high school graduates has been soaring to historically high rates.

Never before has the need been greater for the unique service we provide — that of ensuring access to an affordable, high quality college education that is available to all students, of all ages, all income levels, all academic levels, and of all backgrounds.

These are uncertain economic times. The one thing that is absolutely certain is that Montgomery County’s steadfast commitment to education is the backbone of a community that truly gets beyond the mere rhetoric and demonstrates its belief that no child — or adult — should be ‘‘left behind.” And particularly not in economic times such as these.

Roberta F. Shulman, Potomac

The writer is chair of the Montgomery College Board of Trustees.