Good schools are not just important to students but also the whole community, say local business leaders.
And renewal of the special school levy helps Preston County Schools, they say. On the May ballot, voters are being asked to renew the existing levy for another five years.
The Preston County Economic Development Authority (PCEDA) has taken a stand supporting passage of the school levy, PCEDA Executive Director Robbie Baylor said.
“A good education system is very important, almost crucial, when recruiting businesses and workers to Preston County,” Baylor said.
Some of the reasons businesses and families look at local schools when locating or relocating are fairly similar, she said.
She gave these reasons why schools are important for businesses:
- Attracting talent: Businesses seek locations with good schools because they attract talented employees. Employees with families prioritize areas with quality education for their children,so businesses can draw from a larger pool of skilled workers.
- Quality of life: Good schools contribute to a higher quality of life for employees. Communities with good schools tend to have lower crime rates, better amenities and overall higher standards of living, which can help businesses attract and retain top talent.
- Workforce development: A strong education system produces a skilled workforce, providing businesses with a pool of qualified candidates for employment. This reduces the need for extensive training and can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
- n Property values: Areas with good schools often have higher property values. This can benefit businesses in several ways, such as providing more customers with more disposable income for retail establishments or increasing the value of commercial properties.
- Innovation and research: Good schools, particularly those with strong STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs, can contribute to innovation and research in the community. This can attract businesses in high-tech industries that rely on innovation for growth.
- Community stability: Communities with good schools tend to be more stable economically and socially. Families are more likely to put down roots in these areas, leading to lower turnover rates for businesses and a more stable customer base.
For individuals and families relocating, the quality of an area’s schools are also important, Baylor said, because of:
- Education quality: Parents want the best education possible for their children. A good school system indicates higher academic standards, qualified teachers and better resources, all of which contribute to a child’s academic success.
- Child development: Education is not just about academics but also about holistic child development. Parents seek schools that provide a nurturing environment, extracurricular activities and opportunities for socialization and personal growth.
- Long-term investment: Families often view their choice of residence as a long-term investment in their children’s future. Living in an area with good schools can increase the likelihood of children attending college and achieving career success later in life.
- Community stability: Strong schools contribute to community stability. Families are more likely to stay in an area with good schools, leading to a sense of continuity and community cohesion.
- Property values: Homes located in areas with good schools typically have higher property values. This means that families not only benefit from better educational opportunities but also from the potential for a solid return on their investment if they decide to sell their home in the future.
- Quality of life: A good school system enhances the overall quality of life for families. It provides access to a network of like-minded parents, enriching educational experiences for children and a sense of pride in the community.
As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, the Preston County Chamber of Commerce is not taking a position on the school levy.
However, Chamber Executive Director Kristy Ash said they recognize the importance of education.
“Successful schools are the foundation for a successful community,” Ash said. “They have a huge impact on our economic stability, real estate and unemployment rates.
Economic development requires attractive communities, and one key factor is an excellent public school system. Without quality schools, businesses leave, unemployment rises and real estate values fall.”
Jessica Lipscomb, Realtor and owner of House and More Real Estate, is a former member of the chamber ’s board. A Preston County native and product of county schools, she and her family are active in the Preston County community, owning multiple businesses and raising their children here.
During a Facebook Live event at Central Preston Middle School recently, she explained the impact a good school system has on the market.
And for most people, “real estate is and always has been America’s way of building our long-term wealth. The American Dream, ” Lipscomb noted.
She pointed to a 2023 National Association of Realtors report that found 30% of buyers between the ages of 33-42 named “quality of the school district” as a top factor when choosing where to buy their home. Homes in good school districts sell faster and so home values rise.
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, property values increase by around $20 for every $1 spent on school funding. Since the pandemic, Preston County has seen a huge influx of out-of-state real estate buyers, the Realtor said.
“Well-supported school systems attract home buyers with school-aged children, and they also attract home buyers seeking good resale value. If you don’t have kids in your house, but you want to be able to make money if and when you sell your property — and who doesn’t — you ’re going to try to buy in the best school district you can, as part of your longterm investment strategy.
You may say you never plan to sell so what do you care — but what if you do want or need to sell in the future? ” she said.
“Whether or not you have kids in your household, your house is worth more money when it is located in a well-supported school system,” Lipscomb said.
More information on the school levy, including an app to estimate how much it will cost you, are available at prestonschoolslevy. com.
