When we launched the “Education Champions” series in mid-January, we hoped to present a picture of Toledo Public Schools (TPS) that showcased the forest and the trees. It was important to illustrate that TPS has great success stories that triumph in a time of great financial challenges.

We joined forces with the United Way of Greater Toledo and Doni Miller of 13abc’s “Bridges” program to celebrate the work and results of some special and dedicated people.

We have witnessed the impact of the Lucas County Initiative to Improve Birth Outcomes, the social and emotional learning process, the Collaborative Learning and Instructional Pre-school Project, the Stable Families Collaborative, Toledo GROWs and other outside-the-box programs and initiatives.

We have met extraordinary educators who refuse to quit even as they face increasingly difficult conditions and we have seen how they improve lives in demonstrable ways.

Upon publication of the final two “Education Champions” stories on March 27, we hope you will participate in a 48-hour vote at www.toledofreepress.com that will determine which of the highlighted programs will receive a $1,000 grant from the United Way of Greater Toledo at a March 29 reception sponsored by Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Now, one week before the last installment of the original 12-part series, we marvel at how fast time can fly by, and realize that a brief 12-part series is nowhere near enough space to fully explore this topic; scores of readers have nominated people and programs that merit equal attention.

Therefore, “Education Champions” will continue to be a regular feature in these pages as we progress through 2011 and accompany TPS officials on their difficult and unenviable journey.

Other local publications are following our lead by announcing their own education series; that increased attention will further serve to spotlight the ideas and implementations we began back in January, and we welcome their efforts to contribute to the ongoing education conversation.

We owe great thanks to United Way, 13abc, Columbia Gas of Ohio and everyone who contributed to the series so far.

There is a lot to be learned, and when it comes to devoting resources to this crucial topic, we intend to continue to be with those at the head of the class.

Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

Tags: 13abc, Bridges, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Doni Miller, Education Champions, Publisher's Statement, Toledo Free Press, Toledo Public Schools, Tom Pounds, United Way

This entry was posted on Friday, March 18th, 2011 at 12:00 am and is filed under Opinion, Publisher's Statement.
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