Protecting Public Education: The Foundation of Our Democracy and Pathway to Prosperity
Education is the cornerstone of our democracy, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for active participation in society. It serves as a reliable pathway to prosperity, enabling families to rise above poverty and preparing future generations to thrive in a dynamic global economy. To uphold the vision of our nation—promising life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—universal access to education must be integral to that commitment. The fight against privatization is not new, as evidenced by the creation of our public education system. Public education ensures every child a pathway to thrive.
Establishing a cradle-to-career education system is essential, providing every child with the tools to succeed. Research indicates that education begins in the womb, underscoring the importance of early intervention and continuous support for lifelong success. However, current policies jeopardize the well-being of our children, particularly those from low-income, communities of color, and immigrant backgrounds.
Challenges Facing Our Children
Budget reductions in essential programs—such as school food services and limiting shelter programs—are increasing the risks of food and housing insecurity among children and will ultimately negatively impact academic outcomes. Low-income and immigrant children are disproportionately affected, facing continuous threats to their basic rights and survival. Constant threats of deportation and displacement impact our children's ability to show up in classrooms, contributing to enrollment decline and chronic absenteeism.
California’s immigrant communities play a crucial role in shaping the state’s future. In San Francisco, approximately 54% of children have at least one immigrant parent, demonstrating the significant influence immigrant families have on the city’s demographic and cultural landscape. Statewide, almost half (45%) of California children have at least one immigrant parent. These figures highlight the profound impact of immigrant communities on the state’s future and emphasize the importance of inclusive educational policies that address the unique needs of these children. Ensuring equitable opportunities for immigrant families is essential for fostering a thriving society. Source
Despite their contributions, immigrant families often encounter systemic obstacles. California, ranking as the world's fifth-largest economy, owes much of its economic prowess to its immigrant population. The contributions of immigrants, particularly undocumented immigrants, to California's economy are substantial. In 2021, immigrants in California contributed $51.4 billion in state and local taxes and $81.8 billion in federal taxes, with a spending power of $354 billion. Source
Specifically, undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022, a figure that could increase to $10.3 billion with work authorization. Source
These figures highlight the critical role of immigrants in sustaining and enhancing California's economic prosperity and social security.
The Shortcomings of Privatized Education
Historically, privatized education has failed to adequately serve marginalized communities. Low-income families, Black/African American, Latino, immigrants, children with disabilities, and women as primary caregivers have borne the brunt of these shortcomings. This inadequacy catalyzed the development of public education systems in places like San Francisco.
Public schools were established to elevate families from poverty, recognizing education as a public good rather than a commodity. Recent developments in early childhood education have been particularly transformative, with educators observing that children develop foundational learning patterns in their first five years. However, access to quality early education has not always been equitable, leading to the creation of federal programs like Head Start and Early Head Start in 1965. Source
The Impact of Early Education Programs
Head Start programs offer comprehensive services that support children's cognitive, social, and emotional development. Studies indicate that children who participate in Head Start experience improved lifelong outcomes, including higher graduation rates and increased economic mobility. These programs emphasize family-teacher partnerships and culturally affirming, individualized support, helping to alleviate the challenges associated with poverty.
Empirical evidence underscores the effectiveness of these programs. For instance, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that Head Start significantly enhances educational attainment and labor market outcomes for participants. Such findings reinforce the value of investing in early childhood education as a means to break the cycle of poverty. Source
San Francisco: A Model for Early Education Investment
San Francisco exemplifies the benefits of investing in early education. Following the approval of Proposition C (Baby Prop C) in 2018, the city expanded its capacity to serve all preschool-aged children while ensuring that early childhood educators receive living wages. Source
Eight years ago, there was a perpetual waitlist of 3,000 children in need of childcare. Today, that waitlist has nearly vanished. This investment in early education is expected to yield long-term cost savings for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), as children enter kindergarten better prepared, reducing the need for interventions and special education services. Recognizing that learning patterns are established in the first five years, early investment emerges as a prudent and effective policy choice.
A Legacy of Educational Innovation in San Francisco
San Francisco's commitment to education is deeply rooted in its history. In October 1849, John C. Pelton established the city's first school in a Baptist church, initially funded by donations and tuition. By 1850, the city council transformed it into a free public school for all children, marking a pioneering moment in California's educational history. Source
The community has continually adapted its educational offerings to meet diverse needs, notably through the development of esteemed language immersion programs. These programs have set national and global benchmarks, reflecting the city's commitment to innovative, inclusive education.
A prime example of community-led curriculum innovation is the Alice Fong Yu Alternative School, named after the first Chinese American public-school teacher in San Francisco. Established in 1996, this school was the nation's first Chinese immersion public school, embodying the city's dedication to culturally responsive education.
San Francisco’s language immersion programs—spanning Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, and more—have become national and global models for bilingual education. These programs not only honor cultural diversity but also prepare students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
Aligning Policy with Our Values
To truly uphold the promise of freedom and democracy, we must ensure that every child receives the best possible start. Our policies should reflect our values and address the needs of local communities. Investing in education is not merely a matter of fairness—it is essential for economic growth, social stability, and the future of our nation.
The path forward is evident: We must advance, not regress. Prioritizing the health, well-being, and education of our children is an investment in the future of our democracy and economy. By building upon the progress we've made, we can ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.
The right to public education was hard fought. Landmark cases such as Tape v. Hurley (1885) and Lau v. Nichols (1974) established critical legal precedents for equal access to education. Tape v. Hurley challenged the racial segregation of Chinese American students, while Lau v. Nichols ensured language access rights for non-English-speaking students. These cases, along with Mendez v. Westminster (1947), which set the stage for Brown v. Board of Education (1954), demonstrate the long history of legal battles to uphold educational equity. Source
Let us continue this legacy to protect and strengthen public education, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come.