How can any reasonable adult, "educated" or not, not correlate poverty with academic results? We are a country that does not value or pay teachers as professionals while we have a growing group of working poor, moving frequently, struggling with hunger and instability. Try going to work hungry and tired which is what we are asking of many of our young students. Growing up in a midtown trailer park without reliable education closes off the world to these kids. NO comparison to an affluent situation.
As a former longtime Tucson resident/CEO I became deeply involved with a very hi-poverty midtown elementary school. Thank to many generous people, SALC, Educational Enrichment Foundation, Community Foundation, we have raised mid six figures enabling us to give the school a productive organic garden, STEM lab, running track, new auditorium equipment . . .the list is long. The kids and teachers are thriving. Along the way I met Mark. He walked the neighborhood with me, in and out of the trailer parks, he attended the special events, he answered emails quickly. Though now continuing the work remotely while living in the Bay Area, Mark remains involved and thoughtful. I do not have the time or inclination to try to sort out the politics here. My focus are 500+ wonderful kids who come to school to learn, but also to get a meal, get medical help, visit the onsite clothing bank and so much more. Mark has earned my respect.
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