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Community leaders urge long-term investment in Newton County schools
Summary
Leaders from the Newton Education Foundation and the Newton County Chamber of Commerce told a public forum that investing in pre-K through K-12 education is central to Newton County's workforce and community strength, citing a 14-year span from pre-K entry to workforce entry and a 10–15-year planning horizon for the chamber.
Lucy Hay, cofounder of the Newton Education Foundation, and Debbie Harper, president of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, used public remarks to press for sustained investment in Newton County’s public schools. "Investing in our students should be our No. 1 priority," Hay said.
Hay said the county’s long-term prosperity depends on strengthening schools from the earliest grades. She noted that a child who enters pre-K at age 4 has roughly 14 years before joining the local workforce, and described that period as a crucial window to "shape and mold" future employees, civic leaders and volunteers. Hay also said the Newton Education Foundation exists to support "Newton County administration, teachers, students, and classrooms."
Harper described the chamber’s multi-decade view on workforce needs. "We’ve taken that 10 to 15 year look into the future," she said, and said one of the chamber’s two primary goals will be supporting quality education in the county. Harper said the chamber wants students to stay in or return to Newton County for local jobs that can sustain a career and family life.
Both speakers framed education as an economic-development priority: Hay emphasized communitywide responsibility for student support, and Harper tied school quality to retention of a skilled workforce. Hay also praised the county’s school leadership, naming "Doctor Bradley" and the Board of Education as partners in putting students first.
No formal actions, votes or policy proposals were recorded in the transcript excerpts provided; the remarks presented community perspectives and organizational priorities rather than decisions or directives.
