Leslie Myrick

 When my husband and I were searching for a home 25 years ago, we focused our search in the Cleveland Heights and University Heights area.  We wanted to live in a community that valued children and education.  Our community still holds those values.

Our community supports our schools and our children in many ways.  Certainly support of school levies is important.  However, the work of volunteers, partnerships, and collaboratives throughout our community also are important.

Reaching Heights is one of those organizations that has a long history of supporting our children and our schools.  As my children matriculated through the Heights schools I would always hear about something great that Reaching Heights was doing.  Whether it was funding a teacher grant, providing support for a chili cook-off, or helping defray the costs of a high school musical – they have always been there.

I was thrilled and honored when I was asked to be a Trustee with Reaching Heights.  Serving on the Board has been a rewarding and enriching experience.  I have gained so much by working with an incredible group of individuals who share the passion of working for excellent public education.

Public education levels the playing field.  I truly believe that the American Dream is alive and well due to our public education system.  We have a duty and a responsibility to ensure that every child in our country has access to excellent schools.  The future of our nation depends on how well we fulfill that goal.

I’m employed by a public school system and I know how difficult it is to achieve success.  We often talk about the “islands of excellence” and the need for systemic change.  The world of work is rapidly changing.  We must ensure that our schools are preparing our children for a place in a rapid-paced global economy. 

I believe the most important thing that individuals and organizations can do to improve public education is to stay focused.  The specific needs and initiatives may change but the goal is the same.   We want every child to have access to excellent schools.  And, we must continue to work hard to make that a reality.