“How are the schools?” is among the top questions asked of Realtors. And this question is not isolated to residential real estate. Commercial real estate also is impacted by the quality of schools. Businesses seek to grow where schools perform well, and they value the importance of educational offerings to their employees and their families.
In its official policy on public education, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) “recognize[s] the impact quality education makes in every aspect of society. The future of business and industry, the real estate market and homeownership, our communities, and our nation depends on well-educated citizens and a well-educated workforce. To that end, we support programs and policies that promote quality education by efficiently financing capital construction, maintenance, and operations of our public school systems. We believe that public education is a state and local issue.”
Further, Realtors believe “community, family, and parental involvement in schools support such quality education. Thus, we encourage all members of the Realtor family to actively involve themselves with local education issues and institutions, both individually and within their Realtor organizations. We further encourage state legislatures, local government, school systems, and private enterprise to explore all avenues that will increase efficiency through better allocation of resources to the classroom by developing creative solutions, and promoting community and corporate involvement, rather than looking predominantly to the overburdened taxpayer.”
In light of the many correlations between quality education and real estate, GCAR is engaged in the conversation. Last Wednesday, we held a forum for Realtors to hear from and ask questions of those candidates seeking a position on the Hamilton County School Board. The discussion topics ranged from budgets and proposed tax increases to the qualities sought in the next superintendent. Additionally, the candidates shared their perspectives on the board’s working relationship with the superintendent, where the focus should be in the classroom and whether cellphones should be allowed in the classroom. It was a lively and important discussion not only for Realtors but also for the Greater Chattanooga community.
There’s no question that schools are a key factor in the quality of life in Greater Chattanooga. We encourage all consumers to join in the conversation, get involved, and help improve Hamilton County Schools. To aide in that regard, GCAR recorded our candidate forum, which is available for viewing at www.gcar.net. By familiarizing ourselves with issues that affect public education, we all can be better prepared to make a difference in their schools and communities.
The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors is “The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga.” The Association is a regional organization with more than 1,500 members, and is one of more than 1,400 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors services Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net.