Increasing parent and church engagement by 100 percent

Last month it was reported by the Florida Department of Education that there are 300 low performing elementary schools in the state of Florida.  Of the 300, five are located in St. Petersburg: Campbell Park, Fairmount Park, Lakewood, Maximo and Melrose.

Please note this is a “call to action” not BLAMING!

Parents and churches, do you know that lack of engagement is contributing to the dooming our children to poverty, prison and or death! The Lord is not pleased. (Proverbs 31:8-9 and James 4:17)

Parents and churches, if you’d increase your engagement by 100 percent the positive affect would be astounding and most of all, pleasing to the Lord.

Harvard researchers indicate that increased parent and church, which I added, would result in a saving of approximately $1000 per child per school.

Example: One school of 500 children, multiplied by 1000 equals a savings of $500,000 or a half million dollars!  Include the five low performing elementary schools in the equation and it will equal $2.5 million.

The eleven candidates running for school board were asked if they were elected to the School Board, would they pursue and vote for the school district to hold a series of not less than three listening forums/sessions in the community where each of these schools are located?

Only six of the candidates responded. To date, the others have not responded. You parents and the church are voters and I leave the conclusion and action to you.

Parents, churches and schools, let us listen and plan together. “We can do it better together.” We can increase parental engagement by 100 percent together.

If you are disturbed and challenged by Holy Spirit after reading Ps 139:23-24; Proverbs 31:8-9 and James 4:77, call me at 727-420-1326, or email me at mrainey390@verizon.net.

Give your name, cell and email address.

Pastor Rainey serves as Community Outreach Pastor for the Faith Memorial MB Church.  He also serves as president of the Parent Support For Education Council, Inc., and chairman of JWB South County Community Council. He may be contacted: mrainey390@verizon.net or (727) 420-1326.

The Parent Council meets every third Thursday of each month @ 6:30 p.m., Faith Memorial Missionary Baptist 1800 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, at the (Resource Center), to the far right and adjacent to the Church. The community is welcome.