Letter to the editor: "Yes" for school bond

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 09.24.26

The quality of education in Brunswick County has been a major issue in my life for many years. 50 years ago, a decision was made as a parent to live in Brunswick County instead of New Hanover County — a higher rated school system in the 70s — during a transfer from a Brooklyn, New York plant to a new chemical plant in Southport.

My decision to invest in Brunswick County Schools provided dividends. My older son became a member of the 1988 McDonald’s All-American Band. My younger son was recognized as a National Scholar/Athlete for the athlete (1990 state champion in 300-meter hurdles) with the highest GPA in the senior class.

Any success in my career as a high school science teacher was facilitated by school bonds that upgraded facilities. Students excelled at the county, regional and state levels.

Although there were no plans to promote the current bond in an aggressive manner, a recent incident changed my mind. A nurse on the medical team treating my wife (retired school nurse) for a life-threatening illness informed me that she was a former (honor) student of mine. Her presence reinforced the faith that I already had in the team.

Paraphrasing an old African proverb, “It takes an entire county of voters (parents, workers, retirees) to educate a child.” Vote “YES” for the school bond.

William Flythe

Southport