By William Croyle
Enquirer contributor

CRESTVIEW HILLS - Kentucky Commissioner of Education Gene Wilhoit said the state's public school system is getting better, but needs the help of parents and businesses in every community to continue that improvement.

Wilhoit spoke Tuesday morning to nearly 150 school and business leaders at Five Seasons Country Club in Crestview Hills in this month's "Eggs 'N' Issues" program, held by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

"I think we now have a system we can be proud of," he said. "We have a curriculum in place that will make our young people internationally competitive."

Wilhoit said that in 1985 Kentucky ranked 42nd in the nation in education spending, 49th in adults without a college degree, and 50th in adults without a high school diploma.

He said Kentucky schools now rank in the middle of the pack among the 50 states.

He singled out the success of the Beechwood School District, which last year sent nearly 88 percent of its graduates on to post-secondary schools.

He also commended the Walton-Verona School District, for bringing its dropout rate down to zero.

"Can you imagine not having any dropouts in three years?" said Wilhoit. "They'll go get them out of bed in Walton-Verona. That's what we need to do everywhere."

Walton-Verona Superintendent Robert Storer said Wilhoit's message was clear.

"He kept talking over and over about progress. We can't stand still," said Storer.

In Walton-Verona Elementary School this past year, Storer said, more than 9,000 volunteer hours were spent in classrooms by parents, who read to students and helped teachers with lessons.

"All parents need to be a part of their child's educational life," said Storer. "Tied up in (Wilhoit's) remarks was that education is an investment, not an expense."

Kenton County School District Superintendent Susan Cook said that attitude is a big reason for the successes in her district.

"I believe the majority of our parents see education as an investment - not only in their child, but in the community as a whole," said Cook. "We have very high levels of involvement from parents, our (Business Education Success Team) partners, and very strong boosters."

Wilhoit challenged parents and business leaders to stay involved in education, make sure those running for political office know the importance of public education, and continue to talk to legislators and school administrators.