Statement from The Education Trust on Gulf Coast Disaster

We at the Education Trust are deeply saddened by the images of devastation and desperation we are witnessing in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Our hearts go out to the people of the Gulf Coast, who have lost homes, jobs, and members of their families.

In the last five years, we’’ve worked a lot with educators in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.  We have met remarkable people there who are deeply committed to improving the systems of public education in these states – and by doing so, improving the lives of their citizenry.

It is hard to fully grasp the enormous emotional and financial toll this catastrophe will exact, much less the challenges these communities and surrounding states will face in educating the children whose lives have been so tragically disrupted. But, as we know from the time we’’ve spent with policymakers, educators, and community activists in places like Baton Rouge, Biloxi, Mobile and points in between, these are folks who are absolutely resolute about bringing positive change to this region.

Right now, though, they need our help. We urge everyone to open their hearts and wallets.