Now, that argument has some merit, I think. A lot of what goes on in rural America has to do with sheer lack of resources, but another piece sometimes lies in a lack of interest in preparing the next generation for the future.

All too frequently, the leaders of communities -- including school board members -- believe education exists to prepare students only for the jobs available in that community. Unfortunately, what they should be doing is preparing students to be able to freely choose where and how they wish to live -- even if the life they choose takes them away from those communities.

The purpose of education is to make better, more capable people -- and not just worker-bees for local industries.