K-12 isn’t enough. It’s time for free pre-K to 14.

Our founding fathers recognized that the success of their new democracy and a viable economy would depend on educated and skilled citizens. Consequently, from the early days education often was supported by public funds. As our country grew and changed, we enlarged the scope of public education. It is now time to update again.

Despite its importance, the concept of free public education met resistance and was slow to evolve. Often, it was provided for only white young men. And, it was not until the 1800s that it became widespread. Not only were slavery and indentured servitude common, women were considered the property of men.

When women received the right to vote and civil rights were enacted, more citizens were provided public education. Thus, public education gradually became more inclusive. Still, pockets of resistance obstruct public schools’ ability to adapt to changes and advances in our society. In fact, now there is a conservative movement to censor, dumb down and control the curriculum. Sadly, those regressive efforts undermine the benefits of public education to a democratic, free economy.

Education is a very wise investment. Educated citizens are more likely to attain good jobs and be productive. They generally pay more taxes in their lifetime and help support our infrastructure.

The more education that students receive, the more innovative and productive they are likely to be. More education leads to technological advances and more entrepreneurship. It enhances our quality of life.

And, it will help alleviate the need for much social support. It keeps citizens out of prisons and off the streets. And, well-informed citizens will vote wisely and protect their rights and freedoms.

Over time, defined levels of educational attainment became mandated in most places, as it was obvious that a certain amount of education and skill level was important. Today, we are living in a time of huge technological change. To live in today’s world requires skills unimagined in the 1700s. To access health records, buy plane tickets, manage utilities, services, bank accounts, investments, credit cards and so on, citizens have to keep up to date and be knowledgeable with computer skills.

Obviously, we need to update the required amount of education. That includes high education and trade schools. And, to do that we need to address affordability. The days of being able to work your way through college are gone. Consequently, large numbers of students are incurring huge debts to pursue college degrees. Or, they are opting not to go.  That is not good for our country.

Kindergarten, and in many places preschool, has been added to public education. It is time to include two years of college or a trade school. Adding them to our free public education system would provide more of our citizens access to the education they need. Our economy and our democracy depend on keeping our entire workforce well-educated.