Every school district should consider following Warren's example when it bused 50 voting-eligible students to the Trumbull County Board of Elections to cast a ballot in the Ohio primary.
Quality education requires experiences outside the classroom that complement the lectures delivered by instructors inside. And more learning experiences should center on practical application, especially when it comes to civic engagement.
There are few things in our country more sacred than the right to vote. Yet, according to a Voter Contact Magazine report, only 58 percent of adults 18- to 24-years-old were registered to vote in 2004 compared to 77 percent in the 55 and older demographic. Worse, only 47 percent of the younger set's registered citizens actually voted in the presidential election that year compared to 72 percent of the older group's registered citizens.
That's abysmal.
In Warren, hopefully the numbers will be much better during this presidential election year.
Warren City Schools last week made transportation available to all age-eligible students. Those who turn 18 before the November General Election are eligible to vote in the primary. Only those who are already 18 may vote on other issues.
Community Bus Service of Warren donated the bus, fuel and staff to transport the students.
The cynicism in us questions why Warren and CBS picked this election to provide the service. On the ballot is a Warren renewal levy that supplements the general fund and CBS has a contract paid for out of the district's general fund. A levy campaign co-chairman coordinated the voting trip.
About 25 of the students are eligible to vote on the levy. It's unlikely any of them own property so they do not have to pay the levy.
The cynicism disappears if Warren schools and CBS provide this activity every election, with the November general election next. It would be wise for all school districts to foster a level of empowerment among their students and create a more involved citizenry by coordinating their own election excursions. And not just when they have levies on the ballot.