So the education crisis is not a public sector problem, and it won't be solved by Washington alone. Building the workforce of tomorrow is our problem, too. And if we don't see that now, we'll be forced to face it soon.

When you go to the polls this November, keep in mind what's at stake for our schools and communities. The school year matters, summer matters, and so does your vote.

The volume of conversation about education has increased over the last few years, but what's often lost are the very real stories of the young people whose lives are impacted and the people and programs that are beating the odds.

How can we say with integrity that we want all students to have the core skills they need to succeed at the same time that we wipe out programs that provide powerful support for millions of children?