Unusual effort aims to “reconnect” McDowell County
McDowell County is the focus of what is called “an unprecedented public-private partnership” to improve the education system as well as to address the county’s economic decline and poverty.
The American Federation of Teachers is leading the effort, called Reconnecting McDowell, which involves more than 40 partners, including businesses, foundations, government, nonprofit agencies and labor organizations.
“McDowell County is an American story that deserves a new chapter.” – AFT President Randi Weingarten
“McDowell County is an American story that deserves a new chapter,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a written statement. “Given the challenges, being conventional won’t be good enough. We will be flexible, creative and entrepreneurial, and will take risks.”
The partners have signed a covenant that commits them to seek solutions to such complex problems as poverty, underperforming schools, substance abuse, housing shortages, limited medical services,