This week was declared as American Education Week in North Carolina.

Since 1921, American Education Week has been an opportunity to celebrate the role public schools play in communities and the importance of those roles.

“Education is not only in our state’s Constitution, it is in our DNA. It represents who we are as a people in North Carolina. A strong public education is the best way to create good jobs and grow the middle class and it’s right that we recognize the role public education plays in increasing opportunity in our communities,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement.

The bottom line is this: public schools are a vital part of any community — including Beaufort County.

Without public schools, many children would not have the opportunity for an education at all, and certainly not a decent education. There are many dedicated educators in this county who work side by side with the students to help them be successful. With some of those teachers, their dedication is unparalleled.

Beaufort County is lucky to have these dedicated teachers and administrators. They are the foundation for Beaufort County Schools. Without them, BCS does not exist.

Yes, there are problems in public education and other options may be more suitable for some students. However, this does not mean support for public schools should wane, and it should not discount the amount of time and work public educators spend teaching future generations.

Many people would agree that more attention should be paid to education in North Carolina, whether that’s funding, parental involvement and/or curricula. Children are the future, and there’s nothing more important than nurturing them into productive citizens in society.

If there are educators in your life, take some time this week and thank them for their work and for the long hours they put into the job. It certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.