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This article focuses on public education and educated workforce. Good public schools and an educated workforce are much more important in the economic development of the state than are financial incentives to industry. Quality of life issues that include strong public schools and an educated workforce out-weigh financial incentives in the decision to locate industry in any state. Attending school and learning ceases to be a natural and enjoyable process. It is significant to note that school achievement of a senior high student parallels his or her fourth grade with few exceptions

Cites the author's thoughts about the case "Brown vs. the Board of Education," the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision ruling "separate but equal" unconstitutional. Description of the personal odysseys of those people who were in public school leadership roles during the desegregation; Emphasis on the disruption of the tranquility, security, identity, education and lives of both black and white during the initial desegregation process; Discussion of the role of public schools and the U.S. Supreme Court in addressing the inequities in a society.

The article presents information about public education in Mississippi. Both the legalization of liquor and casino gambling were promoted to fund public education. Neither would have been supported by the public had they not believed that the additional revenue would benefit the public schools. Each time the additional revenue was dumped into the general fund and much of it found its way into other programs. Educational funding is usually the last to be funded during the legislative session. Republican Jack Reed and former Governor William Winter are two visionaries who understand that education is the key to the state's prosperity and life quality. They are touring the state promoting the funding of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program.