Why is it that we encourage our best and brightest students to leave Marshall after graduation, oftentimes never to return? How will it be possible to sustain or enhance the community of Marshall, if we are not highly possessive of our most critical resource: our young people?

"This so-called rural "brain drain" isn't a new phenomenon, but by the 21st century the shortage of young people has reached a tipping point, and its consequences are more severe now than ever before. Simply put, many small towns are mere years away from extinction, while others limp along in a weakened and disabled state." (Patrick J. Carr and Maria J. Kefalas, Chronicle of Higher Education, September 21, 2009)

What can we do then, individually and collectively to stop the flow of talent from our community? We have to make a stand. We have to make a commitment to encourage our youth to do one of three things:

1. To stay in Marshall and further their education or hone their skills in one of our fabulous educational institutions: Wiley College, East Texas Baptist University, Texas State Technical College, Kilgore College, or Panola College.

2. To leave Marshall to further their education at a dedicated four year college or specialized school, with a commitment to return to Marshall to repay the community with service.

3. To stay in Marshall committed to excellence in a chosen career field based on certifications, skills, and talents earned in high school through partnerships with the above named higher education institutions.

Marshall as a community is made up of people and the decisions those people make. We have to commit to making decisions not only for individual gain, but also for the common good. Our individual commitment to the appearance of our schools for instance, contributes to the perception of our community. Our commitment to the quality of education our students receive, contributes to the perception of our community. Our commitment to the strength of the relationships we form, contributes to the strength of our community.

Marshall ISD is committed to excellence. We will do whatever it takes to turn the rural brain drain into a brain trust. We will do whatever it takes to change the minds of those who work in Marshall, but choose to live in a different town because of the schools.

With the combined efforts of this school system and this community, Marshall can become the place where people want to live so that their children can go to our schools.

Marshall ISD believes in the success of all students. Do you?