Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, 

As many in the Webster County public already know, our county has undertaken an initiative that’s goal is to raise the educational level of not only our students in grades kindergarten through twelve, but also among our working age adult population (18 – 64) and to strengthen the work-readiness level of those throughout our community.  The end result of this initiative, known as Work Ready Community, is to strengthen our workforce and to make Webster County a viable option as business and industry make decisions about where to locate and attract potential employees.    

The Webster County Work Ready Community initiative began several months ago as a concept that was slow to develop.  We learned very quickly that several counties in our immediate area were already in the process of pursuing this recognition and that it would be in our best interest as a community to begin our own effort, with the larger goal of eventually having an entire region that will be certified.    

Once momentum began to build, our initial organizational committee began to increase with the addition of elected county officials, representatives from our local school district, the local media, interested community members, and education and business partners from outside of the county that serve Webster County residents.  From that group, leadership emerged and committees were formed.    

With a focus on the six criteria that must be met – High School Graduation Rate, National Career Readiness Certificate Attainment, Educational Attainment, Soft Skills, Internet Access, and Community Commitment – the work began.  For months, our committees met to develop and implement plans for improvement and to work toward the goal of our October 9 presentation to the Kentucky Work Force Development Board’s review panel.    

As a result of the work that was done, Webster County was successful in achieving its designation as a Work Ready Community In-progress.  On November 21, we will travel to Frankfort to receive the official word from the state board.  As the name suggests, the work has only just begun.  In order to eventually receive full designation as a Work Ready Community, we must carry out the plans that have been developed and elevate our achievement in all six of the program’s criteria.  

That’s where the Webster County public comes into play.    

I want to personally thank each and every community member who has devoted time, effort, ideas, and even finances in order for us to get to this point.  But, we need more.  In order for us to be a Work Ready Community, it will take the involvement of many more from all around the county.  

As we determine next steps, we want to provide you with an opportunity to get involved and I hope you will strongly consider it.  One thing I’ve learned through this process is that it takes business and industry, the school system, city and county government, and community-minded citizens working in unison to reach each of the criteria.  And that’s how it should be.  

Congratulations, Webster County.  You have much to be proud of and I look forward to helping more of you to find ways to get involved in the Webster County Work Ready Community initiative.   

Sincerely,  

Tim Roy 

Principal 

Webster County High School