Pursuit of Happiness – In Our Schools

July 4, 2025, marked the 249th anniversary of our nation. I have always celebrated Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts, and time with family. As an educator, I try to find a teaching moment in every interaction, so this Independence Day, I quizzed my children about the Declaration of Independence. They knew the date it was signed, they knew the independence was from the rule of King George III, and they even knew the author, Thomas Jefferson. I was impressed with their knowledge. The next question came from my son. “Dad, what are unalienable rights?” To someone born with constitutional rights, I understand why it would be hard to conceptualize how an Enlightenment thinker like Thomas Jefferson needs to specify that there are rights that cannot be taken away. Jefferson called the Declaration of Independence an “expression of the American mind,” and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is core to being a citizen of the United States.

While happiness may look different for everyone, the opportunity for economic growth remains central to the American Dream for all citizens. In times of economic hardship and uncertainty, the American Dream seems more out of reach for some and harder to maintain for others. In June 2025, Bankrate released the results of the Financial Freedom Survey, which showed that 77% of Americans do not feel financially secure. As a result, our district has been asked to lower taxes to relieve taxpayers, and the district reduced the school operational tax by 4 mils. How do we as a community balance the needs of the taxpayer and the educational needs of the community’s children?

Both young and old need access to financial opportunities. Pew Research reported that 20% of the entire US population receives some Social Security benefits. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that the June 2025 unemployment rate for recent college graduates rose to 6.6%, over 2 percent higher than the national unemployment rate. Because Social Security is a “pay and borrow as you go” system, the benefits of today come from the workers of today and the debt of workers of tomorrow. In 1965, 4.0 workers supported 1 beneficiary. Today, 2.7 workers support 1 beneficiary. As “Generation X” enters retirement, only 2 workers will support each beneficiary. As a nation, we can not afford for any of today’s children to be unproductive in tomorrow’s workforce. We must invest in the success of all children regardless of their race, creed, socioeconomic status, or school setting. If we, as current and future beneficiaries, knew the 2 to 3 children financially supported us in retirement, I believe our nation would shift its educational debate from choice for some to justice for all. South Carolina struggles to find a formula and policy that adequately funds traditional, charter, private, and home school settings. Regardless, 93% of SC students attend traditional public schools, and we cannot afford for these children to be underprepared. In fact, our state needs all of these children to be productive citizens contributing to the collective good. 

Perhaps the solution lies in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of a republic. In a republic, the power resides with the people, and the people are strongest when they are united. As our nation marches towards 250 years of a more perfect union, we should not forget that this country began as a result of rallying around unifying ideals while sacrificing partisan agendas. Patrick Henry, the First Continental Congress, stated, “I am not a Virginian, but am American.” If we stay united, as one nation, indivisible, perhaps our pursuit of happiness would be manifested by supporting the happiness of our neighbors. As a result, a great education for all is the best investment to ensure the “unalienable rights” for all. 

Akil E. Ross, Ed.D.

Superintendent