In 2025, Miller Middle School will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Originally established as Marshalltown High School, the building has served many roles over the decades — from Marshalltown Community College to Miller Junior High School — before becoming the middle school we know today, educating approximately 800 seventh and eighth grade students.

As one of the oldest educational facilities in Marshalltown, and with the average age of the district’s ten schools at 67.5 years, Miller Middle School is due for a transformation. The time has come to “Re-Imagine” the future of this school with a renovation and expansion to ensure it continues to serve the community well for the next century. But beyond the immediate needs of the building, the impact of high-quality educational facilities goes far beyond the school walls. It plays a vital role in driving economic growth and ensuring the prosperity of our town.

The economic power of quality schools

The benefits of a high-quality educational institution like Miller extend far beyond academics. Schools are at the heart of thriving communities, influencing everything from local businesses to property values. Here are seven key ways schools like Miller impact economic development:

1. Attracting businesses and investments

High-quality schools act as magnets for businesses. Companies seeking to relocate or expand prioritize areas with a strong education system because they need access to a well-educated workforce. Educational institutions signal to businesses that the local talent pool is robust, making the area an attractive place for investment.

In addition, when businesses consider establishing headquarters or offices, the quality of local schools is often a top consideration. Families moving with companies want to ensure that their children have access to excellent education, which leads to job creation and economic growth.

2. Workforce readiness and innovation

Modern educational facilities prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, equipping them with essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Schools with updated infrastructure and programs, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), help students thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

By fostering entrepreneurship and creativity, schools also produce future innovators who will not only join the workforce but create businesses and industries that drive regional growth.

3. Raising local incomes and economic mobility

A strong education system is directly linked to higher wages and better job prospects. When students have access to top-tier education, they are more likely to achieve higher education levels, which translates to better employment opportunities and higher incomes. This, in turn, benefits the local economy through increased consumer spending.

Moreover, schools play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty. By providing students from low-income backgrounds with quality education, they open doors to better career opportunities, lifting families out of poverty and contributing to a more prosperous community.

4. Attracting and retaining families

Families often choose where to live based on the quality of local schools. When schools are strong, property values rise as the demand for homes in the area increases. A well-maintained and modernized Miller Middle School would help retain families and attract new ones, boosting the local housing market and generating higher tax revenues to reinvest in the community.

5. Strengthening civic engagement and social capital

Educated individuals are more likely to engage in their communities, volunteering, voting, and participating in civic life. Schools build the foundation for this social capital, creating networks and relationships that keep a community strong. In the long run, these engaged citizens become leaders who drive economic development and community well-being.

6. Enhancing innovation and regional competitiveness

Schools that prioritize partnerships with local businesses and higher education institutions become hubs of innovation. A modernized Miller Middle School could foster research and development, particularly in areas like technology and engineering, helping create new industries that fuel economic growth and enhance the region’s competitiveness.

7. Increasing government revenue and reducing social welfare costs

A better-educated population leads to higher-paying jobs, which in turn increases local and state tax revenues. This added revenue can be reinvested in further improving educational facilities, creating a positive cycle of growth and development. Additionally, a well-educated community tends to have lower unemployment and poverty rates, reducing reliance on social welfare programs and allowing more resources to be directed toward business development and infrastructure.

A vision for the future

As we approach Miller Middle School’s centennial celebration, we can reimagine its future. By investing in extensive renovation and expansion, we will not only create a modern educational environment for our children but also position Marshalltown for long-term economic success. Quality educational facilities, like Miller, are the backbone of our community’s growth, preparing future leaders, attracting businesses and families, and fostering innovation.

The strength and vitality of our community depend on the strength of its schools, and by investing in Miller Middle School, we are investing in the future of Marshalltown.

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Dr. Theron J. Schutte is the superintendent of the

Marshalltown Community School District.