George Edwards & Dr. Richard Johnson – Focusing on Reading
The Harris County Republican Party’s Outreach and Engagement Committee recently hosted a Community Conversations forum at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center. The evening brought parents, educators, and community leaders together to discuss education issues including what it will take to ensure every child can read for comprehension by the third grade.
Dr. Richard Johnson, Director of the Booker T. Washington Initiative at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, drove home the urgency of literacy. He reminded parents that they are not bystanders but key partners in education. His message was clear: read with your children, ask questions to check understanding, and stay connected with teachers.
George Edwards, who serves on the HCRP Military Partnership Committee, and his wife, DeBra, a member of the Outreach and Engagement Committee, were proud to stand with Dr. Johnson in amplifying this message. They stressed that schools cannot do this work alone, and parents must engage early and consistently. George spoke about accountability, and underscored that reading must remain at the heart of any education reform conversation.
The event was a meaningful reminder that real progress comes when families and schools work hand-in-hand. At the center of it all is reading, the most fundamental skill our children need to succeed.