Living wage best way to improve learning

Editor, Index-Tribune:

If the vintners and growers in Sonoma County want to have a real impact on early academic achievement of county students in English and math, it won’t be accomplished through annual charity auctions despite the seeming generosity of such actions. It will be accomplished when the wine industry pays vineyard and winery workers a living wage, which is at minimum $15 an hour for a single person, and upgraded from there for workers married and with families.

According to the Employment Development Department, the median wage in 2012 for vineyard or winery workers was $10.90 an hour.

When low-income families are brought out of the poverty level, study after study shows that (on average) academic achievement of their children improves. There’s a direct correlation.

The single biggest contributing factor in low academic achievement is economically disadvantaged families. So, change that equation and math and English early learners (on average) will achieve greater success.

Will Shonbrun

Boyes Hot Springs