Now is the time to make your voice heard on Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools.

The school district is asking parents, students and staff to share their thoughts on individual schools this month via a survey. K12 Insight, an independent research and communication firm, will conduct the survey. It’s the same firm that worked with the district last year on the survey used to gauge opinions on student reassignment.

Talk with any parent or grandparent long enough, and you’ll hear the good and the bad about local schools, bus routes, extracurricular activities and all the other things that our tax dollars help fund.

That isn’t a bad thing. A sound education is the bedrock of a community’s future, in the development of both the economy and knowledge in general. Local schools must do a good job preparing students for the future to ensure everyone prospers.

That’s why this year will focus so much on education. From the governor’s office to the local school board, leaders at every level of education will be taking a long look at spending, results and community involvement.

This survey is a good way for residents to join the discussion. School officials have launched a site-level climate survey to gauge public feedback on academic preparation, student support, parent engagement and accessibility of school leaders.

The surveys on individual schools will be available until Friday. Later this spring, a survey will be done on the district as a whole.

Parents and teachers who have provided the school district with an email address should already have an invitation to participate.

Those who want to reach the survey online can click on the “Your Voice Counts” link on the district’s homepage at www.nrms.k12.nc.us. Parents also can call 252-459-5220 to request a paper survey to fill out.

School officials told Telegram writer Jim Holt the results will be shared with the public along with an outline of any changes that result from the survey.

So take the time now to make sure your voice is heard.