When any city, town or neighborhood loses its talent and tax base, it becomes a poverty area. Large urban areas have seen this deterioration over the decades. During integration we called it “white flight” and we saw it in Newark, New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Detroit.

In Richmond it is not white flight. The overwhelming majority of families — black or white — that have the financial ability to leave the city of Richmond, or to send their children to private school, leaves Richmond, if they have the means. When their children get to middle-school age, it is time to move to the counties, private school or a specialty school such as the Governor’s School, Open High or Community High, or home schooling if the family can.

If a family with the means to leave remains in the Richmond Public Schools system, they feel as though they are making a sacrifice.

What can keep these families and their tax dollars in the city? Good schools.

The Governor’s schools have shown that families will let their children be bused tens of miles for a good education.

For Richmond to maintain its vitality and growth, it must improve its schools. It is not just more money, but rethinking and restructuring.

What exactly needs to be done? I do not have the answer, but we must investigate other cities and create an education system wherein every child learns how to think, is safe, and develops hope that there is a chance of a better life and success if educated.

No one will move to Richmond or stay in Richmond and pay taxes because there is a new baseball stadium or the best international bike race. I doubt if anyone will move into the city because the Washington NFL team training field is here.

Millions of dollars are spent or contemplated for these indulgences — these fancy deck chairs on what could be a sinking ship. Richmond needs someone in government who will prioritize needs over wants and structure over fluff.

Please, someone with common sense, run for mayor and City Council. Please, someone recognize that children are the ultimate infrastructure of this nation, this state and this city. Please, someone think about the core needs of the city and not the accoutrements.

Every child going to jail, or prison or dropping out is a life that has been lessened in its potential to solve our problems, cure our illnesses, improve our lives or to be happy.

Every child, even the ones with their pants around their thighs, piercings, tattoos and even the rebel flag is a seed which, if properly nourished by our community, can grow into a healthy and productive contributor to the nation and city.

It is not about more money for teachers or buildings. It is about new ideas, visiting successful programs and city and school administrations that see and appreciate urban problems.

Our children need training and hope. Unfortunately, hopelessness is contagious. People without hope have hopeless children.

It is time to build a stronger infrastructure for the city and to stop rearranging the new, but very expensive, pillows. Sorry Washington and Flying Squirrels.

DAVID P. BAUGH

Richmond