Backpack Full of Cash is a film exploring the cost of privatizing America's schools.

Event is free of charge.

Reservations:  reservations [at] lwvlee.org or call 239-278-1032

Eventbrite:  https://backpack-screening-lwv.eventbrite.com

 The public is invited to view Backpack Full of Cash, a film exploring the real cost of privatizing America’s schools, narrated by Matt Damon.  A discussion of public education in Lee County will follow the screening.

This educational event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lee County in partnership with Ft. Myers/Lee County American Association of University Women (AAUW), Lee County National Organization for Women (NOW), the Teachers Association of Lee County, and Voices for Public Education (VPE).  The League of Women Voters of Lee County and its partners support adequate funding for public education in Lee County.

Education is a ​crucial ​topic.  The documentary film, ​BACKPACK FULL OF CASH​, narrated by Academy award-winning actor and activist Matt Damon, shows education privatization through the eyes of principals, teachers, activists, parents and students.  BACKPACK examines myths about privately-run charter and voucher schools and explores the evolving fight over public education, a cornerstone of American democracy. This ​highly acclaimed ​feature-length documentary follows the tumultuous 2013-14 academic year in cities throughout the United States where public schools serving many low-income children of color are starved of resources.

 “I got involved in​ BACKPACK FULL OF CASH because I believe that every kid should have access to great public schools,” said the film’s narrator Matt Damon, whose mother is an educator. “For years now, I’ve been concerned that education reform . . .applying business strategies like competition and consumer choice . . .is chipping away at public education.” 

 Backpack Full of Cash raises awareness and showcases a model for improvement in Union City, New Jersey, where investment in public schools gives poor kids a high-quality education.  More information about the film is available at​ www.BackpackFullofCash.com.

 LWVUS Position:  The League of Women Voters believes that the federal government shares with other levels of government the responsibility to provide an equitable, quality public education for all children Pre-K through Grade 12. A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right.. . .  the League supports equity in public education for all through accountability, adequate funding, standards; and adequate support for mandates.