Education, is Important? By how much?

If people keep saying how much education is important, why is it that I never see them working on getting a better educational system? Because of greed, and money. Is really what it all comes down to. In my opinion, It is worth it to us as a nation, and as a society to pay the extra taxes to help our present and future students get a good education. I know some may think I am slightly being hypocritical with this, but I am going to get me an education, there is no doubt about that. But what about those who can't afford it? Or what about those who just don't understand why school is important? Well for those who can't afford it, there are payment plans, or here's a brilliant idea, use the same taxes we are currently paying, to go to those students who actually need it! Not the roads, not the bridges, that are still working for us (such as the east bound I-80). I know it's small...and hard to do, but if there is still a chance to make it happen, WHY NOT?!?! In Brazil, school is free. College is free (tempting I know) and it's only the private school that isn't free. I mean, doesn't that help? Heck, I would love to go to a free school. I'm sure my parents would love it too, because I would GO! In Japan an average student's school day is the equivalent of our college school day, and you have to admit, those Japanese are Smart! They spend all day going to school, including their other extracurricular activities. Which makes me wonder, Why do we say education is so important if we're not pushing to prove it? I know i'm not in school, but I do know that many students aren't getting alot of attention they need. I know because I was one of those students. Yes, I am to blame for that too. But this is more of an issue. I know families like to keep their children active and into games and other extracurricular activities, it's needed socialy. But, how much time are we as a united front taking out of their time for these activities? And how much damage is it doing to their education? It's hard for a child to learn to balance so many items, why not take one off? Or why not have the schools integrate those activities into their schedules? Because at least then, the student would get credit for it. I just don't understand, so...any helpful information on this topic would be greatly recieved.