On Thursday, Sept. 7, Hamilton County officials are holding a community forum to discuss the proposed separation of Signal Mountain's schools from the Hamilton County Department of Education.
Panelists for the question-and-answer session include Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger; Bryan Johnson, the newly appointed superintendent of Hamilton County Schools; county school board member Kathy Lennon, who represents Signal Mountain; Scott Bennett, attorney for the Hamilton County Board of Education; and County Attorney Rheubin Taylor.
Coppinger said the meeting is an attempt to share facts regarding the impact a split from county schools could have on the residents and students of Signal Mountain.
"This is the one chance for there to be a public forum," said Michael McCamish, spokesperson for Stay With HCDE, a group of local residents opposed to leaving county schools. McCamish urged everyone to attend, whether they be residents of Signal Mountain, Walden, the unincorporated area of Hamilton County or Sequatchie County.
The meeting is being held at Signal Mountain Middle/High School beginning at 6:30 p.m. Questions can be submitted ahead of time to questionsforhc@gmail.com.