Red Bank is joining Signal Mountain in investigating the feasibility of breaking away from the Hamilton County school system. At the city's Feb. 7 commission meeting, Red Bank became the second municipality in the county to form a committee tasked with exploring the possibility of operating a municipal school district.
"It doesn't hurt to look at it," said Red Bank Mayor John Roberts.
Each Red Bank commissioner appointed someone to serve on the five-member Red Bank School Advisory Committee, which could be anyone with a connection to the community - though not necessarily a Red Bank citizen or property owner - with an interest in and knowledge about the education business.
"It's not like we are going out here to Memphis to find somebody," Roberts said, adding that the members of the committee are all well-known and respected in Red Bank.
The commissioners agreed that a diversity of perspectives and experiences is represented on the committee, noting that the group can consult with advisers and ask experts for help as it looks into the feasibility of creating a separate school system.
Commissioners decided to give the committee, all volunteers, a budget of $5,000 for what they anticipate to be a year of research. The funds would cover all the group's expenses, such as office supplies and the hiring of expert consultants.
Commissioner Carol Rose said she'd like expectations for the committee to be clearly defined, and would like members to submit a formal report every quarter and upon request by the city manager.
All of the members are invited to the commission's March 7 work session to discuss the committee's objectives, and what and how often it will need to report to the commission, said Roberts.
No one at the Feb. 7 commission meeting voiced opposition to establishing the committee.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.
Email Kendi Rainwater at krainwater@timesfreepress.com.