CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Some fourth-graders got a close-up look Monday at why it’s important for grownups to vote today.
North Lee Elementary School students met elected officials during a courthouse tour, and then they convened their own version of a Bradley County Commission meeting.
The children had done their homework.
One youngster had a question for Trustee Mike Smith.
“Where do you keep the money?”
“Do you guys get paid from the money from the taxes?” another child inquired of Dan Howell, executive assistant to County Mayor D. Gary Davis.
There were too many fourth-graders for one group. So while one group toured the courthouse and sat in on part of a court session, the second group convened its commission meeting. Then they switched.
They got some pointers from real Commissioners Lisa Stanbery, Connie Wilson, Ed Elkins, Jeff Yarber and Louie Fitzgerald.
Mrs. Wilson told the children it’s important that they all stay interested in their community and its elected officials. But she had a special comment for the girls.
Looking at all the commission nameplates, all but two being men, she said, “Ladies, help us out here.”
Mr. Elkins told the students to remember, when they get to be 18, to register to vote.
“I think I see some political talent here,” he said.
But it was the children in charge.
The issue they faced was whether or not public schools should require uniforms.
They wasted no time asking the difference between a dress code and uniforms. A dress code allows some variety and uniforms do not, they decided.
An argument for uniforms was that kids won’t spend so much time deciding what to wear and get more time to eat breakfast. An opposing argument was that kids should have some self-expression regarding how they dress.
The children eagerly raised their hands for a chance to come to the microphone and state their own opinions.
The outcome was just as difficult for the kids as it often is for grownup school board or commission members. It was a 4-4 tie in the first group. The second group voted 7-5 against uniforms.
Hannah Grace Moore was chairwoman for the second group.
“It was a lot of fun,” she said. “I’m glad they actually discussed matters that citizens have, and they consult the citizens, too.”
Was it hard to keep order during the meeting?
“Not exactly,” she said. “But sometimes.”