THE STORY SO FARHamilton County Schools administrators have created a rezoning plan for schools on the east side of the county. Plans call for moving several hundred students from East Hamilton Middle/High School to Hunter Middle, Ooltewah Middle and Ooltewah High. About 10 elementary schools are also proposed to be rezoned as the system tries to alleviate overcrowding and prepares to build two new area elementary schools.WHAT THEY’RE SAYINGParents working against the rezoning proposal are organizing online through the Facebook group, “Citizens Against East Hamilton/Ooltewah Rezoning.” At least link here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373350002689294/
SIGNS OF THE TIMESSlogans from signs carried by parents and students on Tuesday included:• Do you hear us now Rick?• You are punishing me.• We aren’t a number. We have a voice.• Board members speak up. Vote no.• Rezoning is not fair.
A crowd of angry parents came looking for Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith to provide documents and answers — anything that could tell them why their children may have to be forced to change schools.
But the 40 or so parents who marched into the Hamilton County Department of Education on Tuesday with protest signs in hand didn’t make it past the front desk. After the groups asked for Smith, a receptionist rose to her feet and stayed on the phone for several minutes, though no one ever addressed the parents.
“I think this displays exactly what we’ve been saying. It’s callous behavior,” said parent Ryan Ledford, who led the group.