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Community shares input on improving public education in Chattanooga area

Ric Morris, center, talks with Emily O'Donnell on Monday at the Chattanooga 2.0 open house event held at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Morris is a 1980 Howard High School graduate, and received a Masters from Yale University. O'Donnell is vice president of external relations for the Public Education Foundation.
Ric Morris, center, talks with Emily O'Donnell on Monday at the Chattanooga 2.0 open house event held at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Morris is a 1980 Howard High School graduate, and received a Masters from Yale University. O'Donnell is vice president of external relations for the Public Education Foundation. Ric Morris, center, talks with Emily O'Donnell on Monday at the Chattanooga 2.0 open house event held at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Morris is a 1980 Howard High School graduate, and received a Masters from Yale University. O'Donnell is vice president of external relations for the Public Education Foundation.

By Kendi A. Rainwater 3 min read

Patricia Russell was eager to brainstorm about improving Hamilton County’s schools with members of the community.

Russell is one of several hundred people to attend Chattanooga 2.0’s first community forum Monday night held at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, and talk about ways the public can be involved in the initiative’s work to improve public education and the county’s workforce development.

“I think it’s powerful that people are asking the community how we can improve schools,” said Russell, a school counselor at Bess T. Shepherd and Harrison Elementary. “I think if this is going to work, we need both educators and community leaders involved.”

Jared Bigham, director of Chattanooga 2.0, agreed, saying accomplishing the lofty goals of Chattanooga 2.0 is a county-wide effort and needs to include all stakeholders.

He said Monday’s meeting was the first of many to come, adding how he plans to take the opportunity to provide feedback to people living in all parts of the county, and not just those downtown.