Reporter’s Note
Do you plan on attending the Teacher Town Hall on Sunday, Nov. 17? Why or why not? The Times Free Press would like to hear from you. Email your thoughts on the town hall to mmangrum@timesfreepress.com. We’ll see you there!
– Meghan
THIS WEEK IN EDUCATION NEWS
Tensions are high between teachers and some elected officials in Hamilton County.
Last week, more than a hundred teachers invited Hamilton County commissioners and school board members to a town hall to be moderated by WRCB-TV Channel 3’s David Carroll on Nov. 17.
Teachers put together the town hall after sending an open letter to five members of the commission they say have consistently voted against increased funding for public education and teacher pay.
Commissioner Sabrena Smedley, of District 7, responded to that open letter, encouraging the teachers behind the letter to meet with her and other commissioners.
Yet, at last week’s commission meeting, some commissioners called the town hall “inappropriate” and said they would not attend. At this point, it is unclear how many of the 18 commissioners and school board members will attend this weekend’s town hall, but the number of people in support of increasing teacher pay seems to grow, with signatures on the open letter now numbering more than 1,000.
This week, Hamilton County and the United States are celebrating those who have served our country. Check out the Times Free Press’ annual project, 21-Veteran Salute, which honors 21 veterans including a Chattanooga State Community College professor and an employee of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.