As a teacher in the Hamilton County School system, I feel compelled to make a few comments, and hope that they may influence any undecided voters.
I live in Chip Baker's area and will absolutely not vote for him. My first reason is that he voted to fire the assistant principal at Brainerd. Only a teacher fully understands the out of control behaviors in our school. Our hands are tied. If we discipline, we are criticized and if we don't, we pay the priced in escaladed outbreaks of violence. If faced in dangerous situations, the police use mace. The same thing happened in a school, just simply a different setting. Ask yourself, how many of you would use mace in a violent situation?
My second reason for not voting for Chip Baker is because of his vote on the contract renewal. Why now? How about allowing the rest of us to form an opinion. I have only seen Dr. Scales in my school twice.
If everyone wants a changed school system, then please allow us to discipline. I am suggesting that Chip Baker spend three days substituting in an inner city school. Come on Chip, I double dog dare you.
Kelli Frazier