While it’s true that many of the decisions about Chattanooga’s public schools are controlled by the state and the county, the city also has a vital role to play in making sure kids are ready for school, are safe after school, and have role models for staying in school.
At the City Council level, we can do a great deal to support public schools, as I know well from my previous terms in office. Educational priorities should include enhancing the Head Start program to serve more children, encouraging private businesses to adopt a school and be consistent in their support, and recruiting mentors from across the broad community spectrum, including houses of worship, business and government.
We can also encourage greater community support for the Food Bank, and expand free breakfast programs. No child who is hungry can learn.
With regard to after-school safety: We need better and increased lighting in the neighborhoods. We need neighborhood policing, so that children feel safe to play after school. We need increased recreational activities and more support for the programs that exist. And we need to find ways to encourage parents to be parents and be role models for their children.
District 9 includes some of the city schools that are most in need of working partnerships between all levels of government. I know these schools, and I will be a link that can help them change and flourish.
Yusuf Hakeem
City Council Candidate, District 9