Let's Discuss Education

  • Saturday, May 27, 2017
In recent days I have read attacks by Roy Exum against Education Commissioner Candice McQueen in the Chattanoogan.   Frankly, I am appalled with his words, and disappointed by his behavior.  

It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."  This would be an opportune time to talk less about the people and more about the issues. 

We live in a country where our current generation and our next generation believe that the best days of our country are behind us.
That impacts our society, and just as important it influences our communities and our schools. 


Growing up, Mr. Exum,  I had some very dedicated public servants that were committed to educate me to my fullest potential.  They encouraged me to pursue excellence and never stop learning.  I grew up poor, but I also grew up with a community that in Cleveland, Tn., placed a high value on public education. So, you can understand why public education is so important to me. 

Hamilton County has incredible educators, but the system has had tremendous issues.   I do not recall Mr. Exum challenging Harry Reynolds as he ran Chattanooga City Schools out of business, or questioning Jesse Register's suspect decisions.   I have seen him belittle School Board member Rhonda Thurman on occasion, and now he is going after Dr. McQueen.   I won't level the charge of sexism, but I will ask:  where was your voice when Kevin Huffman was Commissioner of Education?  

Commissioner McQueen's predecessor spent most of that $500 million from Race to the Top.  Interestingly, that wasn't even mentioned. In addition, the fact that these schools he says are improving have been in the lowest five percent for five years.

Mr.  Exum, let's acknowledge two facts:  1. Generations of children in inner-city Chattanooga have not received the quality of education they deserved, because of differing priorities of those who ran the school district. I would also argue the teachers have been as much a victim as the students in many cases. 2. The state would not even have been involved if the district had resolved the issue themselves.   

This is not the fault of the state, and certainly not the fault of the Commissioner of Education.   We can't keep passing the buck.  Can we all agree the children in the Brainerd area of Hamilton County are just as important as the children on Lookout Mountain?  

Sure the skin pigment is just a little darker, but all children should be celebrated and loved. And their education just as important.  No more excuses. 

Here is novel idea, let's all work together.  Advocacy through editorials has its place, but will not address the hard work needed to help the children in the community.   I am willing to roll up my sleeves and get to work to help restore hope and fan the flames of optimism for the next generation of children. I will work with those who want to see all children succeed in public schools, which is what I hope is what you want.

I will commit to work with whatever proposal the district or the state comes up with to help the community.  Will you?  Let's do something else, you and I should sit down with Commissioner McQueen before you hurl any more accusations at her and talk.   I often meet and discuss with her on issues of concern, and she is one of the most responsive public servants in the state.  I don't always agree with her, but I do discuss.  

Mr. Exum, I implore you to come down from the mountain. We understand that time is the most precious resource that we possess. Unfortunately, we spend our lives over-committed, stressed, rushed and keep our calendars too full. This in turn keeps us from being really invested in what matters most in life.  For me that is the education of children, and the incredible teachers that serve them.  

So, when can we meet?

JC Bowman, executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee
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