posted August 10, 2008
I was looking at the result of the recent election, so well posted on Chattanoogan.com. I want to give a sincere atta-boy for such great reporting. Breaking the results down in the Baker vs. Dumas contest spoke volumes.
Mr. Baker received his largest margin of victory on Lookout Mountain. Evidently that was where the money came from. They don't even have a school on Lookout as far as I know.
The Soccer Moms from Signal and Lookout worked their magic as usual.
Signal Mountain is a special case. For the unknowing, they look at the new middle school and high school as a result of their school board's caring for them and the children. Well, let me enlighten those of you who are the "Ditch People" as another writer put it.
Yes, Signal Mountain had asked for a high school for years, which made sense. A genuine much-needed asset. A group of residents with deep pockets had a different vision. Let's take our money, pool it, sell classrooms, sell everything you can name.
But the underbelly of the story is, if we pump enough money in, we can fashion these schools in our own image. A place of learning, with the trappings of a private school. The best of everything. And the real truth is, when you hear unprotected conversations while roaming the isles of Pruett's Grocery, "We are making it 'our' school".
They think because they funnel money in, they have the right to call it their school. No busing for Signal Mount, those people can't attend. This is the truth. I have heard it with my own ears. All anybody as to do is visit signalmountainhighschool.com
and click on founders fund and other links. Foundersfund.org is another winner. It tells the real story, but don't forget your checkbook. There are many ways to spend your money.
Here is the point: Like Rhonda Thurman said, maybe we ought to sell urinals, one for members of the founders fund, at least twice a day, while relieving themselves, students would thank them for a great bathroom.
It is embarrassing to think public schools allow parents to indulge their precious kids with rooms named after mommy and daddy.
I congratulate Joe Dumas, Gregg Juster, Rhonda Thurman and all the rest who believe a public school doesn't work this way. I am retired and disabled with MS, but I will get on my cane and help Rhonda all I can. Being retired, I have nothing else to do. SMMHS is going to receive all my undivided attention.
All this money would have done wonders for the system.
Let's rock.
Mitchell Thurmer
Signal Mountain
* * *
Mr. Thurmer's message seems to be: "How dare you care about your child's education." My message to those who are giving is: "Thank you."
I am grateful because, while I do live on the mountain, I can't afford to send my children to private school or pay incredible amounts of money to ensure that my kids have the best that they can have. I have chosen to live in a community that cares about itself enough to raise up the next generation to be well educated.
Would the parents of children in other areas of town be chastised for giving to their children's school so that their kids could learn in a better environment? I think not.
And let’s not forget that everyone on the mountain is not wealthy. I live in the unincorporated (at least until it's annexed) area of the mountain and every day I pass run down trailers and shacks while on my way home. Remember that those unfortunate children will also benefit from the outstanding generosity of the blessed few.
If some people want to believe that it's "their school," let them live in their world. At least there are benefits to them believing that. Their generosity also benefits the children who aren't going to the Signal Mountain Schools. It allows the school board to continue to fund the needs of other schools in the district while not having to absorb all of the usual start-up costs involved with a new school.
Mr. Thurmer says that since he is retired and "has nothing else to do," he will make sure that SMMHS will receive all his "undivided attention." Imagine what all that attention would do if it were used for something positive rather than useless criticism.
Zac McCullough
Signal Mountain
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