UnifiEd has announced a series of “EdTalks” throughout the county on the topic of school funding and the school system’s budget request. EdTalks are small group discussions between community members focused on a topic related to public education in Hamilton County.

Facilitated by UnifiEd organizers, this series is meant to be an exchange of thoughts and perspectives about what’s important to the community regarding schools.

There are two types of EdTalks: “Coffee + Conversation” and “Beer + Babble.” All are welcome, and the first beverage is provided by UnifiEd. 

These meet-ups are scheduled throughout the county across a variety of days, times, and venues to give the greatest number of interested community members the opportunity to join these conversations. Additional EdTalks dates and venues will be announced throughout June. The full schedule and new date announcements can be found on UnifiEd’s website. 

Attendees can expect to learn more about school funding and the school budget process. A UnifiEd facilitator will share an overview of the school funding process, the decision makers, and the Department of Education’s proposed 2018 budget. They will also share action steps anyone can take to help ensure every student has the resources they need to be successful.

Currently Scheduled EdTalks 

Weds., May 24 8-9:00 a.m. Wired Coffee Bar 5707 Main St., Ooltewah, Coffee + Conversation

Weds., May 24 12-1:00 p.m. Wired Coffee Bar 5707 Main St., Ooltewah, Coffee + Conversation

Thurs., May 25 12-1:00 p.m. UnifiEd office 1609 McCallie Ave. Coffee + Conversation 

Thurs., May 25 6-7:00 p.m. Beast & Barrel 16 Frazier Ave. Beer + Babble 

Tues., May 30 1-2:00 p.m. Glass House Collective 2501 Glass St. Coffee + Conversation 

Tues., May 30 6-7:00 p.m. The Casual Pint 5550 Hwy. 153 Beer + Babble 

Weds., May 31 12-1:00 p.m. MayFly Coffee Shop 708 Mississippi Ave., Signal Mountain Coffee + Conversation 

Weds., May 31 6-7:00 p.m. El Metate 1238 Taft Hwy, Signal Mountain Beer + Babble 

Thurs., June 1 12-1:00 p.m. UnifiEd office 1609 McCallie Ave. Coffee + Conversation 

Thurs., June 1 6-7:00 p.m. Starbucks 2217 Hamilton Place Blvd. Coffee + Conversation

Fri., June 2 2-3:00 p.m. Cafe on the Corner 826 Scenic Hwy., Lookout Mountain, TN Coffee + Conversation 

Sat., June 3 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dunkin Donuts (Hwy. 58) 4535 TN-58 Coffee + Conversation 

Mon., June 5 12-1:00 p.m. Starbucks 5610 Brainerd Rd. Coffee + Conversation 

Thurs., June 8 12-1:00 p.m. UnifiEd office 1609 McCallie Ave. Coffee + Conversation

Fri., June 9 12-1:00 p.m. The Meeting House (Red Bank) 3912 Dayton Blvd. Coffee + Conversation

Mon., June 12 6-7:00 p.m. Mellow Mushroom Beer + Babble (Hamilton Place) 2318 Lifestyle Way

Tues., June 13 6-7:00 p.m. Heaven and Ale (Ooltewah) 9431 Bradmore Ln. Beer + Babble 

Weds., June 14 9-10:00 a.m. Cracker Barrel (Lookout Valley) 50 Birmingham Hwy. Coffee + Conversation

Weds., June 14 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mean Mug (Southside) 114 W Main St. Coffee + Conversation