Hamilton County Commissioners should do what’s right and vote to approve the HCDE proposed budget. A solid public education must be a high priority. Progress is being made as we elected new school board members who hired our highly qualified superintendent, Dr. Bryan Johnson. This team has operated with transparency and accountability and is implementing plans for change. For far too long, Hamilton County operated as one of the lowest performing school systems in Tennessee. How and why was this ever acceptable?
We must continue to move the needle so more of our students are prepared for college or a career, have great educators, access to essential mental health services, and additional resources to succeed.
A solid education is a foundation for great opportunities for all children. We must continue to invest in our future and continue becoming one of the best performing school districts in Tennessee. We need our commissioners’ leadership and insist they vote to fully fund Dr. Johnson’s proposed budget. Better results in education will be felt in the form of increased economic opportunity, decreased violence, and a more united community.
Arie Veltenaar, Mother of Two and Advocate for Better Education