Usually, where there is smoke, there is fire. Two things, caught my eye this week about Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). That is particularly true when the smoke increasingly looks like a dumpster fire.
First, after 3 former MNPS educators came forward, it looks like the Tennessee Department of Education’s civil rights division will investigate Stratford High School and the district’s actions between 2022 and the end of last school year.
While the focus at this point seems to be on one single high school, it is unlikely that the same or similar misconduct is not happening in other schools based upon the track record of leadership at MNPS.
Second, it looks like Metro Schools may get a forensic audit by the state.
IF, those are federal dollars involved, the word is the USDOE may also want a word with the school system. As JC Bowman recently wrote: “Every dollar diverted, wasted, or left undocumented weakens public confidence and takes resources away from classrooms.” It could be an interesting next several months, especially if scrutiny over MNPS moves from state to federal review.
School systems across Tennessee are facing big challenges.
And with the expiration of some of the hold harmless provisions promising that school systems would not lose funding if students receiving vouchers leads to enrollment declining expiring after this year, financial pressures will likely increase. Meanwhile, promises to further expand the number of students receiving vouchers will cost taxpayers more and more money. Where will it come from?
Lottery funds for college Hope scholarships are coming up short, raising questions about the viability of that formula moving forward.
Tuition at Tennessee colleges and universities continues to rise, widening the gap between costs and available scholarships.
In the midst of a race for governor and a new Administration taking office in January, these issues should be a primary topic of political debate and an intense focus on ideas for effectively dealing with the challenges and opportunities we face. Yet there seems to be no serious debate or discussion about Tennessee’s education priorities or solutions.
Political blather and innocuous talking points won’t improve our schools, attract and keep good teachers, produce a workforce up to the changing environment that graduates (if the graduate) will face in the years ahead, or address the looming financial crisis that is likely unless tough choices are made immediately.
Tennessee voters should expect more from candidates at every level in the weeks ahead. Tennessee voters should DEMAND more from those seeking our votes in the weeks leading up to November 3.
