Whitehaven community demands promised STEM building funding

During a recent Shelby County Commission meeting, community members and officials gathered to advocate for the funding of a long-promised STEM building at Whitehaven High School. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for educational resources in the area, with speakers emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education for local students.

Cynthia Cross Green, a teacher at Whitehaven High School, expressed gratitude for the support received thus far but urged the commission to take decisive action. She highlighted the achievements of former students and the potential impact of the new STEM facility on future generations. Dr. Joseph B. Kyles, another speaker, echoed these sentiments, thanking the commission for previous appropriations while stressing the necessity of the additional $2.3 million needed to complete the project.

The meeting saw a strong show of support from community members, who voiced their frustrations over what they described as broken promises regarding funding. Tiara Jones, another advocate, passionately called for the commission to fulfill its commitments, arguing that if resources can be allocated for commercial ventures, they should also be directed toward educational infrastructure.

Commissioners engaged in a robust dialogue about the timeline for funding and project execution. Chairwoman Althea Green assured attendees that steps would be taken to expedite the process, with a committee meeting scheduled to discuss the matter further. The commission is set to reconvene on August 20 to finalize decisions regarding the funding.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by Commissioner Edmund Ford, who emphasized the need for accountability and swift action from the school board to ensure that the promised funds are allocated appropriately. He proposed deferring the decision until the next meeting to allow the school board to demonstrate its commitment to the project.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commission to prioritize the funding for the STEM building, reflecting the community's strong advocacy for educational advancement in Whitehaven. The outcome of the upcoming meetings will be crucial in determining the future of the STEM initiative and its potential benefits for local students.