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Public commenters urge Hamilton County commissioners to protect school services amid voucher and budget concerns
Summary
Two public speakers told commissioners they value recent outreach and urged the body to work with school officials to preserve services for students, especially special education, as state voucher proposals and budget pressures loom.
Two members of the public spoke to the Hamilton County Commission on March 25 about public education funding and services, asking commissioners to coordinate with the school board as the county faces possible budget pressures.
Jennifer Duvall, a Hixson High PTA board member, thanked Commissioner Smith for arranging a meeting for students who attended a "Storm the Hill" event and praised an open roundtable meeting the commission held earlier in the week. "The kids asked very thoughtful, in-depth, intelligent questions," she said, adding that the community appreciated the opportunity to hear discussion in an open setting.
Cathy Lennon, a volunteer with Public Schools Strong, urged commissioners to meet with school-board members and review budget priorities so district services and staff can be preserved. "I have a granddaughter ... she told me yesterday ... 'Caddy, I might not get to have her next year,' and that breaks my heart," Lennon said, referencing potential cuts to special-education tutoring if funding is reduced. She asked commissioners to consider local funding options and to engage before decisions are finalized in Nashville.
Why it matters: Speakers framed their remarks in the context of state-level voucher proposals and looming budget choices. They urged local officials to coordinate with school leaders to protect teachers, assistants and special-education services.
Next steps: Speakers requested continued dialogue between commissioners and the school board; commissioners acknowledged the comments, and several said they plan to remain engaged on education funding and local budgeting.
