Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill that would establish a grant program for full-service community schools within existing public schools passed in the House K-12 Subcommittee on Tuesday.
Representatives Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61)and William Slater (R-Gallatin-District 35) voted against the proposal making the final vote six to two.
Sponsored by Representative Kirk Haston (R-Lobelville-District 72), House Bill 0225 (HB0225) would repeal the 2021 Tennessee Community Schools Act and enact the Tennessee Full Service Community Schools Act in its place.
There are 158 community schools currently in operation under the 2021 law. These schools are overseen by the State Office of Research and Education Accountability (OREA). Haston’s proposed legislation would remove this oversight. Instead, the University of Tennessee would be responsible for overseeing the grant program.
A full-service community school provides coordinated academic, health, and other support services to both students and families during school hours and also outside of regular hours.
Haston cited research during the subcommittee meeting, saying that a community school with these wraparound services increases test scores, lowers the rate of school discipline and reduces absenteeism.
The legislation would require local education agencies (LEAs) to conduct a study of their district and community to assess needs and assets before applying for the grant, which would be voluntary for each LEA.
An action plan would have to be developed by each district, and they would enter into a memorandum of understanding with community providers who would offer the various services. This could include programs for early education, additional academic opportunities, as well as health, nutrition, social, and mental health support.
Co-chair of the Tennessee Community Schools Network Caitlyn Stewart gave lawmakers the example of a school-based health clinic as an example of such programs, calling it a “one stop shop” on school grounds.
Bulso made a point to say that Tennesseans in his district were opposed to the bill as they have concerns with the public school system going way beyond its usual parameters.
The Brentwood Republican also questioned the University of Tennessee being put in charge of the grant process, saying that institutions of higher education tend to be “left leaning.”
“Does this give higher education the ability to start influencing developmental, family, health, and other comprehensive matters that pertain to K-12 education?” asked Bulso.
Government Relations Coordinator for the Tennessee Education Commission Drew Sutton refuted Bulso’s concern and said that the university’s role would be “very narrow” as they would function solely as administrator and evaluator, and not be involved with any services.
TN Liberty Network has been warning conservatives about the threat to parental authority in conjunction with community schools for the last few years. In a White Paper that was published, the group shows how the billions of dollars from former President Joe Biden’s ARP Act was given to states for public schools to implement mitigation strategies during the pandemic. School-based health clinics began popping up around the country by the summer of 2021.
“If you prefer to maintain parental authority over your children regarding physical and mental health, immunizations, medical records, counseling services, family matters, and child development, YOU BETTER WAKE UP!” said a group spokesperson.
Contact information for members on the House Education Committee can be found below.
Rep.mark.white@capitol.tn.gov, rep.kevin.raper@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jody.barrett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.charlie.baum@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov, rep.scott.cepicky@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ronnie.glynn@capitol.tn.gov, rep.yusuf.hakeem@capitol.tn.gov, rep.kirk.haston@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov, rep.chris.hurt@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov, rep.renea.jones@capitol.tn.gov, rep.aron.maberry@capitol.tn.gov, rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jay.reedy@capitol.tn.gov, rep.lee.reeves@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tim.rudd@capitol.tn.gov, rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov, rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
