Signs line the street outside Rosebank Elementary which hosted a candidate forum.
Candidates in the race to unseat Metro Schools board chair are trying to clarify their positions on charters. The privately-run but publicly-financed schools have become something of a hot-button.
Responding to a question at a candidate forum Monday night, Gracie Porter – a retired teacher and principal – wanted to set the record straight.
“I’m not against charter schools, ladies and gentlemen, in spite of some of the propaganda that’s been there. I am for good charter schools, not bad charter schools.”
However, in recent weeks the board chair has also voted to reject an Arizona-based school from opening in Nashville. And now supporters of that charter are putting money behind Elissa Kim, one of three challengers. She’s an executive with Teach for America, which recruits top college students who didn’t major in education. She suggests the charter issue is overblown.
“All this discussion about charters is frankly distracting to me. I think it’s just like one piece of the whole pie. What we need to do is focus on what makes schools great and focus on what differentiates them.”
John Haubenreich – a young father and attorney – says he supports charters to a point, but not at the expense of what he calls “community schools.” Candidate Erica Lanier says she just wants to be sure everyone has the same shot at going to a charter.
Election Day is August 2nd. Early voting starts July 13th.
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