A resolution requesting an explanation from the Metropolitan Board of Public Education and the Director of Schools as to why so many Metro teachers send their children to private schools.

WHEREAS, the Tennessean recently cited a report published by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, which stated that 28% of Metro teachers currently send their children to private schools; and

WHEREAS, this Thomas B. Fordham Institute study ranks Nashville 11th out of 50 top cities for the percentage of public school teachers who send their children to public schools; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council recently approved an operating budget in excess of $510 million for the Metropolitan Board of Public Education for fiscal year 2004-2005; and

WHEREAS, the Council is concerned about the message that the results of this study sends regarding the dissatisfaction of teachers with the Metropolitan Nashville public school system; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Board of Public Education provide an explanation regarding the high number of Metro teachers sending their children to private school.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting an explanation from the Metropolitan Board of Public Education and the Director of Schools as to why so many Metro teachers send their children to private schools.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Metropolitan Board of Public Education and to Director of Schools Dr. Pedro Garcia.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel, Parker Toler, Edward Whitmore