Likely voters listed education as the most important candidate quality in a recent independent poll of the Nashville mayor’s race, but the candidates themselves have not faced many questions about the topic in recent televised debates.
Candidates fielded just one education question in last month’s WKRN sponsored debate and no questions at all in the recent debate organized by Belmont University, American Baptist College, The Tennessean, and News Channel 5.
The Tennessee Firefly analyzed candidate websites, interviews, and campaign communications to get a better idea of where the leading candidates stand on education, and we found more similarities than differences.
Improved Funding:
One key area of agreement for candidates is that Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) needs more funding and improved pay for teachers.
Affordable housing and economic development leader Matt Wiltshire lists increasing school funding as a priority in his campaign. Wiltshire is himself a former MNPS student with kids who attend schools in the district, and he wants to create innovative approaches so that each child can reach their potential.
“In America we believe in equality of opportunity. The key to each person in our community having an equal shot at the American dream is having high-quality schools,” wrote Wiltshire on his website.
Business leader Jim Gingrich says he plans to take education funding further by folding it into a larger plan to address the needs of ignored communities.
“Every family deserves to live in a neighborhood where they feel safe in a home they can afford, and every child deserves the support, education, and foundation so they can build a better future. Unfortunately, though, this is not the reality in Nashville today,” Gingrich told The Tennessean.
Property Assessor and former Metro Council member Vivian Wilhoite says fully funding education is one of her priorities. She told the Nashville Scene in an interview that she intends to make that happen by working with MNPS Director of Schools Adrienne Battle to provide the needs of the system and work with staff, teachers, parents, and members of the edge of the educational system.
“I mean, you could have a PTO meeting with the mayor. Why not? Why can’t you hear from the parents? It doesn’t mean you can get everything done. But working with the superintendent of schools, because they know the needs, but also working with parents and working with teachers and staff to hear them directly,” said Wilhoite to Nashville Scene.
Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) says her primary goal with education is to secure complete funding for schools to give students a high-quality education regardless of their economic status or where they are from.
“As mayor, I will be a champion for public schools and will treat our educators and school staff like the true professionals they are. Many of our teachers are underpaid, overworked heroes who sacrifice each day to provide our kids with the education and life skills they need to thrive. As a senator, I have championed efforts to improve teacher pay, and to increase the number of reading interventionists, counselors, and school nurses across the state,” said Campbell on her website.
As a State Senator, Cambell joined fellow mayoral candidate Senator Jeff Yarbro in voting against legislation to raise teacher salaries this year. That vote followed outcry over a provision in the legislation that prohibits school districts from deducting union dues from teacher paychecks.
Literacy Programs and Supports:
Literacy and supporting teachers and students are also educational themes for multiple candidates.
Metro Council Member Sharon Hurt centers her priorities for education around supporting students by supporting the teachers with workforce housing so they can live in the neighborhoods where they work and have more freedom to teach. Hurt also proposes creating literacy initiatives for first-graders, bringing back apprenticeships and vocational programs, providing accessibility for non-English speaking households, and supplying mental health professionals for students and teachers.
“Sharon understands how public schools are at the forefront of every parent’s mind but has not been at the forefront of past administration’s priorities,” said Hurt’s campaign on her website.
Former Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Assistant Commissioner and public-school teacher Alice Rolli also wants to improve first-grade literacy so that students can succeed.
“I’m running because mothers tell me they’re worried that only a quarter of our children read on grade level,” said Rolli during a Mayoral debate.
Metro Council member Freddie O’Connell says Nashville not only needs to ensure its teachers remain the best paid in state, but the district also needs to provide assistance beyond the classroom. O’Connell is proposing expanding support for children outside of their school to improve performance and reduce stress.
“But even with the best teachers, young people need support outside of school. We need to continue driving down and addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on a citywide basis and pick back up where we left off with the Opportunity NOW initiative to provide jobs, paid internships, and a pathway to success for our youth,” wrote O’Connell on his site.
Senator Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) proposed multiple pieces of education legislation this year including a failed bill to ensure fewer students are retained under the Third-Grade Retention Law. Senator Yarbro is proposing implementing a pre-school to post-secondary education strategy if elected mayor.
“But a mayor must realize learning doesn’t begin when students begin kindergarten and success is not achieved when students graduate from high school. Over 80% of brain development occurs before children enter school, and the mayor should coordinate public sector, private sector, and nonprofit efforts to ensure kids are ready to learn when they start school,” said Senator Yarbro in an interview with the Tennessean.
Early voting in the mayor’s race begins next month.
