Tell the Knox County Board of Education to Stand Up for Our Kids
The future of our public schools and their ability to educate all children is at stake in the face of TN House Bill 793 and bills like it. We are calling on our Knox County Board of Education to embrace the opportunity to be on the right side of history and pass a legislative priority affirming that public schools exist to provide a free education to ALL children and urging that state policy support this foundational principle, because discrimination against ANY child is unacceptable. Because discrimination against ANY child is unacceptable.
Where We Stand Now:
At the November 3 KCS Board work session, Board members tentatively agreed to make this issue a legislative priority. They will continue that discussion on Monday, December 1, at their work session, and hopefully be prepared to vote at the Thursday, December 4 regular session. Community members are invited to attend both meetings, participate in a pre-meeting actions (see below), sign up to speak during each public forum, and hold a sign to support families and individuals who choose to tell their stories.
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What You Can Do:
1. Call and email your Board member to communicate your support and encouragement for them to VOTE YES ON DEC. 4 to pass a legislative priority affirming that public schools exist to provide a free education to ALL children and urging that state policy support this foundational principle, because discrimination against ANY child is unacceptable. You can look up who your Board member is by entering your address here, and find their contact information here. Find a sample script and email here. See a status update memo on the bill, our FAQ, and talking points.
2. Attend the Board Meetings (and pre-meeting actions) on December 1 and December 4.
Thursday, December 4
Hear from organizational representatives on why we are working together to protect every child’s right to education and dignity. We will meet at the corner of Walnut St & Wall Ave in downtown Knoxville. This is across the street from the entrance to the Board meeting space. Public parking is available in the Market Square Garage for $1/hr.
Press Conference
Thursday, Dec. 4 at 4pm
Corner of Walnut St. and Wall Ave. in Downtown
We must have a presence! Please plan to attend with a sign (no larger than 8.5" x 11") and/or to speak during the public forum. The deadline to sign up to speak is 4 pm on Wednesday, 12/3. Unlike Monday's session, the Public Forum will happen prior to the agenda item ("Legislative Priorities"). Sign up by emailing board.office@knoxschools.org. You can also register in person before the meeting starts, but we strongly recommend signing up in advance. Information required for registration will include name, phone/email, county of residence, and topic [say "legislative priorities"]. ​The public form policy is here. Here are some tips to help you prepare a comment. The public forum is usually at the end of the meeting. Each speaker has three minutes.
Board Meeting General Meeting
Thursday, Dec. 4 at 5pm
KCS Boardroom in the Summer Place Building
500 W. Summit Hill Drive
Thank you to everyone who came out for our Community Vigil and the School Board Work Session on Monday.
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Over 20 people—parents, teachers, current and former students, community members, and more—addressed the Board directly urging them to pass a legislative priority affirming that public schools exist to provide a free education to ALL children and urges that state policy support this foundational principle, because discrimination against ANY child is unacceptable.
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The Vigil and Board Meeting were covered by local press including WBIR, WATE, the Knoxville News Sentinel, and Compass Knox.