So, I'm reading the Tennessee Journal and I'm noting the squabbling among Republicans b/c Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam is talking about the sorry state of Tennessee's education system. Haslam has some ideas: maintain the high standards set by Governor Bredesen, increase autonomy and accountability for principals, improve professional development. These are the basics, anyway. Plus, he plans to talk about public schools -- A LOT. And just focusing attention on Tennessee schools is very worthwhile.
So, Bill Gibbons and Zach Wamp are attacking Haslam, nit-picking at his remarks.
That's nice -- and here's the thing? Where are the Democrats? What will Ward Cammack do to improve Tennessee schools? What about Mike McWherter -- his dad was an education reformer of sorts. What does the legislative record show about Senator Roy Herron or Senator Jim Kyle? Have they shown independence, or allegiance to the entrenched special interests that have prevented real reform?
Kim McMillan? Where are you on schools? Charter Schools? performance pay? new teacher mentoring (with a responsible way to pay for it)?
So far, Bill Haslam is out in front on the one issue that is most important to our state's future.
Still waiting for the Democrats to catch up.
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