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Nashville Area Chamber, Stand for Children and IMF Launch Friends of Metro Schools
For Immediate Release
March 13, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - At a time when strong schools are more important than ever to the community's overall health and prosperity, Nashville's local school budget is becoming more difficult to adequately fund. The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Stand for Children and the Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship (IMF) have launched Friends of Metro Schools, an independent, grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring Metro Schools is a top budget priority for local and state elected officials.
"Over the last five years, we have seen important academic progress and an increase in our graduation rate. We have to continue investing in education," said Marc Hill, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce chief education officer.
Friends of Metro Schools officially launched March 13, with a kickoff event at Dan Mills Elementary School. The group is preparing for the introduction of Mayor Karl Dean's proposed 2008-2009 Metro budget on March 25. The proposed operating budget for Metro Schools adopted by the Board of Education on Feb. 26 will require an increase of $16 million to continue existing programs without cuts. The School Board has requested additional funds to improve student achievement to meet the school system's accountability demands under the No Child Left Behind law.
"Our local, state and federal elected officials need to hear from everyday citizens about the importance of education," said Francie Hunt, Nashville organizer of Stand for Children. "Friends of Metro Schools will help give parents, taxpayers and business owners the information they need to show their support for our schools."
Membership in Friends of Metro Schools is free and open to individuals and organizations who pledge to become involved by contacting their elected officials to speak out about the importance of public education. Friends of Metro Schools will provide members with e-mail updates as the local and state budget processes continue over the next several months, as well as the information they need to contact legislators, attend public hearings or write letters to the editor.
"Friends of Metro Schools will help give our schoolchildren a voice during budget time," said the Rev. Ed Thompson, IMF president. "Every child needs access to a good school that is adequately funded. Annual budget cuts are not an option when it comes to educating our children."
For more information about involvement in Friends of Metro Schools, visit www.stand.org/friendsofmetroschools.
The Nashville chapter of Stand for Children was founded in 2001. Part of a national organization focused on child advocacy, the Nashville chapter advocates for improvements to and funding for programs and services that give children a fair chance in life. For more information, visit www.stand.org.
The IMF is a faith-based organization of ministers and laity concerned with important community issues such as education and social justice.
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