[Home] [Headlines] [Latest Articles] [Latest Comments] [Post] [Sign-in] [Mail] [Setup] [Help]
Status: Not Logged In; Sign In
|
Dead Constitution See other Dead Constitution Articles Title: Parents, Educators Debate Bill on School Volunteering Parents, Educators Debate Bill on School Volunteering It's probably not uncommon for you to volunteer at your child's school every once in awhile - helping the teacher or bringing a snack. If it became a law, it could be far different process. Tamara Gordon is one of many moms who volunteer their time at Eakin Elementary. Caroline Shockley is another. "I know a lot of parents here at Eakin are involved 12 hours every month and it's the parents that benefit just as much as the children," said Shockley. Lawmakers John Ford and Lois DeBerry want to make it a law that parents of kindergarten through 4th graders spend at least 12 hours a year volunteering at their child's school. Fellow lawmakers applaud the intent, but doubt it'll work. "Well I think it's a great idea and Lois DeBerry is a great champion of children - always has been and always will be - but I've got some concerns on how we're going to implement the bill," said Representative Mike Turner of Nashville. Metro Schools spokesman Woody McMillin also worries about the cost and safety of the plan. "You don't want to turn people loose in schools without thorough background checks - FBI, TBI, local jurisdiction - and those all cost money. They cost us $25 per person to do those checks." But back at Eakin, Principal Roxie Ross loves to see the volunteers and says it may take a law to bring more in. "It causes us to feel like this is something I have to do, I need to do, and eventually it becomes something we say was a good thing. But who would have paid taxes if it wasn't mandated." Ross? past PTO President, Stephanie Dodson, disagrees. Dodson wants volunteers to join her but only if they want to, not if they?re forced. Everyone agrees more parents need to be involved, but question if they should be forced. The measure will be up for debate in the Calendar and Rules committee Tuesday morning. It could up for a house vote later in the week. If it is mandatory, it is NOT volunteer. In fact it would be involuntary servitude!
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
|
||
|
[Home]
[Headlines]
[Latest Articles]
[Latest Comments]
[Post]
[Sign-in]
[Mail]
[Setup]
[Help]
|
||