CLEVELAND, Tenn. — The secrecy surrounding a private meeting involving Gov. Bill Haslam, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman and educators from five area school systems has come under scrutiny by members of the Bradley County Board of Education.
On Monday evening, Bradley County school board members were informed by email that the school administration office had hosted the meeting at Haslam's request. The email said the governor required that board members and media not be advised of the event.
That's not sitting well with some board members.
“It’s unfortunate that the governor’s office chose not to include the people elected by the citizens of Bradley County to represent them regarding our education system,” said Vicky Beaty, chairwoman of the county school board.
Johnny McDaniel, director of Bradley County Schools, said the discussion involved the experiences of teachers and administrators with the implementation of Common Core standards.
“There was no present agenda,” said McDaniel, describing the event as an open dialogue with representatives from Bradley, Cleveland, Hamilton, Meigs and Rhea school systems. Let me translate for you: No PRESENT Agenda meaning ...how the He$$ would I know PRESENT agenda??? What could that possible mean??? I looked up the official definition and I came up with nothing??? If you know, then shoot me an email. Now the event was described as an "open dialogue with representatives from Bradley, Cleveland, Hamilton, Meigs and Rhea school systems." well that's easy... it's an "open dialogue" between government officials. You peasants need not worry yourself with the petty details. Unfortunately for us...the DEVIL is in the details.
Haslam’s office has not confirmed what was discussed at the meeting and only stated that he is meeting with teachers and principals across the state as a continuation of discussions held last year with school superintendents. Probably NOTHING to do with the delayed TCAP scores or the mess that is Common Core or the dissatisfaction from EVERYWHERE with Keith Huffman.
According to an email from the Bradley County school system, the meeting was one of 12 the governor will hold across the state.
Ever heard of the SUNSHINE LAW King Haslam? I love me some sunshine, it's a pretty good disinfectant...