Signal should ask, What can we do?

I live in Hamilton County on Signal Mountain and have followed the school split proposal very closely. I applaud the effort and time SSVC members have spent on research, but in the end, just because something is viable doesn’t mean it’s better.

While I have many concerns regarding how the split affects my family, most vital is that our teachers have been largely ignored in this process. Parental involvement is key to educational success, but it is teachers who make our schools truly exceptional. Relying on an anonymous survey, where anyone could’ve said anything and checked the “teacher” box, is inadequate at best.

A handful of residents, no matter how well-intentioned, does not know what is “best” for our children’s education based upon whether something is possible. The success of districts two and three times the size of Signal Mountain doesn’t tell us what’s needed in our three schools.

Signal Mountain should not be throwing away its part in a larger community just because it can. Perhaps instead of talking about what HCDE should be doing for us, let’s ask what can we do for HCDE. And let’s start by including teachers in the conversation.

Renee Shoop Signal Mountain