Apathy setting in on suburban schools vote

Do-over not getting as much buzz, suburban mayors say

The suburban buzz for school referendums — now less than a month away — is far from the frenzied levels seen last year during the original vote on municipal schools.

Some observers argue that the vibe has diminished, while others say ap- athy has set in because the initiatives for local school districts passed easily last summer. Then there is the reduced amount of publicity because other education matters and government budgets are taking precedent on a daily basis.

“I think there is so much going on that I am a little concerned that folks aren’t as aware that there is going to be a vote next month,” said Mick Wright, one of the leaders of the citizens grass-roots group Better Bartlett Schools. “... I have run into folks who support Bartlett schools and don’t know.”

Voters in the six suburbs go to the polls July 16 to vote again on separate referendums regarding establishment of municipal schools in each jurisdiction. A similar referendum passed easily in the cities last August, leading to the election of individual school boards in November. However, the votes were voided when U. S. Dist. Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays ruled that legislation allowing the referendums and school board votes was unconstitutional because it applied solely to Shelby County. New legislation passed in April had more statewide application, leading to another pursuit of the schools referendum.

But the atmosphere is not the same this time, so far. There are again campaign yard signs support- ing the schools, but not as many. Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald said people still talk of supporting the schools, but even supporters say that it just doesn’t seem like the focus has reached the same point.

“It might be different; I think that would be the word I would use,” the Bartlett mayor said of the atmosphere. “I don’t think it’s less. ... Last time, (municipal schools opponents) were fighting us with negative ads and articles. The naysayers are not pushing it. In a way, it’s almost better when they do because people get ready to fight and get out there. When the other side’s quiet, our folks are quieter, but I think there is still a resolve to see it through.”

Several suburban leaders said they fully expect the schools referendums to pass easily, but that confidence is also contributing to apathy. Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman senses people “a little more complacent this year. Like everything is already done.”