The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors on March 12 criticized the proposal to rezone the schools in eastern Hamilton County and Ooltewah. In an open letter to the elected leaders of Hamilton County, the association expressed concern about Superintendant of Schools Rick Smith’s proposition, saying, “It appears to have been hastily prepared without public input and, most importantly, lacks a long term plan to address the expected school growth in that area of the county.”
The letter said that without a long-term solution, overcrowding would plague these schools.
The Association also said in the letter that many real estate clients first select specific schools for their children, and then look at the neighborhoods zoned to these schools when purchasing a home.
“Forcing a parent to change schools, or split their children between schools, is difficult, disruptive and emotional. These types of decisions by elected officials should not be made lightly but rather be a deliberate, open, transparent process that involves the community and looks at all options before the difficult decision is made to move students to a new school,” the letter said.
In addition, the Association expressed concern that arbitrary rezoning, for which it says Superintendent Smith’s proposal calls, is detrimental to property values and community morale, and could easily dissuade businesses from expanding in or relocating to Hamilton County.
“However, a well thought-out plan with community involvement that improves our schools would likely have significant community support and help us to continue to recruit more businesses to our area,” the letter said.
In the latter, the Association called on School Board members to vote against Superintendent Smith’s proposal if it is brought to a vote, and urged them to “take a step back, study the problem, work with the community and craft a long term solution that provides the children of our county with the best possible education.”
“Further, we call on the School Board, the County Commission and all elected officials to put political agendas aside and work together for the good of our schools. This is not a time for finger pointing, but a time ... [when] we can all come together with a common goal. With great schools, our county can continue to grow while our children learn in a positive environment.”
School Board member Rhonda Thurman said a committee of parents and school administrators will be looking at and discussing the proposal. A member of Superintendent Smith’s staff said the Board could vote on the proposal by the end of the month.