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Rep. Sherry Jones House Minority Whip____________________________________________________________________________________________________________26 Legislative Plaza ??Nashville TN 37243?? 615.741.2035IMMEDIATE RELEASEJONES DISAPPOINTED BY STATES DECISION TO WITHHOLD SCHOOL FUNDINGVows to fight for more local control next sessionNASHVILLE,TN?– State Representative Sherry Jones (D-Nashville) expressed regret today at the state’s decision to withhold $3,000,000 in Basic Education Program funds from the Metro Nashville Public School System.“I am extremely disappointed that Commissioner Kevin Huffman and his counterparts in the legislature have decided once again to meddle in local affairs—this time by ripping $3,000,000 in much needed funding from our schools,” said Jones. “At a time when we hear so much about ‘education reform’ and ‘local control’ from this administration, this unprecedented action would seem counterproductive.”The Tennessee Department of Education, headed by charter school advocate Kevin Huffman, announced this morning that it would withhold $3.4 million in BEP funding from Metro Nashville Public Schools. This comes just one week after MNPS refused for a third time to approve a charter for Great Hearts Academy, citing serious concerns about the applications lack of diversity.“We have a locally elected school board that made their decision about Great Hearts after raising legitimate concerns. Now, the state of Tennessee steps in and plays the part of the school bully, taking $3,000,000 of our lunch money, because we didn’t do what they wanted. It’s ridiculous and the only people that get hurt are the children.”After the decision to deny the Great Hearts charter, Republicans began saber-rattling about withholding school funds for MNPS, but Governor Haslam previously rebuffed such a move, believing the issue could be settled in other ways. This morning’s decision represents a complete reversal on the part of the administration.“Government closest to the people governs best. That principle should apply whether or not we happen to agree with the local government’s decision. Taking $3,000,000 from Nashville children is a foolish move and I intend to fight this kind petulant behavior we when get back in January.”###Media inquiries can be directed to Zak Kelley at 615-741-1000 ext 44189 or zachary.kelley@captiol. ................
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