Dear neighbors,
As former board members for the Tuscaloosa City Schools, we would like to offer perspective on the upcoming school funding referendum and explain why a yes vote on Tuesday is so crucial.
As board members, we saw the profound impact that the schools in Tuscaloosa have on the lives of children in our community every day. We saw a child find purpose and recognition through arts education. We saw a child overcome a learning disability and get back on track through participation in Reading Allies. We saw a child win a life-changing college scholarship through achievement on the playing field. But all of these ways in which our schools touch lives are only possible with long-term, sustainable funding equal to our challenges.
Our schools have weathered the setbacks of the COVID pandemic and made meaningful strides in student achievement, but there is more work to be done. This initiative provides a rare opportunity to implement a long-term vision for not only academic excellence but also investment in our teachers and enhancements to school safety. Taking away the programs and opportunities that are driving these improvements would be devastating for today’s students whose success or failure will determine Tuscaloosa’s future.
During our board service, we quickly learned that community support is necessary for the school system to thrive. We are disheartened to see divisions within our community over this important referendum. Our public schools are a bedrock of this community, and we owe it to our community’s future to come together and give them our support and our investment.
As board members, we took an oath to represent the students, families, and employees of each of our districts for four years. But even after we each left our last board meetings, the dedication to and compassion for public education in our community hasn’t left us. Providing a quality education to the more than 11,000 students who sit in the desks at the Tuscaloosa City Schools will always be our priority. That is why we encourage you to vote yes on Tuesday.
Our children and our community’s future are counting on you.
Ernestine Tucker (2001-2017)
Lee Garrison (2013-2017)
Cason Kirby (2013-2017)
Sandra Ray (State board member)