Hamilton County Commissioners spoke about the potential defunding of the Department of Education when asked at the end of their weekly meeting if they have any announcements.
On Wednesday, district 5 representative Greg Beck brought forward concerns about the potential defunding of the Education Department and if the county has discussed any plans on how to respond if impacted.
“Don’t we need to be talking about that or thinking about that?” asked Beck.
The question sparked conversation among the board; Dr. Steve Highlander was asked to clarify if it had been a conversation as the education chairperson.
“There are more questions than answers. There is a lot of concern, but until we find out the details, we won’t know what we can do,” said Highlander.
Beck says this is not something to take lightly as the county needs to maintain its funding in order to provide quality public education.
“It’s too great an issue. Somebody needs to be talking about it. Somebody needs to be putting some numbers together,” said Beck.
District 1 commissioner Gene-O Shipley chimed in, saying he has spoken with an unnamed member of congress who says there is money allocated to go to education that is being wasted. Shipley continued on saying this may actually bring more money for schools and education.
In contrast, district 6 commissioner David Sharpe says Tennessee is considered a welfare state and defunding the department of education would negatively impact students.
“We receive more federal dollars than what we put into the federal government. Which means it would hurt the people of Tennessee,” said Sharpe.
The Education Department regulates services for disabled and low-income children. Federal funding makes up roughly 14% of public school budgets nationwide.