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Contributed commentary from Julie Bisgaard, a Clarksville parent, on the third-grade retention law.
A few of us public education supporters met with Rep. Jeff Burkhart on July 14. We represent teachers, parents and concerned citizens within Clarksville, Montgomery County. We appreciate Mr. Burkhart sitting down to listen to our concerns regarding our schools and specifically our concern over the third-grade retention law. This bill dramatically affects our district, and our military families have extra barriers to face because sometimes families have to move in the summer from one duty station to the next.
We have been talking to community members, and we have not yet spoken to anyone that thinks this law is best for our children. We have asked Rep. Burkhart to encourage Gov. Bill Lee to repeal or pause this law. We’re looking forward to future meetings in support for the children in our community.
Next week, we are scheduled to meet with Rep. Curtis Johnson, and we are still waiting to hear from Sen. Bill Powers. We look forward to continuing these conversations with our elected officials and our community.
Julie Bisgaard
PREVIOUSLY: 40% of third-graders in Clarksville-Montgomery County need new testing or tutoring