‘Vision 2020’ debate continues as vote approaches

JACKSON, Tenn. — In less than three days, the Jackson-Madison County School Board is expected to vote on “Vision 2020.” But on Monday night, board members seemed to be unsure whether they could make that big decision.

It was standing-room only during the meeting with parents and students making a last effort to try and save their schools. Board members even added an extra half hour of public comment to the meeting to allow everyone the chance to speak.

But the focus Monday was mainly on the board and whether they had be ready to vote Thursday. During the long range planning committee meeting, which took place before the board’s full work session, members said they had narrowed down their choices to two separate options, both of which are estimated to save the district upward of $3.5 million.

But members said no plan will make every person happy.

“If they say that this committee didn’t look at every detail, didn’t turn over every rock, didn’t invite every person in the city and in this county to the table, then they’re not telling the truth,” board member David Bratcher said.

The board said if they decide to make a decision on Thursday they will do two separate votes, one on the middle and elementary plans and one on the high school plans. But with the deadline approaching, some board members said they still have more questions than answers and believe the board needs to act as leaders.

“I’ve gotten more pieces of paper and there have been more meetings in the past week, and I think we’re hurdling to an arbitrary date,” board member Bob Alvey said. “I have no problem voting Thursday night and making this big decision if we really need to close schools to save money, but I want to do it on a criteria basis.”

Members were not all in agreement on whether they were ready to vote on Thursday, but a majority did say they had enough information to make a decision.

This Thursday’s school board meeting will take place at City Hall and starts at 6 p.m.