Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The following may be attributed to TEA President Tanya T. Coats, a 27-year veteran Knox County educator:

“Families and communities in Northeast Tennessee are suffering in the wake of unprecedented destruction caused by flooding in recent weeks. Schools remain closed in many districts, and numerous structures have been damaged or completely destroyed. The recovery must start now with any and all resources at the state’s disposal.

“We are heartbroken to hear Governor Lee’s recent statements that he believes nearly $150 million in money earmarked in the state budget for a universal voucher program that was rejected by state lawmakers and their constituents shouldn’t be immediately repurposed for disaster relief to get our students back in the classroom.

“Schools are also more than places of learning. As so many in rural counties know, they are the hubs of their communities. In many affected areas, schools are vital infrastructure for the delivery of aid relief and shelter. Ensuring their doors are open is critical to the healing process as these communities work to rebuild.

“We’ve learned in the last several years that remote instruction is a poor substitute for in-person learning and is also largely impractical as many families lack the equipment and internet access to even attempt distance learning.

“We call on the governor to release these voucher funds for the immediate assistance of the students, teachers, and families in flood-ravaged communities so they may begin the long road to recovery and resume their children’s education. The repair of so many schools damaged by this terrible tragedy must be our highest priority. This is not a time for political agendas. Now is the time to help our neighbors, our kids, and our communities.”