Expressing concern that a majority of Tennessee third-graders are not proficient in reading and math, mayors from across rural West Tennessee have formed a coalition to support the advancement of early education.
“It is a fact of life that to attract good paying jobs to our area, we must have a skilled workforce. What many people don’t think about is that building those workforce skills starts with development early in life — through learning to read, solving math problems and learning how to get along with others.” — Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris
The Jackson Sun last week featured a story on 27 rural West Tennessee mayors who have joined the Mayors’ Early Education Coalition supported by TQEE. Here’s a link to the article. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2018/10/30/west-tennessee-mayors-join-early-childhood-education-coalition
The coalition calls for state policies that support initiatives like the Read to be Ready early literacy programs, more training and coaching for early grades (pre-k through 3rd grade) teachers, and improving quality and expanding Tennessee’s pre-k program.
West Tennessee area mayors presently part of the organization include:
- Barry Hutcherson, Chester County
- Benny McGuire, Obion County
- Bill Rawls, Brownsville
- Brent Greer, Henry County
- Brett Lashlee, Benton County
- Chris Young, Dyer County
- Dale Kelley, City of Huntingdon
- David Livingston, Haywood County
- Eddie Bray, Henderson County
- Jake Bynum, Weakley County
- Jeff Griggs, City of Lexington
- Jill Holland, City of McKenzie
- Jimmy Harris, Madison County
- Jimmy Sain, Hardeman County
- John Carroll, Perry County
- Jon Pavletic, City of Ripley
- Joseph Butler, Carroll County
- Julian McTizic, City of Bolivar
- Kevin Davis, Hardin County
- Larry Smith, McNairy County
- Mike Creasy, Decatur County
- Robert King, City of Henderson
- Roger Pafford, City of Camden
- Skip Taylor, Fayette County
- Tim David Boaz, City of Parsons
- Tom Witherspoon, Gibson County
- Wes Ward, City of Linden
Thanks to all of you for supporting Tennessee’s youngest learners!
With gratitute,
Mike, Lisa and the TQEE team
You might also be interested in: TQEE – 2023 State Policy Priorities
