HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — Tempers flared at Thursday night’s Hamilton County School Board meeting over the board’s decision to end a partnership with a mental health service for students.
During the meeting, some questioned if certain people who spoke in favor of the partnership had a ‘political motive’ or activist group driving them to speak.
Last month, the school board voted to discontinue its partnership with independent mental health service Centerstone.
Some Republican board members said they objected to the service because they had concerns about the vetting process for Centerstone counselors and they felt that the company was pushing ideological narratives.
Last year, Centerstone served about 2,500 students across the district in 34 schools, with parental permission.
The student’s insurance or TennCare paid for the services, not the district.
Other board members said the service is integral to students’ mental health in time when many are struggling.
During Thursday’s public comment, both sides were not afraid to call out others, saying they have no stake in this decision.
Some even went as far as to claim those on the other side are nothing but ‘political actors.’
“Blood on your hands. Blood on your hands. All of you!”
That’s the moment right after the board voted to table that motion.
District 11 School Board member Jill Black stormed out of the meeting after a majority of members voted against a proposal to reinstate their contract with Centerstone.
Dozens of speakers for both sides of the issue showed up to the meeting.
“My kids go to normal Park Elementary School in District Six.” one speaker said.
One by one, more than a dozen people stepped up to the podium, either for or against a partnership between Hamilton County Schools and Centerstone.
And while many introduced themselves as parents or educators…
“I’m a Hamilton County resident and former teacher and the former principal of Woodmore elementary school.”
Questions were raised about how some speakers were connected to the school system…
“Since the vote, progressive activist groups, including Caleb Chattanooga and Moms for Social Justice have mobilized to pressure and even intimidate our school board members.”
That was Gail Greene speaking, who ran for Chair of the Hamilton County GOP.
Others also questioned the affiliations of speakers…
“Many of the people pushing to reinstate Centerstone are not neutral parents or everyday community members,” said Rebecca Day. “They are activists with clear ideological agendas.”
Moms For Social Justice confirmed to us that they had several members at Thursday’s meeting.
Some who signed up to speak, like Crystal Boehm with Public School Strong, advocated for the return of Centerstone.
“We’re facing a mental health crisis among young people,” she told board members.
During our research, we also found another speaker, Harriette Reid, listed on the Moms for Liberty Hamilton County page as their chapter vice chair.
“The goal of the school should be education.”
The School Board policy says any Hamilton County resident can speak before the board and they only have to sign up 30 minutes before the meeting if the item they are talking about is on the agenda.
The board will take another look at the proposal next month.