I attended yesterday's State of the Metro Address and I have to tell you that I am more and more convinced each and every day that our schools will improve. It is clear that our schools have the commitment and support of our Mayor, Governor, State Department of Education, metro council, metro school board and all stakeholders in this city. We are all on the same page and I am encouraged about where we are going to take public education in our city. We will elevate the options and opportunities for our children and this city will be known for the quality of life and education offered nationally as well as globally. Mayor Karl Dean is a focused business minded leader who works very hard at accomplishing outcomes and I am looking forward to our continued partnership in advancing education.
Below are links to follow up stories to yesterday's State of Metro Address
Below are links to follow up stories to yesterday's State of Metro Address
Mayor Dean Has Optimistic View of Metro's Future - John Dunn
FOX 17 News – By: John Dunn "Ladies and gentleman, as we approach the mid-point of 2008, the state of Metro is good,” says Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.
Mayor Dean gives his first State of Metro address, and surprisingly he’s painting a rosy picture.
Despite slashing budgets and cutting jobs, Mayor Dean says Nashville’s future is bright.
He says it all starts with improving education.
It’s why he wants nearly half of the city’s budget, and your tax dollars, to go to schools.
Mayor Karl Dean has always said his top priorities are education and public safety, and in front of a packed audience at the Nashville Library he reiterated those commitments.
In his first eight months in office Mayor Karl Dean has had to balance his goals with the reality of a slowing economy.
It’s why most city departments have seen a substantial cut in their budgets.
"All of the departments of Metro government, except education, will have to operate with fewer dollars than they had this year," says Mayor dean.
But in his first State of Metro address, the mayor chose to talk about the positives, like a new DNA Crime Lab and a fully staffed police department.
"For their benefit and the benefit of every Nashville neighborhood, we must have a fully staffed police force and I am pleased to tell you that we are very close to reaching that goal," says Dean.
But it was education that dominated much of the mayor’s speech.
"When it comes to the success of our kids, I believe everything should be on the table," says Mayor Dean.
The mayor says he’s constantly thinking about improving Nashville’s schools. He says it’s an issue the whole city should care about.
"My commitment is to continue to look for ways to help and to rally the community behind our schools," says Mayor Dean.
Many who listened to the speech are pleased with the Mayor’s approach.
"The citizens of the community are all behind education, and it's so important, I thought he made the case very well," says Ralph Schulz, Nashville Chamber of Commerce CEO.
"Everyone is on the same page, and we have the same commitment, so I do see us getting positive results," says Metro School Board member Karen Johnson.
Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors says the Mayor has the city on track.
"I mean, I think Nashville is a great city, you look at what's happening it other cities across the country, and we're in darn good shape," says Neighbors.
And it’s why Mayor Dean believes the best is yet to come.
"The path we take will not be easy. But today, as we consider the current state of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, know this: The destination our city arrives at will be great," says Mayor Dean.
Mayor Dean wants to give Metro Schools more than $620 million, about $29 million more than they received last year.
The budget has to be approved by the Metro Council, and the Mayor says he’s confident it will pass.
Most other city departments are being cut anywhere from five to ten percent.
That could mean layoffs, higher water rates, and the price of a bus ticket could be going up.
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