CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Bradley County commissioners today came up short in an vote on endorsing state legislation that would allow local governments the option of appointing or electing school superintendents.
Seven commissioners voted to support the legislation, six voted no and two were absent. Eight votes are needed to pass a resolution by the commission.
Commissioner Jeff Yarber urged support. He said the vote should be about local governments statewide. "All this does is bring it to the local level," Yarber said.
Opponents fear allowing elected superintendents brings too much politics to the job.
"I think it's a slippery slope," Commissioner Bill Winters said. "Also, that's a state legislative decision."
The legislation now is before a committee in the Tennessee General Assembly.
For complete details, see tomorrow's Chattanooga Times Free Press.