Sherrell, Dronebarger Speak Out On School Parking And State Funding Issues

State Representative Paul Sherrell spoke at the White County Board of Education meeting Thursday as an elected official and a parent.

During public comment, Sherrell addressed the board concerning high school students paying for parking.

“There’s a lot of money that we send from Nashville to here to this school and other schools across the state of Tennessee,” Sherrell said. “And, as these parents ask me, why does my student need to pay $15 to park?”

Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said students are not forced to pay the money and have a choice of free parking. Dronebarger said those that do pay gain a reserved spot close to the school building.

Sherrell said his son, a senior at White County High School, is one of those students paying. Sherrell said while he will only attend half a year, he still paid a full price.

“We are discouraging our students instead of encouraging our students,” Sherrell said. “Listen. They don’t need to be paying $15. This man just told us how much money is coming to the school system.

Dronebarger said the profit is used for school improvements, which lead to discussion of how education is under funded. Dronebarger said the state does not provide enough money for positions in retention learning and school health.

“The state does send tremendous amount of money to school systems, but it is not enough,” Dronebarger said. “I can go through the many ways, but none of us have the time right now to go through how far short we are funded in the federal government.”

Dronebarger said the full payment was just a miscommunication and Sherrell will only need to pay $7.50 for parking. Dronebarger said the school system could explore changing the fee, but it does not change the money shortfall.

“Everywhere we cut back, we are still short,” Dronebarger said. “(…) But your point has been made as far as parking is concerned. It is something we will address with administration with kids graduating.”