CSLA Parents Protest

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – They’re parents of students at Chattanooga School For the Liberal Arts, and their voices are as loud and bold as the signs they hold.

Dana Cleckler, a CSLA parent, says, "I think we’re just going to get louder. We’re not out to be disrespectful or take anything from any other school in the county, it’s just that it’s time."

Time, they say, for a new school.

Maria Eargle, another CSLA parent, adds, "We’ve been promised this building for over 25 years or at least 25 years, and we’ve been bumped back continuously."

Last Wednesday they were bumped off the short list once again.

Ganns Middle Valley Elementary, Sale Creek Middle-High, Nolan Elementary, and Wolftever Creek Elementary made the cut.

Cleckler adds, "I think devastated is the word I would use."

That’s why parents are protesting pretty much around the clock until the Hamilton County Commission votes Wednesday to fund the four projects.

Cleckler says, "The decisions were made last week, but they didn’t vote, so the votes not final. So, there’s always hope. But even if it becomes a platform for next year, then it’s worth our time to be out here."

Commissioner Chester Bankston told News 12 that these efforts will not in fact have any bearing on Wednesday’s vote.

However, he says in his mind, CSLA will up the next time the county discusses projects.

Eargle adds, "We just want to make sure we don’t get passed up again."

Parents tell us because they really don’t have a district voice, they’ll be the voice now and in the future for their children.