Letter: Chamber endorses tablets for all students, tech infrastructure improvements

Note: This is a copy of a resolution adopted by the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Whereas, the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce has a long-standing tradition of supporting education in our community as education and training are critical in the development of the workforce;

Whereas, Oak Ridge Schools is an internationally recognized system of excellence;

Whereas, the educational opportunities, rigor, and performance provided by Oak Ridge Schools have been, and continue to be, the key attraction for new residents to our community;

Whereas, the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have adopted a 2014 program of work which includes:

• Advancement of STEM education excellence in Oak Ridge Schools; and
• Adequate funding of Oak Ridge Schools and maintaining long-standing support of BEP, including Maintenance of Effort requirements; and

Whereas, the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Pro-Growth Advocacy Department developed, and the Oak Ridge Chamber Board of Directors approved, 2014 Position Statements and Legislative Agenda items which included endorsing and encouraging:

• Cooperation between the City of Oak Ridge and Oak Ridge Schools to work together for the betterment of the school system; and
• Full implementation of The Keys to College and Career Readiness program; and
• Funding and implementation of the Oak Ridge Schools and Discovery Education partnership to establish Oak Ridge Schools as THE premier STEM school district in the country.

Now, therefore be it resolved that:

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors encourages the Oak Ridge City Council and Oak Ridge Board of Education to move swiftly in their deliberations and votes to endorse, approve, and fund one-to-one surface tablets for every student, technical infrastructure improvements and business partnerships needed to implement the initiatives that will insure Oak Ridge Schools provides the best possible education for the children of our community.

Chris Johnson

Chairman of the Board

Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce