METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

Member of Council

February 8, 2021

Governor Bill Lee

State Capitol, 1st Floor
600 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37243

Governor Lee,

As representatives of the students, parents, families, and staff of Metro Nashville Public Schools,
we have been committed to offering the option of a face-to-face learning experience when it was
safe to do so.

Cases of COVID-19 in Nashville have declined enough to make it safer to offer the in-person
learning option to our families who chose that for their students. We hope the spread of the virus
is further contained and we don’t see cases increase again, but our students and staff shouldn’t
have to rely on hopes. They need more than words and distant promises. They need to see their
state leadership stepping up and putting actions behind their words about the importance of in-
person learning options for families.

We beg of you to please find a way to prioritize Metro Nashville Public Schools and all K-12 staff
throughout Tennessee for vaccines. Please also take into consideration the higher demand for
vaccines in urban areas like ours that have viewed this virus with the seriousness it deserves
throughout the pandemic.

If some counties have enough vaccine not only to provide them to K-12 staff in their county but
also to open up appointments to teachers from other counties, it does beg the question as to
whether the supply of vaccine is being equitably distributed based on need or demand.

As Metro Leadership, we understand that much like we represent many different schools and
communities, you represent many different school districts and counties and must balance the
needs of other at-risk populations in the distribution of the vaccine. We ask not for special
treatment, but we do ask for fair treatment, especially as students return and our staff are
reasonably concerned or fearful about the virus and the impact it could have on their health and
safety or that of their students and families.

Governor, you have the opportunity to show that you represent all 95 counties, not just those
who voted for you in the last election. You have the chance to give our students the
opportunities they deserve and our teachers and support staff the safety and assurances they
need to work and teach without the pressing fear of contracting a deadly virus.

204 Metropolitan Courthouse Nashville, Tennessee 37201 615/862-6780 Fax 615/862-6784

We thank you for your consideration of this request, and we look forward to any response you
can provide as to when Metro Nashville Public Schools can expect the direct allocation of vaccine
or a better understanding of what the State is doing to equitably distribute and provide these
vaccines as quickly and effectively as possible.

Sincerely,

Thom Druffel Emily Evans

Councilmember, District 23 Councilmember, District 12

Dave Rosenberg Steve Glover

Councilmember, District 35 Councilmember At-Large

Bob Nash Tom Cash

Councilmember, District 27 Councilmember, District 18

Joy Styles Sharon Hurt

Councilmember, District 32 Councilmember At-Large

Burkley Allen Zach Young

Councilmember At-Large Councilmember, District 10

Gloria Hausser Zulfat Suara

Councilmember, District 22 Councilmember At-Large

Angie Henderson Russ Bradford

Councilmember, District 34 Councilmember, District 13
Sean Parker Freddie O’Connell
Councilmember, District 5 Councilmember, District 19

Emily Benedict
Councilmember, District 7