FRANKLIN, TN-The Williamson County Board of Education has adopted a resolution to refuse a $250,000 federal grant for a School-to-Careers program. The resolution further proposes that the state of Tennessee return all Federal School-to-Work/Careers funds received to date, out of a total grant of $28 million.

Board Member Maurice Painter introduced the resolution, citing concerns that the grant would shift control over curriculum from local school boards to business and industry.

Bobbie Patray, Tennessee Eagle Forum President, praised the board's action. "Maurice Painter has taken the ball and run with it in proposing this resolution," she said. "We're thrilled that the Williamson County Board has stood up for principle and for maintaining local control of its schools."

Painter took his resolution before the Tennessee School Board Association at its annual meeting on November 10. Though the resolution was defeated, Painter reports that debate was cut off after only one (op-posing) presentation. "Most of the dele-gates have very little knowledge of the details of School-to-Careers programs," he said. "Board members voted on the basis of the 'puff pieces' they've seen from the government. Our job is to continue to get the truth out. We'll be asking them to reconsider their positions on this issue."