Purcell: Mayors Can Influence Education

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The 2007 Nashville mayoral candidates all said education is a priority -- but what can the mayor really do about education?

Video: Bill Purcell Says Mayor Can Impact Education

Mayor Bill Purcell said the mayor’s office can weigh in heavily when it comes to schools. Tuesday, he addressed a forum devoted to the well-being of young people.

"What can a mayor do? A mayor can start by bringing a community together around that basic premise that education is the most important thing we do,” Purcell said.

Education affects everything from a city's crime rate to its economic development, and education is the single largest item in the city budget.

Channel 4 asked the head of the Metro teachers union if it makes a difference who is mayor.

"I think it does, because the mayor of Nashville does the budgeting for the entire city,” said Erick Huth.

Under the Purcell administration, the school budget increased from $397 million in 1999 to $597 million now.

Purcell said he also made it a point to visit schools.

"I've visited every school three times. I've made over 500 school visits. That's because that's the workplace where education occurs,” he said.

During the mayoral debate, each candidate was asked their priorities for education.

David Briley pledged to develop a multi-year funding plan. Howard Gentry said he would look at more federal and state funding. Buck Dozier said he plans to build an endowment fund. Bob Clement called for more emphasis on vocational training. Karl Dean said Metro would take a leadership role on high dropout rates.

But education as a campaign platform is nothing new.

"I think it's the reason I was elected mayor, and I think it will undoubtedly be the deciding factor in the next election, as well,” Purcell said.