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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Chattanooga, TN
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Chattanooga State Community College in Chattanooga to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Chattanooga, TN is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Chattanooga. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Historic site of Cherokee Water Lizard cabin in Chattanooga, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Chattanooga.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Chattanooga, TN
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer's Center of Excellence Chattanooga in Chattanooga for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Chattanooga, TN, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Chattanooga?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Chattanooga, TN, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Brabson House in Chattanooga, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Chattanooga restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Chattanooga, TN, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Chattanooga, TN
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Chattanooga, TN, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Old Man Rivers Table Tavern in Chattanooga. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Chattanooga rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Chattanooga, TN
Men’s Basketball Heads to Middle Tennessee for 2025 NIT First Round on Tuesday
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athleticshttps://gomocs.com/news/2025/3/16/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-opening-round-of-nit.aspx
NIT INFO/BRACKET ∙ BUY TICKETSINDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 16, 2025) --- After securing an automatic bid through its regular season success, the Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball team will face in-state foe Middle Tennessee in the 2025 National Invitational Tournament (NIT) First Round as the committee solidified and announced the bracket...
NIT INFO/BRACKET ∙ BUY TICKETS
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 16, 2025) --- After securing an automatic bid through its regular season success, the Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball team will face in-state foe Middle Tennessee in the 2025 National Invitational Tournament (NIT) First Round as the committee solidified and announced the bracket selections Sunday evening.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday night inside the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro and will be televised on ESPN+. Chattanooga (24-9) and Middle Tennessee (22-11) meet in the Dayton Region of the bracket as the Flyers garnered top-seeding honors among the eight-team region.
The 32-team NIT event will commence on campus sites of the higher seed through the quarterfinal round before turning to famed Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the semifinal and championship rounds April 1-3. The field is divided into four, eight-team regions as Dayton, SMU, UC Irvine and San Francisco were selected as the event's top four seeds.
Chattanooga is making its fifth NIT appearance and first since 1987 when the program earned four-straight berths into the event from 1984-87. The Mocs are 40 years removed from its memorable 1985 NIT quarterfinal run which featured wins over Clemson and Lamar before the team eventually fell at Louisville.
Event, ticket, and bracket information can be found below while a full game preview will be available on GoMocs.com tomorrow (Monday, March 17).
NIT First Round (Dayton Region) Chattanooga (24-9) at Middle Tennessee (21-11) Date: Tues., March 18 ∙ Time: 8 p.m. ET Site: Murphy Center (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) TV: ESPN+ ∙ Radio: WFLI 96.1 FM/100.3 FM/1070 AM
Ticket Information Tickets will be available for purchase through the host's website, HERE. For additional information, questions, etc., please contact the Chattanooga ticket office by calling (423) 266-MOCS or by visiting the McKenzie Arena box office (Gate 3) during business hours of Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
NIT Information Complete 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) information including brackets, broadcast information, tickets and more can be found at the tournament central location HERE.
FOLLOW CHATTANOOGA BASKETBALL Follow @GoMocsMBB on Twitter & on Instagram for the most up-to-date information and news regarding Chattanooga men's basketball.
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.
Chattanooga Area Bracing For Severe Storms, Possible Flash Flooding
chattanoogan.comhttps://www.chattanoogan.com/2025/3/14/500657/Chattanooga-Area-Bracing-For-Severe.aspx
The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM) is urging residents to prepare for a potentially dangerous multi-day severe weather outbreak that could produce severe thunderstorms with hurricane-like forced wind gusts and strong tornadoes.The National Weather Service said high winds will continue in the mountains and foothills through Saturday night with winds up to 80 mph by the evening. This will also raise concerns for the spread of any ongoing wildfires in the region. See the High Wind Warning now in effect for ...
The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM) is urging residents to prepare for a potentially dangerous multi-day severe weather outbreak that could produce severe thunderstorms with hurricane-like forced wind gusts and strong tornadoes.
The National Weather Service said high winds will continue in the mountains and foothills through Saturday night with winds up to 80 mph by the evening. This will also raise concerns for the spread of any ongoing wildfires in the region.
See the High Wind Warning now in effect for more details.
A severe weather outbreak is likely across portions of the eastern United States Saturday into Saturday night with the greatest threat in east Tennesse being along the Cumberland Plateau, southeast Tennessee, and southwest North Carolina.
Widespread and significant damaging winds are likely. There is also a threat for tornadoes and large hail. Some details regarding the severe weather threat remain uncertain, so stay tuned to the forecast for additional updates.
Also, with multiple rounds of storms, there is a threat for flash flooding by Saturday evening, especially west of Interstate 75.
HCOEM officials said, "Today is the day to PREPARE and MAKE A PLAN! Here are some important things to remember:
Create an EMERGENCY KIT
Flashlight with extra batteries
Weather Radio
First Aid Kit
Emergency Supplies 1 gallon of water per person per day Non-perishable foods Prescription medications Personal hygiene products Important documents Driver’s License Insurance papers Medical information
HAVE A PLAN
Do you have a safe place to go for severe weather? Basement – away from windows and doors Mobile homes will NOT sustain winds over 70 mph. So, make sure to reach out to friends or family members who have a basement in their home.
"If the electricity goes out and you do have a generator, please make sure your generator is OUTSIDE your home with proper ventilation. Vapors from a generator can be released and can cause illness or even death! Never add fuel while a generator is running.
Know the difference between a TORNADO WATCH and a TORNADO WARNING. Tornado Watch: Weather conditions are favorable for a tornado Tornado Warning: TAKE ACTION. There is imminent danger to life and property. Immediately take shelter in a safe place.
Closed for 18 months: Chattanooga's Walnut Street Bridge renovations get underway Monday
Colby Langleyhttps://newschannel9.com/news/local/walnut-street-bridge-closes-for-18-months-starting-monday-renovation-chattanooga-icon-walking-bridge-safety-infrastructure-integrity-structural-deck-electrical-water-line-led-lighting-decay-cables-disruption
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Say goodbye -- for a while -- to one of downtown Chattanooga's biggest attractions.The Walnut Street Bridge, Chattanooga's main pedestrian path over the river, shuts down on Monday as the city begin 18 months of renovations to enhance its safety and the bridge's historic appeal.The City of Chattanooga will officially close the bridge for renovations Monday morning.It won't reopen again until September 2026, a year and a half from now.Pedestrians like Pat Hagan shared their memories on th...
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Say goodbye -- for a while -- to one of downtown Chattanooga's biggest attractions.
The Walnut Street Bridge, Chattanooga's main pedestrian path over the river, shuts down on Monday as the city begin 18 months of renovations to enhance its safety and the bridge's historic appeal.
The City of Chattanooga will officially close the bridge for renovations Monday morning.
It won't reopen again until September 2026, a year and a half from now.
Pedestrians like Pat Hagan shared their memories on the bridge:
"This bridge means something to everybody in town," Hagan said. "My daughter is 48 years old, and I found out my wife was pregnant when we were crossing this bridge."
And Bill Reed says his daughter first learned how to ride her bike on the Walnut Street Bridge.
"So we want to come do it one more time before it closed down," Reed said.
His daughter said she's excited the bridge open in a year and a half, this time with a makeover.
"This bridge kind of getting revitalized, I think it makes perfect sense for the growing city," Reed said.
A release from the City of Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department says the project will include work on addressing structural, electrical and deck deficiencies by upgrading a new main water line, LED lighting, decking more resistant to decay and a better electrical system with new cables.
Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors' Brian Smith says these updates are long overdue.
"It is on the historic registry, so it does receive a little extra special care," Smith said. "It's gonna almost look like the bridge opening on the very first day back in the 1800s."
People won't be able to walk on the bridge during the renovations, but the bridge will open up for select events during the 18-month closure.
You can find more information about scheduled events using the bridge at the Walnut Street Bridge renovation schedule.
The city has selected the nearby Veterans Bridge and Market Street Bridge as the two official detours.
The Veterans bridge will feature a wider walkway and art honoring veterans and highlighting community connection by artist Ebony Bolt.
More alternatives for pedestrians will include a free Northshore express service with CARTA featuring shuttles across the river every 15 minutes, and discounted parking to access these shuttles.
Depend on us to keep you posted through these 18 months of renovations.
21 of 45 teachers at Chatt Prep unlicensed in Tennessee, Hamilton County Schools finds
WTVChttps://newschannel9.com/news/local/21-of-45-teachers-at-chatt-prep-unlicensed-hamilton-county-schools-finds
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Nearly half of all teachers at Chattanooga Preparatory School currently don't have state licenses, Hamilton County Schools has learned, and that finding could affect the entire senior class at the public charter school.A letter from Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson provided to our newsroom by Chatt Prep says the district says the school "willfully violated Tennessee laws," after it learned...that 21 of Chattanooga Prep's 45 teachers are unlicensed and have...
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Nearly half of all teachers at Chattanooga Preparatory School currently don't have state licenses, Hamilton County Schools has learned, and that finding could affect the entire senior class at the public charter school.
A letter from Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson provided to our newsroom by Chatt Prep says the district says the school "willfully violated Tennessee laws," after it learned
...that 21 of Chattanooga Prep's 45 teachers are unlicensed and have neither waivers nor permits for the classes they teach.
The letter points out that most of these unlicensed teachers teach high school courses, meaning their students "are not accumulating valid credits toward graduation." The letter says it's likely that "Chattanooga Prep's entire senior class is impacted by this licensure issue."
One mother of a Chatt Prep senior told us...
Imagine going to school every day, working your hardest throughout high school to maintain great grades, score high on your tests, and ACT just to learn it could be taken away by clerical errors beyond your control..
These revelations came to light in the wake of the arrest and indictment of Kenya White, a former teacher at Chatt Prep, on 14 charges that include solicitation of a child and kidnapping.
Online records show White was not licensed by the state of Tennessee when he was fired, and that he had had that status for several months.
Our own reporting three weeks ago revealed at least 11 teachers at Chatt Prep who had similar state licensing issues to White.
In addition to "willfully violating Tennessee law," Dr. Robertson's letter says
I also believe that the governing body and management have deliberately misrepresented who were the teachers of record in classes actually taught by these unlicensed personnel in order to avoid scrutiny from TDOE.
As a result, Dr. Robertson concludes "these violations are so flagrant that the only appropriate sanction is revocation" of its charter.
This year was the first year Chatt Prep had a senior class since starting in 6th grade several years ago.
The class is set to walk the graduation stage in just 2 months.
One mother of a Chatt Prep student says she’s now worried about how the school employing unlicensed teachers will affect the graduating class.
This is not right, especially when they say that the senior class is affected,' she told us. 'You know, I was waiting for the results of the senior class to come about, like I wanted them to show everyone that there's something good about the school, because look at all of these boys going to college.
Chatt Prep sent a letter to parents on Wednesday announcing Hamilton County Schools was considering revoking its charter. Read that full letter here.
Dr. Robertson's letter says it was only recently that the district discovered this discrepancy.
Chattanooga Prep has been misrepresenting that appropriately licensed teachers were the teachers of record for classes they were not actually teaching, allowing the unlicensed teachers to remain invisible to TDOE,' Dr. Robertson's letter says.
Hamilton County Schools is the 'authorizer' for Chattanooga Prep's operations, and the letter says all public charter schools are bound to the state board of education's rules and regulations about licenses.
Throughout our investigation, we've been asking a lot about oversight into Charter School's... the letter from Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson says that just because Chattanooga Prep has broad operational autonomy under Tennessee law, it doesn't mean they can ignore the law.
Hamilton County Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson and Bess released this joint statement about HCDE's increased involvement:
Hamilton County Schools and Chattanooga Prep are working together to ensure that Prep meets or exceeds its high standards for hiring personnel. Prep has accepted HCS’s offer to send HR staff to work with Prep’s employment attorney, who is currently auditing Prep’s files, to review Prep’s HR processes and to recommend any changes. Chattanooga Prep is grateful for the willingness of HCS to work collaboratively toward a resolution that benefits every student at Chatt Prep – and Hamilton County.
Chatt Prep can appeal the revocation to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission. That process can be found here.
So, what comes next?
The superintendent says he will recommend the Hamilton County Board of Education revoke Chatt Prep's charter on April 17th.
If it passes, that revocation would take effect at the end of the school year.
If the charter is revoked, Chatt Prep can appeal to the Tennessee Charter School Commission.
Unity Group of Chattanooga released a statement regarding this news, saying...
"As a community, we are deeply saddened by the reports surrounding Chattanooga Prep At this time, it is imperative that we do what is in the best interests of the students, many of whom have performed ably and admirably in their pursuit of academic excellence and find themselves adversely affected by this unfortunate circumstance through no fault of their own.
All students deserve to receive a high-quality education, and it is our responsibility to ensure that this commitment is maintained. Additionally, we believe it is vital that the senior class at Chattanooga Prep be provided with a clear pathway to graduation, enabling them to continue to pursue every available level of educational achievement, attainment, and opportunity, they might hope to pursue and endeavor.
This is a systemic failure..."
Read Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson's full letter to Chatt Prep Interim CEO Micah Bess below:
WATCH OUR EARLIER COVERAGE:
Depend on us to keep you posted as we learn more.
Green food and drinks for St. Patrick’s Day in Chattanooga
Kristen Templetonhttps://noogatoday.6amcity.com/food/st-patricks-day-chattanooga-tn
St. Patrick’s Day is on Monday, March 17, but celebrations are already underway in and around Chattanooga. Today, we’re sharing some festive treats and drinks to match your green garb during the holiday.Crispy ConesHead to this Ooltewah soft serve spot to try out the Leprecone — a mint + chocolate swirl in an Oreo cone with a Nutella spread and topped with Lucky Charms....
St. Patrick’s Day is on Monday, March 17, but celebrations are already underway in and around Chattanooga. Today, we’re sharing some festive treats and drinks to match your green garb during the holiday.
Crispy ConesHead to this Ooltewah soft serve spot to try out the Leprecone — a mint + chocolate swirl in an Oreo cone with a Nutella spread and topped with Lucky Charms.
Shady’s CornerEnjoy green beer and a variety of drink and deli specials at this neighborhood bar on Saturday, March 15 + Sunday, March 16 — we’re eyeing the return of the Reuben sando for a limited time. Bonus: The Highlanders bagpipe band will also perform on Saturday at 7 p.m.
The PlaylistIt’s the Shamrock & Roll Weekend at this downtown restaurant. Now through Monday, March 17, you can sip on the shamrock spritz + pot of gold punch while you enjoy your meal and performances by the servers. Plus, if you wear green, you’ll receive a free dessert. Pro tip: Use the code LUCKY20 to get 20% off your ticket.
Oddstory Brewing Co.This brewery will pour $5 pints of its Golden BlackGreenbird Belgian blonde ale. Plus, try out the draft release of the Meadowlark nitro Irish stout, corned beef fancy fries, and shepherd’s pie.
Bonus: Head over to The Greenhouse by Oddstory on MLK Boulevard for the return of the shamrock shake espresso martini + green mimosas for brunch on Sunday, March 16.
The Sweet & Savory ClassroomIf you’re looking to bake your treats, there are limited seats available for this St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes class on Saturday, March 15 — ticket price includes one parent + one child.
Whiskey CowgirlFrom green beer and festive shots to shamrock punch, there are plenty of drink specials this weekend at this Southside bar. Plus, there’s live entertainment lined up each night through Monday, March 17.
Big Bad BreakfastTry out the fuzzy leprechaun, luck of the Irish, and lucky mimosa drink specials to pair with your brunch.
Sequatchie Brewing Co.This Dunlap brewery will host its St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday, March 15 + will be pouring green beers and serving up food specials. Bonus: Free live music will start at 6 p.m.
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