Poll: Public education top priority for Nashvillians

A new Vanderbilt University Poll shows that 56% of people in Nashville think the city is on the wrong track.

Pollsters surveyed 1,016 adults living in Davidson County on topics covering city growth, mayor approval, priorities, affordable housing, and other topics.

John Geer, Ginny and Conner Searcy Dean of the Vanderbilt College of Arts & Science and co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll, said people who are most dissatisfied with the direction of Nashville have been residents for more than 20 years.

He added that improving education is the issue most Nashvillians want the next mayor to make the top priority.

“Its clear that public education is number one,” said Geer. “Public education is a key component of what the city does. And the belief is that our public education system is not where it needs to be. Everybody has kind of agreed on that it’s not just a matter of resources its making sure that you’re using those resources effectively.”

Geer pointed out that the need for jobs and more companies moving to Nashville is no longer a big priority, as some people are worried that the city is doing too much development.

He added that Nashvillians oppose the Tennessee state legislature’s recent approval of a series of city-focused laws, which haven’t gotten a favorable response from the city.

Geer pointed out that 64% of respondents said reducing crime should be a “top priority” for the next mayor, and adds Nashvillians are also concerned about the availability of affordable housing where the city has made some strides.

“It’s also true that investing in more housing options – trying to help people who are in low-income housing, trying to help people who are homeless people who need assistance – there’s a genuine outpouring,” said Geer. “It’s the side of the city that’s always so compelling.”

Geer emphasized that the poll was already underway before the recent school shooting in town, but Metro Nashville Police Department’s approval rating increased from 66% to 79% following its response to The Covenant School shooting.

The poll also revealed that 15% of residents making more than $100,000 a year rated the city’s economy as ‘very good’ compared to only 13% of Nashvillians overall.