Seven community groups supporting public education have partnered to bring the documentary “Backpack Full of Cash” to Knoxville for free showings. The film is narrated by Matt Damon. It will be shown:
- Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. West High School lecture hall, 3326 Sutherland Ave
- Thursday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. Gresham Middle School, 500 Gresham Rd. in Fountain City
Produced by Sarah Mondale, the film is a cautionary tale about cities like Philadelphia, New Orleans and Nashville, where privatization and funding cuts have had a devastating impact on public schools and the most vulnerable children who depend on them. Mondale, president and co-director of Stone Lantern Films, is a former public-school teacher in New York.
A panel of experts will be available after each viewing to answer questions attendees may have. The first showing will include one of the people in the film, Nashville school board member Amy Frogge. Local experts include Joan Grim from the University of Tennessee and special education advocate Kim Kreditch.
Sponsors include the League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County, Knox County Education Association, Knox County Retired Teachers Association, Jobs with Justice East Tennessee, United Campus Workers, Students Parents Educators across Knox County (SPEAK) and Knoxville Branch NAACP.