Debra Maggart: 2012 Legislative Preview

State Rep. Debra Maggart offers a preview of the 2012 legislative session. Of note are attempts to end the inheritance and Hall Income Taxes (costing the state millions in revenue each year) and a possible overhaul to Workers' Compensation.

Maggart also noted that the proposed new legislative districts will be unveiled in the first week of the legislative session.

More on Belcher vs. Isbell for Property Assessor

Or, in this case, a lot more about Isbell...

Alternative Energy Options in Sumner

They're expanding, with Electric Vehicle charging stations and discussions about a Solar Farm project.

TBI Proceeds with McDougal Investigation

The fallout from the politically engineered removal of Darlene McDougal as Sumner County Administrator of Elections continues to mount as the TBI is now proceeding with an investigation.

McDougal was ousted on a party-line vote and the former Treasurer of the Sumner County Republican Party was installed to the taxpayer-funded job on November 15th.

Since that time, the office has been embroiled in scandal as allegations of election tampering have resulted in more politically-charged actions and an investigation into computer records and practices at the Election Commission.

Upon obtaining the job, Lori Atchley acknowledged she received it based on politics, not merit. Since then, she's had to manage an office that's focused not on elections but on handling an onslaught of investigations that have no doubt interrupted the normal course of business.

Belcher v. Isbell for Property Assessor

Incumbent John Isbell faces challenger Brian Belcher in the race for Property Assessor on March 6, 2012. Both are Republicans.

Vol State Search Committee Meets

State Rep. Mike McDonald is among the applicants for the Presidency of Volunteer State Community College. The committee will discuss how to move forward at its meeting on Thursday, December 15th.

Street Lights Slow Down

The Public Works Committee agreed to continue studying the issue ... but for now, they're not recommending a street light ordinance to the full Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Apathy Not Acceptable When it Comes to Schools...

A well-written column by Hendersonville's Kim Venable encourages more community involvement in and support for our schools.

Sumner County Seeks Solar Farmers

so says Silicon Ranch and a committee of the County Commission.

District Attorney Gets McDougal Case

After heated debate and a 3-1-1 vote, the Sumner County Election Commission has referred the matter involving Darlene McDougal's alleged misconduct to District Attorney Ray Whitley.

McDougal Under TBI Investigation

Former Sumner County Elections Administrator Darlene McDougal, removed from office in a politically-motivated ouster, is now under investigation by the TBI.

School Board Settles with ACLU

Here are the key details.

Wheel Tax ON the Ballot

For the March election.

So, in March of 2012, voters will have a chance to add $3 million to the schools -- that at least moves the ball forward, in spite of between $6 and $9 million in needs from the schools to cover basic expenses -- and, keep in mind, PTOs at most schools cover the cost of copy machines and other basics. Not to mention the extensive number of fees charged for a whole variety of classes.

A Wheel Tax -- Keep Kicking the Can Down the Road

The Sumner County Commission's Legislative Committee recently approved a Wheel Tax Referendum for the March 2012 election.

If passed, the tax would increase the current car tag fee to $100 from $75 and generate a measly $3 million in new revenue (the schools budget was $5 million short this year and if projected growth occurs in 2012, will be even shorter next year). The $3 million would leave the school system at least $3 million short in terms of a status quo budget. Moreover, Commission Chair Merrol Hyde made clear he would oppose and vote NO to the Wheel Tax and he and Comm. Jim Vaughn also clarified their continued opposition to any increase in the property tax.

If the full Commission approves the referendum tonight, the issue will go to voters on March 6, 2012.

Crime in Hendersonville?

Want to know where? Check out Crimereports.com and type in 37075 -- you can see crime reports by geographic location in Hendersonville as reported by the Hendersonville Police Department. You can search by type of crime or just get a general idea of what's going on in your neighborhood. The database is searchable up to 180 days from the date of your search.

Kim Venable Thanks First Tennessee

for dropping debit card fees.

Voter ID forum in Sumner

Rep. Debra Maggart joined representatives from the Election Commission to help voters understand the new Photo ID law related to voting.

Sumner County Football Playoff Picture

Gallatin, Beech, Hendersonville and Station Camp are all in the playoffs...

Education Commissioner Addresses Teachers

Answering pre-screened questions, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman spoke with a handful of Sumner County teachers last week about the state's new evaluation system.

Huffman declined to offer specifics on a way forward despite a system that has administrators spending many more hours in schools filling out paperwork and has teachers fretting over achieving "desirable" rankings.

The Star News article above incorrectly notes that tenured teachers could lose seniority if their scores dip below a 4 or 5. The new law actually says that if they receive a 1 or 2 in consecutive years, that could create a cause for losing tenure. Receiving a 3 for the year means a teacher's status stays the same.

Likewise, the Star News gets it wrong when it says "Apprentice teachers must score that high (a 4 or 5) in the final two years of their five-year probation or else leave the profession."

The actual law says that in order to be tenured, a teacher must score a 4 or 5 in the final two years of probation - but it does NOT require the dismissal of a teacher who does not earn tenure after 5 years. In fact, a teacher could have 5 years of 1 ratings and still be allowed to be rehired for a 6th year.

The new system anticipates that few teachers will be able to attain the 4 or 5 ranking in the last two years of probation, so significantly less teachers will be tenured. But it seems likely that a significant number of 2 and 3 level teachers will be rehired for a 6th year of teaching on year-to-year contracts.

In other news from the Commissioner's visit, Huffman indicated that eventually, all subject areas will have tests to be used for teacher evaluation purposes. That means Related Arts, P.E., Band, etc.

I can see it now: Flyers going home with kids telling parents to come on in next week and pay $1 to watch not a chorus performance but a group of chorus kids taking a state-mandated test about their knowledge of how to conduct a chorus performance. And if Ms. Chorus teacher's students can't pass the test, she may never again get to put on one of those shows that the community has come to enjoy and that students remember for a lifetime.

Huffman failed to mention that developing this many tests requires a significant expenditure of tax dollars -- resources that won't be going to support teachers or to help children learn.

Since the questions were pre-screened, points like these could not be made in this "forum." Maybe on his next visit?

Board Defers Action on Retirement Benefits

Concerns about a gap in coverage raised.

312-Unit Glenbrook Apartments Get Initial Approval

A new, 312-unit Apartment Complex won initial approval at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen this week. Another hearing will be held on November 22nd. The move passed by a 7-4 vote.

Election Petitions Now Available

Want to run for office as a Democrat or Republican in the upcoming (March 6th) County Primary? Get your petition now!

Listen and Learn Rescheduled

For Hendersonville High School on November 29th.

City Revenue, Sales Taxes Up

They're moving in the right direction... Now, what will BOMA do with the $?

Phillips Hits 100 Days on Halloween

...but is hasn't been too scary despite a County Commission that has so far been unwilling to adequately fund schools.

School Calendar Shifts for Primary Election

The primary's in March instead of February --so, the school schedule will change.

Of course, the reality is that the GOP Presidential nominee will be decided before March, so, the election is irrelevant anyway.

The Star News, Halloween, and the ACLU...

...or, Mike Towle may be inventing ghosts...

Library Friends Hold Book Sale

The Hendersonville Library Friends book sale is scheduled to begin on Halloween, Monday, October 31 at the Hendersonville Public Library, 140 Saundersville Road. It will be open library hours: 10-8 Monday and Thursday, 10-6 Tuesday and Wednesday and noon - 4 on Saturday.

There are hard cover books and paperbacks, DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes, audio books for all ages. The fiction and non-fiction books are separated and non-fiction is further divided into categories to make it easier to browse. There is an excellent selection and everything is priced to sell with lots of great bargains.

Prices are $3 for hard cover books, $1 for paperbacks and 50 cents for children's books,VHS tapes and single cassettes. DVDs are $3, CD music and audio books are $1.

There is a huge variety and also a collection of specially priced books on the front kiosk that are suitable for gifts.

Proceeds from the book sale will go to fund special programs and projects as well as acquisitions for the Hendersonville Library.

County Commission Notes

Including new Commission and School Board District lines...

Apparently, you can access proposed maps here.

Education Commissioner to Visit Sumner

Tennessee Commissioner of Education Kevin Huffman will be in Sumner County on Tuesday, October 25th at 4 PM at Station Camp High School to answer questions about the new teacher evaluation system. Huffman will answer only questions that have been pre-submitted and pre-screened, so it won't be an open forum in the traditional sense. That said, it is an opportunity for teachers, administrators and others to ask questions about all the changes in education in Tennessee.

Aldermen give preliminary approval to Ward boundaries

There's a map and everything.

Election Administrator Search Nears End

Meeting to be held November 15th to make decision.

School Custodians May Be Outsourced

...RFP scheduled to go out in January, could lead to outsourcing of custodians.

School Board Meets Tonight

and there's a fairly lengthy agenda -- mostly related to changes to policy for teachers.

Station Camp, Rucker-Stewart Projects Gain Approval

The expansion of Station Camp High School and new roof for Rucker-Stewart gained Board approval on Tuesday, one night after receiving endorsement from the County Commission's Education Committee.

Police Chief Claims Success

At the one year mark of his tenure as police chief, Mickey Miller is claiming success.

Prayer Controversy gets hearing at forum

more than 1200 people attended to hear an update on Board policy and to voice their concerns.

Schools Seek Adequate Funding

The Chair of the Sumner County School Board (Don Long) has indicated that a 41 cent property tax increase could provide needed funds to keep the school system on-track. In fact, according to Long, the funds would not only address immediate needs, they would allow the school system to meet future needs and address concerns like inadequate technology and a persistent disparity in which students in the wealthier parts of the county have access to resources not available to those in the rest of the county.

Some on the School Board have proposed eliminating student fees for courses -- but this would require additional revenue.

The recent clash between the County Commission and the School Board resulted in a temporary solution of using one-time money in the County's reserves to pay for ongoing expenses. This means that next year's budget will have an even larger hole - at least the $5 million we saw this year plus the additional expenses that come along with the 300-500 new students Sumner County has been adding on an annual basis.

While Long specifically mentions a property tax increase, others are suggesting a wheel tax increase. Commissioner Jerry Stone says he opposes any tax increase, but would be open to putting a referendum on the ballot in March of 2012.

School Board Meets Tonight

at 6:15 to discuss the Station Camp expansion and to hold a study session.

County Commission Ed Committee Meeting

Tonight at 6PM in Gallatin.

Here's an agenda.

Chairman Hyde and the Financial Management Act

He was opposed to it before he was for it:

This is not Sumner County’s first trip down the Private Act path. Records indicate the county adopted the 1981 Act in November 1991. Public controversy over compliance issues arose by April 1999. By Oct. 22, 2001, District Attorney General Ray Whitley was requested by at least eight commissioners to conduct an investigation.
Whitley concluded that the county was not in compliance as to the Board of Education’s not being administered by the county’s Finance Department. “It is not a secret that the Act is not being complied with in this area, nor has it ever been, apparently…The Commission has implicitly approved non-consolidation,” Whitley wrote in a Dec. 12, 2001, response.
“In fact, the will of the commission was memorialized in June 2001 by the commission’s voting to opt out of the Act and no longer be governed by its provisions, effective July 1, 2002. The entire question of Broad of Education compliance will be moot at that time…I see this question as a political matter, not a criminal one.”

The above clip from the Hendersonville Standard indicates that when Merrol Hyde was Director of Schools, he essentially did not comply with the Financial Management Act of 1981 in spite of its adoption by the County in 1991. Hyde was Director of Schools in 1999 and would have been the Director who failed to comply. He was also a County Commissioner and likely led efforts to "opt-out" of the Act in 2001 as indicated.

Now, Mr. Hyde is pushing for some version of the 1981 Act so that the School Finance department would come under control of the County Finance Director -- oddly, this is the very arrangement Hyde found objectionable when he was Director of Schools.

Special Called Board Meeting Tuesday

There will be a Special Called Board meeting on Tuesday, October 4th at 6:15 PM in the Board meeting room at the Central Office in Gallatin.

The meeting will be held to discuss the proposed expansion of Station Camp High School.

Listen and Learn: Sumner Schools Edition

Sumner County School leaders are touring the county, listening and learning from residents about what they want from Sumner schools.

There's even an online survey if you can't get to one of the meetings.

Liquor Store to Open Near Sam's

...on Indian Lake Blvd in a warehouse format.

A Liquor Warehouse in Hendersonville!

Por Vous!

Financial Management Act ... More County vs. Schools?

So, meetings, discussion, debate continues on the 1981 Financial Management Act, a new act, or just leaving things alone.

Some teachers pray at the pole...

...it's not clear if disciplinary action may be taken.

Prayer Issue Rocks Sumner Schools

The School Board's response to an ACLU lawsuit has caused backlash by many in the Sumner County community.

The Board has "gone overboard" according to critics and has restricted teachers in what may be a clear violation of the First Amendment.

Long, Hale re-elected to Board Leadership Roles

Don Long is once again the Chairman of the School Board and Danny Hale is Vice-Chair.

Kids Kingdom is BACK

Here's the story.

4th Liquor Store Coming to Hendersonville

Here's information on the process that will be used to determine who owns it and where it is located.

More on the School Budget

From the Star News.

Now, only 29 people will lose their jobs and some custodians will lose benefits.

The vote also means the school system will face a similar budget crisis next year because it spent most of its available reserves to balance this year's budget. That means a $4-$5 million potential shortfall next year even if the system has zero growth. That seems unlikely, as Sumner has added 300+ students a year in recent years and added just over 600 students this school year.

Del Phillips Takes "Listen and Learn" Tour

The new Director of Schools wants to hear from you -- live and in-person!

School Board Casts Key Votes

The Sumner County School Board met last night and made the following votes:

1) Voted to accept the $623,000 added by the County Commission to fund Adult Education and E.B. Wilson Night School. All members voted in favor except for Vanessa Silkwood.

2) Voted NOT to delay the outsourcing of custodians.
Voting FOR proceeding with outsourcing: Silkwood, Brewer, Hale, Long, Daniels, Cox, Dunn

Voting AGAINST proceeding with outsourcing: Wise, Duncan, Gregory, Brown

3) Voted AGAINST using textbook funds to save jobs

Voting for using textbook funds to save jobs: Daniels, Wise, Duncan, Brown, Gregory

Voting against using textbook funds to save jobs: Dunn, Silkwood, Brewer, Long, Hale, Cox

4) Unanimously voted to ask the County to take on the responsibility for the Adult Education program

5) Ted Wise and Will Duncan proposed and voted for a measure to eliminate the Chief Administrative Officer position. The other 9 members voted against.

Sumner School Board Meets Tonight

Among the agenda items is the election of Chair and Vice-Chair. Currently, those positions are held by Don Long and Danny Hale, respectively.

There is no indication that these positions will change. Last year, the two garnered 6 votes out of 11 to win their positions. Unless a vote switches, the same is likely to happen. That said, it is possible another candidate will be offered for Chair. Last year, Ted Wise of White House was nominated for Chair against Don Long.

The Board will likely discuss the County Commission's action on the budget last night as well.

News Updates on Sumner Schools Budget Crisis

here's WSMV's take.

And a slightly more detailed story from WKRN.

And from the Star News

County Commission Meets Tonight

The Sumner County Commission meets tonight and will take up the matter of the School Board's proposed budget.

The Commission has four choices: 1) Pass the "cuts" budget that eliminates 91 jobs and cuts $5 million from the system budget. 2) Pass the amended "cuts" budget that retains bookkeepers and athletic trainers for the remainder of this year 3) Pass the Board's original request, rejected by the budget committee, that includes ZERO cuts and fully funds the school system including textbook replacement and other needs. No one would lose their job and the Board would be able to retain a responsible amount in its reserve fund to address a potential shortfall next year. 4) None of the above. The County Commission could reject all the budget options and direct the Board to start again.

Some Commissioners have repeatedly stated they will never support a property tax increase. Those Commissioners are likely to choose Option 2 (no taxes, ONLY causes 51 jobs to be lost). Other Commissioners may be open to a small tax increase -- 15 cents would make up the $5 million needed to fund the Board's original budget. That would mean roughly $63 a year for the average Sumner County property owner.

Some suggest a larger issue is Sumner County's insufficient support for schools over time. Sumner spends roughly $900 less per student than the state average. The systems in Tennessee with consistently high academic achievement (the Top 10) spend an average of $1800 more per student than Sumner.

It promises to be an interesting meeting with TV cameras and news reporters once again focused on the "crisis" in Sumner County.

Culvert Ordinance Fails by 1 vote

An ordinance to fund a culvert/drainage system for Cherokee Road failed by one vote at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Commission Committee Refuses to Fund Schools, Passes Half-measure

And really, to call it a half-measure is generous. In the face of a $5 million budget hole and 91 jobs being lost, the County Commission's Budget Committee offered just over $500,000 to save 40 jobs this year. Commissioners say "there's no money" and flatly refuse to consider even a small tax increase.

Meanwhile, Board members expressed frustration that the County Commission was trying to micro-manage the Board's budget.

Commissioners also have refused to acknowledge that their failure to act this year will result in a similar, though more drastic, situation next year.

WSMV on the Sumner Schools Budget Battle

They're billing it as a showdown between the County Commission and the School Board.

Some Facts on Sumner County

As presented at last night's Board meeting by Chairman Don Long:

Overall population: 8th
# of schools: 5th
# of students: 8th
Median home value: 4th...
Median household income: 3rd
% of school budget provided by county: 20th
Local $'s per student: 24th
Total $'s per student: 61st
County property tax rate: 64th

Sumner County is, by these indicators, one of the 5 wealthiest counties in Tennessee and yet we spend $900 less per student than the average county in Tennessee on our schools.

School Board Takes Action

In response to the County Commission Budget Committee's request on Monday night that the School Board submit a budget that includes keeping bookkeepers and trainers for the remainder of this school year, the Board voted to amend their "cuts" budget and operate under the assumption that the Commission will provide the dollars that will enable the Board to keep those staff members for this year.

The Board also voted to present its original budget that was rejected by the Budget Committee in August. Board members expressed a desire for the full County Commission to review the original budget with no cuts.

Board members noted that even with the "cuts" budget, the Board would be in the position of making millions of dollars in new cuts next school year.

Alternatively, the original budget avoids the cuts, including the loss of 51 jobs, restrictions on field trips, no subs for high school teachers, and closing EB Wilson night school.

That budget would also allow the Board to keep funds in reserve in order to address potential growth for next year and avoid more drastic cuts in the 2012-13 fiscal year.

Director of Schools Del Phillips read a speech to the Board that was originally presented to the Budget Committee on Monday night by 6th grade student MeriAllen Krueger.

The next action will be the County Commission meeting on Monday night where Commissioners can either fund a budget that cuts 51 jobs or fund the original Board proposal that meets all of the district's current needs.

More on MeriAllen Krueger

The 6th grade student who addressed the Sumner County Budget Committee.

Here's Channel 5's story.

6th-Grader Addresses Budget Committee

6th grade student MeriAllen Krueger addressed the budget committee last night as previously reported. Here's a link to her speech.

Board Calls Special Meeting for Wednesday

at 5PM. Here is the call and a link to the agenda.

This meeting will focus on the 2011-2012 budget in light of recent action by the Education and Budget Committees of the County Commission. The Board may choose to use $500,000+ to keep bookkeepers and athletic trainers on-staff for this year.

News 2 on Sumner Schools Budget

here's the story from WKRN

Budget Committee Approves Cuts to School Budget

The Budget Committee of the Sumner County Commission last night approved a School Budget that includes $5 million in cuts and that would lead to the loss of 91 jobs and the closing of E B Wilson Night School.

Commissioners expressed a willingness to transfer over $500,000 to the schools to allow the School Board to keep 36 bookkeepers and 4 athletic trainers for the remainder of the school year.

Commissioners refused to make any commitments beyond that, meaning even if their recommendations are adopted by the school board, 51 people will lose their jobs by December.

The proposed cuts require all administrators to take a 1.2-1.3% pay cut. High School teachers will have to cover classes instead of having subs.

Director of Schools Del Phillips noted that what is a "hangnail" this year will become a problem that requires "cutting off our arm" next year.

He noted that even with the cuts, the Board will have spent all allowable funds in reserve, meaning there will likely be a $5 million shortfall next year unless some new revenue was made available.

Commissioners expressed reluctance to make new revenue available, saying they could only find new money from a tax increase. As has been noted in these pages, a 15 cent tax increase would cost the average Sumner County property owner just $5 a month. That amount would be sufficient to fill the budget hole this year and allow for at least a status quo budget in 2012-2013.

At the meeting, a 6th-grade student presented the Commissioners with over $100 she and her friends had raised by selling lemonade over the weekend. They said they would do more to help schools.

As the meeting ended, the plastic bag was left on the podium, an available source of revenue that meets this Commission's sole criteria: It doesn't require raising taxes.

Education Committee Approves Budget Cuts, Layoffs

The Sumner County Commission's Education Committee last night approved a School Board budget that cuts 91 jobs and closes E.B. Wilson High School. The budget would also end substitute teachers in high schools, forcing other teachers in the building to give up planning time to cover classes when a teacher misses.

The Committee move the budget on to the Budget Committee on Monday at 7:00 PM at the County Administration Building.

Committee members did suggest that if the Board presented a budget that allowed bookkeepers to keep their jobs for this year, they MIGHT find $500,000 to make that happen. They didn't promise that, but suggested that as a possibility.

With that half-hearted assurance, it is at least possible that 46 bookkeepers could keep their jobs for this year, though without more funding in 2012, their jobs may again be in jeopardy. And even if bookkeepers kept their jobs for the remainder of this year, 45 employees would lose their jobs by January 1st, 2012.

It's worth noting that even if this budget passes and cuts are made this year, the Board will likely be facing a significant shortfall in 2012-2013 due to growth and the fact that this year's budget is balanced using reserve funds that won't be available next year.

The Budget Committee meets on Monday at 7:00 PM and it's members are:

Kirk Moser, Chair -- 824-9148 rkirklandmoser@bellsouth.net

Jerry Stone, Vice-Chair -- 824-5981 stone37075@bellsouth.net

Chris Hughes -- 264-2297 hughes4commish@yahoo.com

Jim Vaughn -- 264-3858 vaughn82@comcast.net

Shawn Utley -- 325-3771 slcutley@bellsouth.net

Paul Freels -- 824-0817

Moe Taylor -- 452-3843 moe@nctc.com

County Commission Education Committee Meets Tonight

The Sumner County Commission's Education Committee will meet tonight at 4:30 PM at the County Administration Building in Gallatin.

The Committee will consider the budget adopted by the School Board on Tuesday that cuts 91 jobs and closes E.B. Wilson School.

Contact information for the Education Committee members is below:

Chair, Paul Decker -- 824-1902 pauldeckerjr@comcast.net

Vice-Chair, Trisha LeMarbre -- 824-2912 lemarbre@bellsouth.net

Billy Geminden -- 325-9484 bdagemin@bellsouth.net

Jerry Stone -- 824-5981 stone37075@yahoo.com

Jim Vaughn -- 264-3858 vaughn82@comcast.net

Joe Mattews -- 230-7898 Ida18@yahoo.com

Kirk Moser -- 824-9148 rkirklandmoser@bellsouth.net

How the School Board voted...

it was a 6-5 vote to PASS the cuts budget --

The 6 in favor: Long, Hale, Brewer, Silkwood, Dunn and Cox

5 Against: Daniels, Gregory, Brown, Wise, Duncan

What's Next for Schools Budget?

Since the School Board approved the budget with cuts including the loss of 91 jobs and the closing of E.B. Wilson night school by a vote of 6-5, the budget next goes to the Sumner County Commission's Education Committee for approval.

The Education Committee will meet on Thursday, September 8th to consider the budget just passed by the Board.

Education Committee members include: Paul Decker, Trisha LeMarbre, Billy Geminden, Jim Vaughn, Jerry Stone, Joe Matthews, and Kirk Moser.

Interestingly, Committee membership just changed to remove members Harris and Goode and add frequent schools budget critics Jim Vaughn and Jerry Stone.

Contacting the County Commission

In case you wish to contact your County Commissioner and tell them to fully fund the original schools budget and reject the cuts, here's the contact information:



Dist. Commissioner
1ST MIKE AKINS
1345 SMILEY TROUT RD
WESTMORELAND, TN 37186
644-3575 (H)

Elected 2006

2ND BILLY GEMINDEN
1419 HWY 259
PORTLAND, TN 37148
325-9484 (H) 604-6315 (C)
bdagemin@bellsouth.net
Elected 2010

3RD STEVE GRAVES
1514 ROCK SPRINGS RD
BETHPAGE, TN 37022
330-0688 (C) 841-4121 (W)
BethpageTire@gmail.com
Elected 2006

4TH FRANK E. FREELS
2134 LONG HOLLOW PIKE
GALLATIN, TN 37066
452-9748 (H) 585-0376 (W)

Elected 1978-1990; 2008

5TH BEN HARRIS
466 BUFFALO RIDGE
GALLATIN, TN 37066
451-0840 (H) 804-2583 (C)
ben.harris2010@comcast.net
Elected 1990-2006; 2010

6TH PAIGE BROWN STRONG
1717 LAKE GRASSLAND WEST
GALLATIN, TN 37066
975-9196 (C) 826-2724 (H) 452-4000 (W)
pbstrong@comcast.net
Elected 2010

7TH TRISHA LEMARBRE
230 SPY GLASS WAY
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
824-2912 (H)
lemarbre@bellsouth.net
Elected 2006

8TH PAUL DECKER
134 MEADOWVUE DRIVE
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
824-1902 (H) 218-3898 (C)
pauldeckerjr@comcast.net
Elected 2006

9TH CHRIS HUGHES
103 BAYVIEW DRIVE
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
264-2297 (H) 824-6970 (W)
hughes4commish@yahoo.com
Elected 2006

10TH PAUL R. GOODE
124 CEDARCREST DRIVE
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
479-5088 (H)
PaulRGoodeis@gmail.com
Elected 2006

11TH PAUL D. FREELS
2458 LONG HOLLOW PIKE
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
824-0817 (H)

Elected 1977

12TH MICHAEL GUTHRIE
548 THOMPSON LANE
PORTLAND, TN 37148
323-9475 (H)
guthrie4district12@comcast.net
Elected 2010




Dist. Commissioner
1ST MOE TAYLOR
420 BUCK GRAVES RD
WESTMORELAND, TN 37186
452-3843 (W)
moet@nctc.com
Elected 2010

2ND SHAWN UTLEY
280 COOK ROAD
PORTLAND, TN 37148
325-3771 (H)
slccutley@bellsouth.net
Elected 2008

3RD DAVID SATTERFIELD
1976 HARTSVILLE PIKE
GALLATIN, TN 37066
452-6166 (H) 838-4226 (C)

Elected 1978-82; 1987-90; 1998

4TH JOE C. MATTHEWS
605 HARRIS LANE
GALLATIN, TN 37066
230-7898 (H)
Ida18@bellsouth.net
Elected 2006

5TH BAKER RING
461 BRADY LANE
GALLATIN, TN 37066
230-6819 (H)
bring@comcast.net
Elected 2010

6TH JIM VAUGHN
2981 CAGES BEND RD
GALLATIN, TN 37066
264-3858 (H) 973-6813 (C)
vaughn82@comcast.net
Elected 2006

7TH KIRK MOSER
189 WYNBROOKE TRACE
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
824-9148 (H)
rkirklandmoser@bellsouth.net
Elected 2006

8TH MERROL N. HYDE
103 REBECCA DRIVE
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
822-3866 (H)
hydemn@gmail.com
Elected 1994

9TH DAVID KIMBROUGH
114 TROUT VALLEY DRIVE
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
824-2026 (H) 822-8332 (W)
dkimbrough@freedomts.com
Elected 2006

10TH JO SKIDMORE
209 NEPTUNE DRIVE
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
824-0033 (H) OR 824-3070

Elected 1994

11TH JERRY F. STONE
3293 LONG HOLLOW PIKE
HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075
824-5981 (H)
stone37075@yahoo.com
Elected 1990-1994; 2006

12TH BOB POSPISIL
202 DENISE CIRCLE
COTTONTOWN, TN 37048
672-1290 (H) 672-1905 (W)
pospisilrl@bellsouth.net
Elected 2006

Board Approves Budget Cuts

The School Board voted 6-5 last night to approve cuts to its budget totaling $5.3 million. The cuts include 36 bookkeepers and a total of 91 employees who will lose their jobs. E.B. Wilson night school would close if the proposed budget is adopted.

The system currently has 46 bookkeepers, 1 for each school. The plan would be to fire all 46, then rehire 10 and place them at the Central Office. Principals oppose this idea because it would make purchasing at schools even more difficult.

The County Commission can either approve or reject the budget. Alternatively, they could vote to fund the original School Board budget which would not require these cuts.

For just over $5 a month for the average taxpayer, a small property tax increase could raise sufficient funds to cover this year's deficit.

As Board Chairman Don Long has noted repeatedly, the system has added the equivalent of an entire school this year (growing by 619 students over last year) and yet has received essentially the same level of funding from the County Commission.

Political Games Hurt Sumner Students

so says the Hendersonville Standard. They suggest the County Commission find other sources of funds to pay for the schools shortfall.

School Board Special Meeting TONIGHT

On the night of Parent-Teacher Conferences, the Sumner County School Board will meet in special session to consider potential budget cuts. The meeting is at the Central Office in Gallatin at 6:30 PM -- so, plenty of time to make it to your conferences and then head on over to the meeting.

No details yet on what exactly may be cut, but it seems likely that critical textbook purchases will be delayed for yet another year and some staff and/or teachers may lose their jobs.

Alternatively, the County Commission COULD decided to fund the budget by asking every Sumner County taxpayer to pay an average of $5 a month more in property tax in order to keep schools on track.

The School Board has noted that 619 new students are in Sumner County Schools this year -- the equivalent of adding an entire new school. This while funds from the County have remained steady.

The Board suggests it cannot maintain expected services when growth is around 500 or more students a year and funds remain the same.

What are they unwilling to pay?

So, we're reading (and reporting) that the County Commission is refusing to fully fund the Schools budget which will likely lead to job cuts and a lack of textbooks for students. Some Commissioners say that the tax increase required to fund the requested budget is too high. That such a big increase would burden taxpayers. That it is better for schools to go without or for people to lose their jobs than for taxes to go up by such a large amount.





Let's see, then, what exactly it is they are unwilling to pay. Four of the most outspoken Commissioners on this issue are Chairman Merrol Hyde, Budget Chair Kirk Moser, Comm. Jerry Stone and Comm. Jim Vaughn.





We did some searching and found out how much THEIR tax bills would increase if a proposed 15 cent property tax hike went into effect (the amount needed to cover the School Board's proposed budget and keep people from losing their jobs).

Here are the numbers:

On his property valued at $201,700 and with a taxable assessment of $50,425, Commission Chairman Merrol Hyde would pay a whopping $75.64 more per year, or just $6.30 a month.

On his property valued at $269,800 and with a taxable assessment of $$67,450, Budget Committee Chairman Kirk Moser would pay $101.75 more per year, or just $8.43 a month.

On his property valued at $346,400 and with a taxable assessment of $86,600, Comm. Jerry Stone would pay $129.90 more per year, or just $10.83 a month.

On his property valued at $335,000 and with a taxable assessment of $83,750, Comm. Jim Vaughn would pay $125.63 a year, or just $10.47 a month.

These Commissioners have been saying that a 15 cent property tax hike is just too much.

Now, we know what they mean: $6 to $10 a month is just too much for these guys to spend on helping our public schools keep up with Sumner County's growth.

School Board Looking at Specific Cuts

More details are emerging on potential cuts to the Sumner County Schools budget as the Board prepares to meet in a special session on Tuesday at 6:30 PM.

Of course, all of these cuts could be avoided if the Sumner County Commission would agree to fully-fund the Schools budget.

Doing so would likely require asking taxpayers to pay an average of $5 more a month in order to keep schools running well.

Phillips to Hold Listening Meetings

Director of Schools Del Phillips will hold a series of listening meetings around Sumner County beginning on September 22.

Water Bills May Increase

not for a few years, though. But, it could happen!

They Just Keep on Fighting!

the County Commission and the School Board, that is! This time, it's about facilities improvements at Beech, Station Camp, and Merrol Hyde.

Haslam Applauds Sumner COMPASS

Gov. Bill Haslam was in Hendersonville last week for a fundraiser for COMPASS and he took the time to applaud the organization for its work in Sumner County Schools.

Nichols heads to TBR

Vol State will be needing a new President soon -- the current one just got a new gig.

Holt Unwilling to Fund Schools

Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt joined a number of County Commissioners who have said that Sumner County Schools don't need additional funding from the County. This in spite of the fact that County funding of schools as a percentage of total funding has dropped every year for the past 3 years. Additionally, the County has appropriated a portion of the property tax allocation previously dedicated to schools in order to allow a 3% raise for County employees -- a raise not available to school system employees under the current budget scenario.

With growth of about 500 students a year, Sumner County has essentially added an entire high school full of students in just the last two years and has received essentially the same funding from the County during the same time period.

School officials note that such rapid growth must be matched by local funding or it becomes unsustainable.

Gov. Haslam Address COMPASS in Hendersonville

Gov. Bill Haslam was in Hendersonville today to address a luncheon to raise funds for COMPASS -- a community partnership designed to support local public schools.

More on K12 Inc and Virtual Schools

The Commercial Appeal reports today that two weeks into the school year, more than 850 students who signed-up for K12 Inc's virtual school still have not been enrolled.

Herron Urges Sumner Democrats to Stand Up for Working People

State Senator Roy Herron (D-Dresden) addressed the Sumner County Democratic Party's 3-Star Celebration on Saturday evening at Sycamore Springs in Bethpage.

Herron urged attendees to stand up for working people. He noted recent changes in Tennessee law (backed by Republicans) that take taxpayer money and send it to out-of-state, for-profit "Virtual Schools" -- $5400 for each student that signs up. That's the same allocation students would get from the state if they went to a public school -- but this company takes the money, sends the kid a textbook and provides internet access, and then makes a big profit.

K12 Inc, who runs Tennessee's Virtual Schools program, was caught in an outsourcing scandal in Arizona and has been accused of fraud in Pennsylvania. Additional investigations of the company are currently underway.

In spite of these facts, Tennessee Republicans pushed through a law allowing taxpayer dollars to go to this taxpayer-funded, scandal-ridden organization.

Herron said working families are under assault from Republican-backed schemes to ensure that those who already have, get more ... and get it from those working hard just to put food on the table.

School Budget Cuts Could Mean Layoffs

Just who would or could lose their job is not yet clear -- but may be learned as early as next week.

Board Chair Don Long had this to say about the situation: “We have grown this year by an entire school, but the county commission is still choosing not to give us any additional money... this is unsustainable; we cannot keep it up.”

HHS and Station Camp Face Off Tonight

In the season opener for both schools, Station Camp will travel to Hendersonville tonight at 7 PM in a district matchup.

Herron to Headline Democratic Event

State Senator Roy Herron (D-Dresden) will be the keynote speaker at this year's annual 3-Star Celebration hosted by the Sumner County Democratic Party at Sycamore Springs (between Gallatin and Westmoreland).

Herron's appearance in Sumner has fueled speculation that he may be considering a challenge to U.S. Senator Bob Corker in 2012.

Herron lost a race for Congress in 2010 and briefly ran for Governor that same year before entering the congressional race.

He has served in the General Assembly for 22 years and has promised to address both state and national issues in his remarks.

School Board Looks to Cuts...

Rather than fighting the County Commission, the Sumner County School Board voted 6-4 to ask Director of Schools Del Phillips to find $5 million plus in cuts. The possible cuts could include about 100 jobs. It is expected that the Board will review the proposed budget sometime next week.

The fight over the Schools budget is a familiar one, stemming from continued growth in schools while the Commission has taken funds previously dedicated to the Schools to pay for their own expenses. Commissioners are resistant to any tax increase, even one as small as 14.5 cents (roughly $60 a year for the average homeowner in Sumner County).

Specifically, County Commission Budget Committee Chair Kirk Moser and Commissioner Jerry Stone have made it clear they don't support finding the money to meet the school system's needs. Ironically, Moser and Stone have supported taking funds previously designated for schools to add to the County budget so County employees can have a 3% raise but insist on denying a similar raise to school system employees.

School Board Defers Action on Budget

In yet another year of battle between the County Commission and School Board, the Board voted unanimously last night to defer action on its proposed budget. The Board had previously presented a budget to the Commission that asked for funding for an additional $5 million in needs over what the Commission had previously indicated it would pay.

Not surprisingly, the County Commission is refusing to fund the School Board's budget because to do so would require a small property tax increase.

The Board and staff deferred action to take more time to consider the budget before sending it back to the County Commission.

While items such as textbooks and a small raise for teachers and classified employees (their first in four years) are in the proposed budget, some NEEDS were not included.

They include:

22 teaching positions for growth
$1 million in textbooks for various subjects
1 additional school nurse, 2 social workers
$700,000 in maintenance, operations, and technology positions
$400,000 in small capital projects

It appears the district cut over $4 million from its original projections in an effort to meet the Commission halfway.

It is unclear what programs or proposed positions may be cut if the County Commission persists in its refusal to fund the Schools budget.

Steve Brown Calls for Recorded Meetings

Says he "assumed" all meetings were recorded...now, he's asking for a resolution to make it so.

Station Camp High to Grow

Could hold up to 1600 students. Expansion approved by School Board.

Kim Venable on SEC Football

and how to actually behave like a NORMAL person and still LOVE football...

Commission Considers Taking More $ from Schools

And Board Chairman Don Long is fighting back.

Moser to Schools: You aren't getting the $ we know you need

County Commission Budget Chair Kirk Moser has essentially told the School Board that his committee won't be approving their budget -- which includes funds for new textbooks and the first salary increase for teachers and classified employees in four years. All while the Commission has taken money from the school appropriation in recent years and refuses to consider even an incremental property tax increase.

County Com. Jerry Stone: Too Bad for Schools

County Commissioner Jerry Stone has suggested that the School Board is ignorant of the current economic climate and tells them it's too bad they want money for things like textbooks and teachers.

The details on the Schools Budget

The School Board met the County Commission halfway and cut about $6 million from its initial request. Now, they're asking the Commission to fully-fund a budget that is nearly $6 million over what the Commission has previously said it wants to spend.

Here are some details from Schools Director Del Phillips on what the proposed budget includes:

Last night the County Budget Committee voted to send the General Purpose Budget adopted by the School Board on August 6 back for further review. The Board requested $5.7 million in additional funding from the County Commission, bringing our total General Purpose Budget request to $194.5 million.

The requested budget included $6.2 million in required spending increases which included:
. A step raise for teachers..
A 1.6% increase on BEP portion of teachers' salaries..
12 teaching positions..
A 7 % medical insurance increase (classified insurance)..
School Bus Purchases (school share)..
Funding to replace 12 year old Literature textbooks..
Funding to replace the 8 year old Family & Consumer Science textbooks..
Additional funding to help cover the increased cost of diesel fuel.

The requested budget also included $1.9 million in additional needs identified by the School Board, including:.
A 3% increase (step increase plus 1% to scale) for Classified Employees (who last received a raise in the2008-09 school year..
An additional increase for Certified Employees (in order to grant all school system employees a 3 percent raise to match what is included in the county budget for county employees.).
An increase in funding for instructional allocations intended to reduce or replace school fees.

County Commission Committee Meets Tonight

The Ad Hoc Committee on Economic Feasibility meets tonight at 5PM at the County Administration Building in Gallatin to discuss, among other items, the School Board's proposed budget.

Kim Venable on Sumner Schools...

...she's urging the system to adopt a Nordstrom look and feel.

School Board Asks for Fully Funded Budget

In the face of a proposed "cap" on school spending by the County Commission, the Sumner County School Board has proposed to ask the Commission for a fully-funded budget, including a 3% raise for teachers.

There appears to be a $12 million difference between the School Board's proposal and the County Commission's "limit."

A special committee of the Commission meets tonight to discuss the Board's proposal.

Bank Card Thieves Persistent

Rash of bank card thefts in Gallatin now extends to Hendersonville.

4 Sumner Schools Named "High Priority"

Rucker-Stewart, Shafer, White House Middle Schools and Benny Bills Elementary all named to state's "watch list."

Mayoral Candidates Start Raising $

Foster, Brown, Elsten all raising funds for 2012 race.

Snow Days and Sumner Schools

Some proposals being batted around... policy does not appear to be likely to change...

Indecision and Debate on 1981 Financial Management Act

It affects our schools, our county, and how our tax dollars are spent...so, the County Commission is putting it off.

Will Sumner Have Enough Buses Come December?

That's the question being raised by the County Commission and the School Board. Of course, the Commission has yet to pass a budget and it is unclear why this issue is just now coming to the forefront. Nevertheless, there could be some transportation challenges come January if this is not resolved.

New Chief Administrative Officer at Sumner Schools

Michelle Ungurait. She has experience as a teacher in Metro and more recently as a top administrator in Guilford County, NC and in Peoria, IL.

Del Phillips -- Chamber Lunch Speaker

TOMORROW. New Director of Schools Del Phillips will be the featured speaker at the Hendersonville Chamber lunch.

That's July 12, 2011.

Sumner Students Post TCAP Gains

TCAP scores will become part of student grades in Spring of 2012.

Beech Bleachers, Soccer Field at Merrol Hyde...

... Those projects and others are on hold indefinitely as the Board and County Commission quibble over who has the right to allocate and spend funds from bond issues dedicated to capital projects for the schools.

Less Tickets in Hendersonville

You may have noticed (or not) that you are much less likely to get a speeding ticket in Hendersonville in 2011 than you were in 2010. Reports indicate that traffic court revenue is down by about $100,000 a month since January of 2011. It's not because Hendersonville residents are doing less speeding. It is because of a change in police practice. A previous practice of intense road patrols and ticket writing has been replaced by a practice of neighborhood policing. That is, you are far more likely to see police cars driving through your subdivision than you were in the past.

The new policy is part of the new chief's plan to reduce the number of burglaries -- Hendersonville has a lot of burglaries (NOT armed robbery) -- but burglaries where young people break-in to homes and steal stuff. The idea is that with cops in the neighborhood, kids will be less likely to break into homes. Of course, if those officers catch you speeding in the neighborhood, you'll be ticketed. But tickets on the main roads (Gallatin Rd, especially) are far less likely now.

Later data should reveal whether this policy has been effective at reducing the number of burglaries and keeping Hendersonville homes and families safer.

School Board Improves Transparency

Jennifer Easton has the details on the new, online, paperless system that will make accessing agenda items and information much easier for the public.

Who Will Be Number 2?

Today is the deadline to apply to be Chief Administrative Officer (essentially, the #2 job) at Sumner County Schools.

Also, in case you missed it, Finance Director Maryanne Durski resigned last week to take a job with the State of TN. Additionally, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Judy Wheeler has retired and HR Director Craig Ott has taken a job with Metro, meaning the leadership team at Central Office will be entirely new soon.

A Hendersonville Resident Takes on KMart

Kim Venable's struggles with faulty patio furniture!

Hoback Joins Mayor's Race

Alderman Jim Hoback is running for Mayor of Hendersonville. He joins incumbent Mayor Scott Foster and fellow aldermen Steve Brown and Tommy Elsten as candidates for the city's top job. Also said to be considering a race is former alderman Jamie Clary.

Anti-Bargaining Legislation Challenged in Court

On Friday, attorneys for the Sumner County School Board and the Sumner County Education Association will be in court again. This time, the issue is whether to dismuss SCEA's lawsuit in light of new anti-collective bargaining laws that take effect July 1. SCEA contends that the Board's action violated the contract in force in October of 2010 and thus, the laws effective on that date should govern. SCEA's lawyer has further suggested that the new legislation is unconstitutional under both the state and federal constitutions. The arguments will be interesting and could shape public policy both in Sumner County and across Tennessee.

More on Tourism Director Controversy

Lawyers are getting involved.

Controversy at the Tourism Board

The details seem somewhat vague -- but, there's clearly a controversy brewing.

Redistricting to Impact Hendersonville County Commission, School Board Districts

The Districts that include the Indian Lake and Walton Ferry Peninsulas will need to grow in order to accomodate population growth across Sumner County. These areas are largely saturated with no room to grow, so other parts of Hendersonville and Sumner have been adding people while the population in these districts has held relatively steady. One possible solution is to combine the districts in some fashion. Another would be simply to add population from neighboring Commission and School Board districts. It has to happen by July 2012, though it'd be nice if they finished in time for filing for the School Board races in August of 2012 (so by late March).

New Leaders Named at Ellis, Indian Lake

Darren Frank at Ellis and Ondie Mitchell at ILE. More info here.

Phillips Weighs-in on Financial Management Act

Here's the story from the Star News.

Hendersonville's Kmart Has a Blog!

who knew? lots of pictures...

Brown, Elsten to run for Mayor

The two aldermen will challenge incumbent Mayor Scott Foster. The article notes that former Alderman Jamie Clary may also make a bid.

Maggart Bill Changes Game for Teachers' Union

New Collaborative Conferencing to start in 2011-12 school year.

Hyde Proposes Sumner Convention Center

would also include Hotel and athletic complex. Heck, maybe even a baseball field for the Sounds!?

City Passes Budget

Hendersonville Standard has the story.

Hendersonville's Maggart Gets Noticed on Ed Policy

Hendersonville's state representative Debra Maggart has been getting notice recently as a force in education policy both locally and statewide.

Del Phillips: Next Superintendent Calls for Higher Standards

which could also mean extending the school year in Sumner.

the Fox guarding the Henhouse?

Kim Venable thinks so.

Rep. Black to have Sumner Office...

Paid for by Sumner taxpayers.

At a time when the County Commission is "struggling" to find adequate funds for local schools.

Timeline for Director of Schools Search

It's on the Board's website.

More on Rep. Maggart's Legislation related to teachers ...

The Tennessean has it. Seems there was some help from the TSBA -- an organization that receives taxpayer money from Sumner Countians as the School Board maintains a membership.

Rep. Maggart and Tennessee's Teachers

Here's a story from the AP via PostPolitics on Hendersonville's Rep. Debra Maggart.

The story details Maggart's proposal to end negotiations between local teachers' associations and school boards.

PTO Committee looks for solutions

Hendersonville Standard has the story

School Board

meets tonight - at 6:00 PM in Gallatin. Agenda will be posted here as soon as its available online.

Qualities for the next Director of Schools

Here's a survey being conducted by the recruiting firm