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.
Friday, September 30, 2011
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.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, September 19, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, September 16, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, September 9, 2011
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
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
Thursday, September 8, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, September 2, 2011
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).
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.
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.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Phillips to Hold Listening Meetings
Director of Schools Del Phillips will hold a series of listening meetings around Sumner County beginning on September 22.
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