Wednesday, February 29, 2012
England Pulls State Senate Petition
Longtime Sumner County Clerk and former County Commissioner Jimmy England has pulled a petition to run as a Democrat for the 18th State Senate District. Republicans who have pulled petitions include Ferrell Haile of Gallatin, Jeff Coker of Hendersonville, and Paul Koulakov of Goodlettsville.
Hawkins Pulls School Board Petition
Attorney and 2008 State Senate candidate Jim Hawkins of Gallatin has pulled a petition to run for School Board in District 6, the County Election Commission reports.
Nancy Glover, currently principal at Jack Anderson Elementary, has already returned her qualifying petition and Danny Hale, the incumbent in District 6, has pulled a petition but not returned it.
The qualifying deadline is April 5th.
Nancy Glover, currently principal at Jack Anderson Elementary, has already returned her qualifying petition and Danny Hale, the incumbent in District 6, has pulled a petition but not returned it.
The qualifying deadline is April 5th.
Maggart Draws Primary Opponent
Courtney Rogers seems poised to challenge Debra Maggart in the GOP primary for House District 45 (Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, White House).
Jesse Hughes has the story.
Jesse Hughes has the story.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Chamber President Urges YES on Wheel Tax
Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce President Brenda Payne is urging Sumner County citizens to vote "YES" on the Wheel Tax for Schools on March 6th. Ms. Payne says strong schools are critical to building a strong Sumner County and notes that good schools are good for business.
Friday, February 24, 2012
School Budget Battle Brewing
Board members at this Tuesday's meeting previewed their plans for the 2012-13 school budget, including a proposal to give all employees a 3 percent raise.
Meanwhile, members predicted that without additional funding from the County, more cuts could be on the table.
It's a stark contrast. A Board-proposed budget that fully funds schools and meets the needs of students and a County Commission that so far has been unwilling to properly fund the schools.
Of course, the Board's proposal has yet to be seen. But County Commissioners like Jerry Stone and Jim Vaughn are already saying there won't be any new money for schools absent a wheel tax. What they're really saying is that they (Stone/Vaughn) won't support spending more money on schools.
One thing seems clear: If Sumner County citizens thought last year's budget battle was bad, it will seem mild compared to what's brewing for 2012.
Meanwhile, members predicted that without additional funding from the County, more cuts could be on the table.
It's a stark contrast. A Board-proposed budget that fully funds schools and meets the needs of students and a County Commission that so far has been unwilling to properly fund the schools.
Of course, the Board's proposal has yet to be seen. But County Commissioners like Jerry Stone and Jim Vaughn are already saying there won't be any new money for schools absent a wheel tax. What they're really saying is that they (Stone/Vaughn) won't support spending more money on schools.
One thing seems clear: If Sumner County citizens thought last year's budget battle was bad, it will seem mild compared to what's brewing for 2012.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Long, Hale Face Questions Over Fieldhouse Bid
At Tuesday night's School Board meeting, members Don Long and Danny Hale faced questions over bidding process and proper procedures -- and they sought secrecy instead of offering detailed explanation. Their excuse, as reported here, is that they "didn't bring their paperwork."
Specifically, Hale and Long's Facilities and Maintenance Committee solicited bids for a fieldhouse project at Station Camp High School that is currently listed at number 38 on the Board's facilities priority list.
Nevertheless, they told their fellow Board members to trust them and that it was possible the full board would be asked to vote on funding the project. No further explanation was offered.
Specifically, Hale and Long's Facilities and Maintenance Committee solicited bids for a fieldhouse project at Station Camp High School that is currently listed at number 38 on the Board's facilities priority list.
Nevertheless, they told their fellow Board members to trust them and that it was possible the full board would be asked to vote on funding the project. No further explanation was offered.
R.T. Fisher Serves Sumner Students Well...
...so says this report from Principal Bob Cotter and reported by the Standard.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Nap and Snack Kindergarten Comes to Sumner
The School Board voted last night to essentially add a nap and a snack to the Kindergarten day, keeping students in school for 6.5 hours instead of the current mandatory minimum of 4 hours.
Teachers indicated this would essentially mean they're supervising nap and snack time, but every Board member voted in favor of the recommended policy change.
To see other action taken by the Board at last night's meeting, click here.
Teachers indicated this would essentially mean they're supervising nap and snack time, but every Board member voted in favor of the recommended policy change.
To see other action taken by the Board at last night's meeting, click here.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
School Board Meets Tonight -- Kindergarten Naps on Agenda
Here's a handy link to the School Board's meeting agenda for tonight.
Among the items up for discussion and vote on the rather lengthy agenda is the length of the Kindergarten day.
Moving the Kindergarten day from the current minimum mandated time of 4 hours to a new mandate of 6.5 hours will mean Kindergarten students will now be in school long enough to warrant a nap and a snack break.
Teachers have indicated that they have significant concerns about this approach, and tonight's meeting may demonstrate whether or not those concerns were heard.
Among the items up for discussion and vote on the rather lengthy agenda is the length of the Kindergarten day.
Moving the Kindergarten day from the current minimum mandated time of 4 hours to a new mandate of 6.5 hours will mean Kindergarten students will now be in school long enough to warrant a nap and a snack break.
Teachers have indicated that they have significant concerns about this approach, and tonight's meeting may demonstrate whether or not those concerns were heard.
Coker Announces State Senate Bid
Hendersonville businessman Jeff Coker today announced his candidacy for State Senate ... he will challenge former Senator Ferrell Haile of Gallatin for the Republican nomination.
Now we know why he wants low taxes...
...so a local Tea Party leader can have more money available for this.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Schools facing nearly $500,000 Shortfall...
...This year.
Amid a budget year that started off with a fight to get the County Commission to properly fund schools, the Sumner County School system reports it is receiving $1 million less than projected and will have to make mid-year cuts to meet this year's budget.
The cause? Less BEP growth money from the state. While the state's share is $1 million less than expected, the County sales tax growth could cover at least half that deficit.
The problem? The state is NOT actually fully funding the BEP -- only $31 million was available to fund BEP growth, but $41 million is needed to meet projections. Despite claims that the Governor has "fully-funded" the BEP in his budget, it appears he's at least $10 million short for 2011-12.
In spite of this shortfall, the Governor is proposing tax cuts for millionaires that would cost the state at least $14 million. This could mean the BEP growth budget is under-funded in 2012-13 as well.
Amid a budget year that started off with a fight to get the County Commission to properly fund schools, the Sumner County School system reports it is receiving $1 million less than projected and will have to make mid-year cuts to meet this year's budget.
The cause? Less BEP growth money from the state. While the state's share is $1 million less than expected, the County sales tax growth could cover at least half that deficit.
The problem? The state is NOT actually fully funding the BEP -- only $31 million was available to fund BEP growth, but $41 million is needed to meet projections. Despite claims that the Governor has "fully-funded" the BEP in his budget, it appears he's at least $10 million short for 2011-12.
In spite of this shortfall, the Governor is proposing tax cuts for millionaires that would cost the state at least $14 million. This could mean the BEP growth budget is under-funded in 2012-13 as well.
Early Voting Begins Today
Among the issues on the ballot are: The Wheel Tax, the choice of Property Assessor, and the Presidential Primary.
The Wheel Tax increase of $25 a year would raise an estimated $3 million a year for schools -- the language dedicates all funds from the increase to schools.
The School System is anticipating a $10 million shortfall for 2012-13, so $3 million would help cover some of the potential cuts. Without it, look for a budget proposal with more drastic cuts than those proposed in September of 2011 (cutting the night school, adult education, etc.).
In the Property Assessor's race, well-funded incumbent John Isbell faces Brian Belcher of Hendersonville. Since there is no Democrat running, the winner of the primary will be the next Assessor.
The Wheel Tax increase of $25 a year would raise an estimated $3 million a year for schools -- the language dedicates all funds from the increase to schools.
The School System is anticipating a $10 million shortfall for 2012-13, so $3 million would help cover some of the potential cuts. Without it, look for a budget proposal with more drastic cuts than those proposed in September of 2011 (cutting the night school, adult education, etc.).
In the Property Assessor's race, well-funded incumbent John Isbell faces Brian Belcher of Hendersonville. Since there is no Democrat running, the winner of the primary will be the next Assessor.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Amid Wheel Tax Vote, School Budget Battle Looms
Yes, on February 15th early voting begins for the March 6th election. On March 6th, Tennesseans will cast their vote in the Republican Presidential Primary, choose Sumner County's next Property Assessor, and vote for or against a $25 wheel tax which will generate $3 million a year in additional revenue for our schools
However, as the Star News notes, the wheel tax vote is part of a larger battle.
It seems the School system is anticipating a budget shortfall of at least $10 million. That's exactly what they told County Commissioners in August and September of 2011 when the Commission refused to fully fund the School Board's budget.
Now, even if the wheel tax passes, the Board will face a $7 million shortfall. That will likely mean discussion of closing the night school (E.B. Wilson) and ending or limiting other programs. OR, the County Commission could decide to spend some of its generous reserve fund AND pass a small property tax increase.
The point is, there should be no illusion about what is going to be happening SOON in Sumner County. Our Commission and School Board will be bickering -- and programs (and people) will be facing cuts.
Remember, High School teachers are already operating without the option of substitutes. And principals and other administrators took a 3-day furlough which resulted in loss of pay -- We're paying our principals less and expecting them to do more.
What's next in order to make up the $7-$10 million budget shortfall? OR: Will the County Commission and School Board put aside their minor differences and agree to properly fund our schools?
However, as the Star News notes, the wheel tax vote is part of a larger battle.
It seems the School system is anticipating a budget shortfall of at least $10 million. That's exactly what they told County Commissioners in August and September of 2011 when the Commission refused to fully fund the School Board's budget.
Now, even if the wheel tax passes, the Board will face a $7 million shortfall. That will likely mean discussion of closing the night school (E.B. Wilson) and ending or limiting other programs. OR, the County Commission could decide to spend some of its generous reserve fund AND pass a small property tax increase.
The point is, there should be no illusion about what is going to be happening SOON in Sumner County. Our Commission and School Board will be bickering -- and programs (and people) will be facing cuts.
Remember, High School teachers are already operating without the option of substitutes. And principals and other administrators took a 3-day furlough which resulted in loss of pay -- We're paying our principals less and expecting them to do more.
What's next in order to make up the $7-$10 million budget shortfall? OR: Will the County Commission and School Board put aside their minor differences and agree to properly fund our schools?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tech Upgrade Comes to Walton Ferry
via the Star News. It seems those bus advertising dollars will pay for technology in the form of computer upgrades at Walton Ferry Elementary in Hendersonville. It is expected that a priority list for technology will be developed to guide the future expenditure of funds.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Mayoral Candidates Raise $
Steve Brown is raising money from people while Scott Foster is holding on to past contributions and Tommy Elsten is self-funding. That's the takeaway from the latest round of financial disclosure forms recently filed.
All three would appear to have significant funds and be on track to run competitive races. Elsten has clearly purchased and distributed bumper stickers, as they can be seen on cars and trucks all over Hendersonville.
Brown and Foster both estimate at least $60,000 will be needed to run a successful race.
All three would appear to have significant funds and be on track to run competitive races. Elsten has clearly purchased and distributed bumper stickers, as they can be seen on cars and trucks all over Hendersonville.
Brown and Foster both estimate at least $60,000 will be needed to run a successful race.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
McDonald Among Finalists for Vol State Presidency
State Rep. and former VSCC professor Mike McDonald is among three finalists for the presidency of Vol State. The other finalists are: Dr. Bonny Copenhaver and Dr. Jerry Faulkner.
Should McDonald be named to the Presidency, he likely would not continue serving in the 44th district House seat, creating an open seat to be filled in the upcoming election.
Should McDonald be named to the Presidency, he likely would not continue serving in the 44th district House seat, creating an open seat to be filled in the upcoming election.
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