And basicaly bemoans the stress and anxiety induced by too much state-mandated testing.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Hendersonville Mom Takes on TCAPs
Local parent Sibyl Reagan takes on TCAPs in this letter:
While tough to read here, it appeared in the Star News
And basicaly bemoans the stress and anxiety induced by too much state-mandated testing.
And basicaly bemoans the stress and anxiety induced by too much state-mandated testing.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Theme Academies Coming to Sumner?
Director of Schools Del Phillips and principals at Sumner County high schools recently released a proposal to bring "Theme" Academies to Sumner County's schools.
The academies would help focus student studies and would be open to anyone in the County. That is, if a student from Hendersonville wanted to attend Gallatin High for the STEM programs, that would be made possible.
All details have not been worked out, but it seems likely the proposal will carry some additional cost. There is no doubt it will bring public school choice to the district and that it is a bold move that would make Sumner an innovative school district among those in Middle Tennessee.
What is less clear is how the Director and Board members plan to convince the County Commission to fund this new iniative. The County Commission has been reluctant in recent years to properly fund schools and there's another budget showdown brewing for 2012-13.
The academies would help focus student studies and would be open to anyone in the County. That is, if a student from Hendersonville wanted to attend Gallatin High for the STEM programs, that would be made possible.
All details have not been worked out, but it seems likely the proposal will carry some additional cost. There is no doubt it will bring public school choice to the district and that it is a bold move that would make Sumner an innovative school district among those in Middle Tennessee.
What is less clear is how the Director and Board members plan to convince the County Commission to fund this new iniative. The County Commission has been reluctant in recent years to properly fund schools and there's another budget showdown brewing for 2012-13.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Brewer Suggests Layoffs for Custodians
Continuing a pattern of bizarre behavior, School Board member Tim Brewer threatened custodians with the possibility of layoffs if an unproven oustsourcing scheme was not adopted by the Board.
The oustsourcing vote failed by a vote of 7-4.
But that didn't stop Brewer from suggesting, "layoffs would be unavoidable" if the outsourcing vote failed.
Brewer is apparently unwilling or unable to imagine a scenario in which the school system passes a needs-based budget and then aggressively lobbies for its passage with the community and County Commission.
The oustsourcing vote failed by a vote of 7-4.
But that didn't stop Brewer from suggesting, "layoffs would be unavoidable" if the outsourcing vote failed.
Brewer is apparently unwilling or unable to imagine a scenario in which the school system passes a needs-based budget and then aggressively lobbies for its passage with the community and County Commission.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Gallaher's Residency Questioned
The Mayor's Office and City Attorney John Bradley are investigating Ward 3 Alderman Chris Gallaher to determine whether or not he resides in Ward 3, which he claims to represent.
The investigation stems from claims that Gallaher no longer lives in the Hickory Run Apartments located at 1080 West Main Street. If not, and if he can't establish a legitimate address in Ward 3, his seat would be declared vacant.
Gallaher is up for re-election in November.
The investigation stems from claims that Gallaher no longer lives in the Hickory Run Apartments located at 1080 West Main Street. If not, and if he can't establish a legitimate address in Ward 3, his seat would be declared vacant.
Gallaher is up for re-election in November.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Outsourcing Custodians Fails -- AGAIN
For the fourth time since 2009, the School Board put the issue of oustsourcing custodial services on its agenda. And for the fourth time, the issue failed. This time, only four Board members voted in favor of an outsourcing plan -- Vanessa Silkwood, Danny Hale, Don Long, and Tim Brewer.
Most of the bids the Board received were higher than the current cost of custodial services -- and represented a loss of benefits to employees.
Only two bids were lower and those bids would have resulted in significant cuts to what is offered for employees.
No word yet on whether the issue will rise again after its 4th defeat in four tries.
Most of the bids the Board received were higher than the current cost of custodial services -- and represented a loss of benefits to employees.
Only two bids were lower and those bids would have resulted in significant cuts to what is offered for employees.
No word yet on whether the issue will rise again after its 4th defeat in four tries.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Custodial Outsourcing, Student Cell Phone Use on Board Agenda
The Sumner County School Board meets tonight at 6pm and the issue of outsourcing custodial services is on the agenda. The Board has received bids from several organizations, two of which purport to offer service at costs somewhat lower than what the Board currently spends. 4 other offers were at prices significantly higher than current costs. The supposed savings come from significantly reducing health care and retirement benefits for school custodians. If approved, the transition would also mean custodians are hired and screened by an outside party and that they would be under the supervision of a 3rd party.
Another hot topic on tonight's agenda is the policy allowing student use of cell phones -- this is a pet issue of Danny Hale's and has been met with some resistance among the system's teachers and principals.
Another hot topic on tonight's agenda is the policy allowing student use of cell phones -- this is a pet issue of Danny Hale's and has been met with some resistance among the system's teachers and principals.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Haile, Maggart Lead Funding Race
As first quarter disclosures revealed, both Debra Maggart and Ferrell Haile have big financial leads over their potential opponents in races for the state House and Senate. In fact, Maggart is a contributor to Haile's campaign.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Tazza is hiring!
Tazza Cafe is hiring delivery drivers and servers... call 826-8181 for more information.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Funding Forum Highlights Needs...
...but no solutions.
Participants a recent forum on school funding all agreed the School System needed more and better funding...and none opposed a property tax increase...but no one clearly, explicitly advocated a solution.
County Commissioners interviewed suggested now was not the time to raise taxes and that the woefully under-funded schools would just have to wait. Crowding more kids into portables and delaying raises for school system employees...plus, a barrage of cuts seem quite possible in the 2012-13 budget.
That is, unless a few County Commissioners can be persuaded to support a tax increase.
Participants a recent forum on school funding all agreed the School System needed more and better funding...and none opposed a property tax increase...but no one clearly, explicitly advocated a solution.
County Commissioners interviewed suggested now was not the time to raise taxes and that the woefully under-funded schools would just have to wait. Crowding more kids into portables and delaying raises for school system employees...plus, a barrage of cuts seem quite possible in the 2012-13 budget.
That is, unless a few County Commissioners can be persuaded to support a tax increase.
Viagra, Budgets, and Bears, OH MY!
This week's news in Hendersonville has included the end of taxpayer-funded Viagra, the Mayor's budget, and...honey bears!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Kim Venable's Mad at Publix
because it's cheaper to buy a honey bear than a honey bottle.
Hmm.
It is curious.
And we're guessing the store she loves to hate is Wal-Mart. If she just can't "bear" Publix anymore, and still hates Wal-Mart, perhaps she'll try Kroger?
Hmm.
It is curious.
And we're guessing the store she loves to hate is Wal-Mart. If she just can't "bear" Publix anymore, and still hates Wal-Mart, perhaps she'll try Kroger?
Center Point BBQ Wins War of the Wings
Center Point BBQ won the restaurant category in the 4th Annual Merrol Hyde Magnet School "War of the Wings." Center Point's wings beat out wings from 16 other local restaurants to claim the 2012 victory. The winning wings reportedly had a smokey flavor with not too much spice claimed a solid win.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Local Legislative Races See Competition
There's not an uncontested race for the state legislature in 2012.
Long-time incumbent 45th district House member Debra Maggart faces both a primary challenge from fellow Republican Courtney Rogers and a possible general election matchup with Democrat Jeanette Jackson.
In the 44th district, which includes several Hendersonville precincts, Republican William Lamberth is taking on Democrat Steven Glaser for the right to replace retiring Rep. Mike McDonald.
And in the 40th district, also including a portion of Hendersonville, Republican incumbent Terri Lynn Weaver will face either Sarah Smith of Carthage or Wesley Duane Hodges of Gallatin, both Democrats.
In the Senate, 4 Republicans are facing off for the right to challenge Democrat Maria Brewer to gain the open 18th district Senate seat. The Republican hopefuls are: Jeff Coker and Tony Allers of Hendersonville, Ferrell Haile of Gallatin, and Brock Ewell of Portland.
More on legislative races here.
Long-time incumbent 45th district House member Debra Maggart faces both a primary challenge from fellow Republican Courtney Rogers and a possible general election matchup with Democrat Jeanette Jackson.
In the 44th district, which includes several Hendersonville precincts, Republican William Lamberth is taking on Democrat Steven Glaser for the right to replace retiring Rep. Mike McDonald.
And in the 40th district, also including a portion of Hendersonville, Republican incumbent Terri Lynn Weaver will face either Sarah Smith of Carthage or Wesley Duane Hodges of Gallatin, both Democrats.
In the Senate, 4 Republicans are facing off for the right to challenge Democrat Maria Brewer to gain the open 18th district Senate seat. The Republican hopefuls are: Jeff Coker and Tony Allers of Hendersonville, Ferrell Haile of Gallatin, and Brock Ewell of Portland.
More on legislative races here.
School Board Seats Up in 2012
Election is August 2nd
Hendersonville will see one competitive race in District 2 with Tony Jackson challenging incumbent Tim Brewer.
Hendersonville will see one competitive race in District 2 with Tony Jackson challenging incumbent Tim Brewer.
Foster's Budget: No New Taxes, Employees Get a Raise
it's that simple. A balanced budget with no new taxes and a 2.5 percent raise for employees.
here are the details.
here are the details.
Monday, April 9, 2012
School System Again Looks at Outsourcing
here's the story.
Once again, the Board is looking at outsourcing. Meaning the pay of custodians may stay the same but they stand to lose significantly in terms of benefits.
Also, the cleaning company would have full control of the employees...they'd no longer report to the principal.
The proposed cost-savings are relatively small and may not be realized at all. Or, they may be initial savings followed by cost increases.
Which means employees and schools stand to lose a lot and the system stands to gain little.
Once again, the Board is looking at outsourcing. Meaning the pay of custodians may stay the same but they stand to lose significantly in terms of benefits.
Also, the cleaning company would have full control of the employees...they'd no longer report to the principal.
The proposed cost-savings are relatively small and may not be realized at all. Or, they may be initial savings followed by cost increases.
Which means employees and schools stand to lose a lot and the system stands to gain little.
County Cuts Off Taxpayer-Funded Erections
The Sumner County Government will no longer use taxpayer dollars to pay for erectile dysfunction drugs for its employees.
This story notes Sumner County was spending nearly $60,000 a year on erectile dysfunction drugs for employees as part of its insurance plan. That's a lot of Viagra and Cialis for employees at taxpayer expense.
The County Commission made the change in order to continue offering health insurance at a reasonably affordable cost to its employees.
This story notes Sumner County was spending nearly $60,000 a year on erectile dysfunction drugs for employees as part of its insurance plan. That's a lot of Viagra and Cialis for employees at taxpayer expense.
The County Commission made the change in order to continue offering health insurance at a reasonably affordable cost to its employees.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
School Board, Other Races Set
At Noon today, filing ended for School Board and other local races.
The matchups look like this:
In Hendersonville's District 2, incumbent Tim Brewer faces challenger Tony Jackson.
In District 4, incumbent Beth Cox is running unopposed.
In District 6, long-time educator and retiring Jack Anderson Elementary Principal Nancy Glover is running unopposed. The district is currently served by Danny Hale who pulled a petition but did not file to run.
In District 8, incumbent Ted Wise faces challenger Nathan Miller.
In District 10, incumbent Glen Gregory faces challenger Teddy Baird.
In other races:
State House District 40 (which includes several Hendersonville precincts) has a Democratic primary featuring Wesley Duane Hodges of Gallatin and Sarah Marie Smith of Carthage. The winner will face incumbent Republican Terri Lynn Weaver.
State House District 44 (where Mike McDonald of Portland is retiring) features Republican William Lamberth of Cottontown and Democrat Steven Glaser of Portland.
State House District 45 sees incumbent Republican Debra Maggart facing a primary challenge from Courtney Rogers with the winner facing Democrat Jeanette Jackson.
State Senate District 18 (All of Sumner and Trousdale counties plus part of Davidson) features four Republicans (Ferrell Haile of Gallatin, Jeff Coker and Tony Allers of Hendersonville, and Brock Ewell of Portland) vying for a chance to take on Democrat Maria Brewer in the General Election.
The matchups look like this:
In Hendersonville's District 2, incumbent Tim Brewer faces challenger Tony Jackson.
In District 4, incumbent Beth Cox is running unopposed.
In District 6, long-time educator and retiring Jack Anderson Elementary Principal Nancy Glover is running unopposed. The district is currently served by Danny Hale who pulled a petition but did not file to run.
In District 8, incumbent Ted Wise faces challenger Nathan Miller.
In District 10, incumbent Glen Gregory faces challenger Teddy Baird.
In other races:
State House District 40 (which includes several Hendersonville precincts) has a Democratic primary featuring Wesley Duane Hodges of Gallatin and Sarah Marie Smith of Carthage. The winner will face incumbent Republican Terri Lynn Weaver.
State House District 44 (where Mike McDonald of Portland is retiring) features Republican William Lamberth of Cottontown and Democrat Steven Glaser of Portland.
State House District 45 sees incumbent Republican Debra Maggart facing a primary challenge from Courtney Rogers with the winner facing Democrat Jeanette Jackson.
State Senate District 18 (All of Sumner and Trousdale counties plus part of Davidson) features four Republicans (Ferrell Haile of Gallatin, Jeff Coker and Tony Allers of Hendersonville, and Brock Ewell of Portland) vying for a chance to take on Democrat Maria Brewer in the General Election.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Steven Glaser for State House
Steven Glaser of Portland has pulled a petition to run in House District 44 as a Democrat. With the retirement announcement of Mike McDonald and the decision by Hollie Harris of Gallatin not to run, Glaser becomes the only Democrat in the race.
Brewer in, England out in Democratic Senate Primary
Maria Brewer has qualified to run for State Senate in District 18 -- the sole Democrat to qualify to date, she will face one of 6 Republicans running for the seat.
Earlier reports had suggested a possible Democratic primary matchup between Brewer and former County Clerk Jimmy England. But England, 85, will not make the race out of health concerns.
Earlier reports had suggested a possible Democratic primary matchup between Brewer and former County Clerk Jimmy England. But England, 85, will not make the race out of health concerns.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Jackson Qualifies for School Board Race Against Brewer
District 2 incumbent School Board member Tim Brewer has drawn an opponent. Tony Jackson of Woodyside Drive has qualified as of April 2nd. Jackson is a long-time Hendersonville resident and production manager for a Nashville radio group. His three sons all graduated from Hendersonville High School. Additionally, his wife works as a school bookkeeper.
Brewer is best known for skipping 6 months worth of meetings during a stretch of 2009 and still collecting his Board member paycheck. More recently, he seems to be forgetting important paperwork at key times.
In spite of repeated invitations, Brewer has failed to visit Lakeside Park Elementary in his district.
Jackson has pledged to be an open and accessible Board member who will actively listen to citizens in his district.
Brewer is best known for skipping 6 months worth of meetings during a stretch of 2009 and still collecting his Board member paycheck. More recently, he seems to be forgetting important paperwork at key times.
In spite of repeated invitations, Brewer has failed to visit Lakeside Park Elementary in his district.
Jackson has pledged to be an open and accessible Board member who will actively listen to citizens in his district.
Faboo Cakes is Hiring
here's the info straight from their Facebook page:
Faboo Cakes is officially hiring. We are looking for fun, happy, friendly people to help customers at the front counter. Hours vary but are mainly 2pm-7pm Wednesday through Friday and Saturdays 2 shifts between 7 am and 8 pm. This is NOT a cake decorating position. :) It is front service including serving coffee and cleaning, lots of cleaning. :) We are looking for several people so if you are interested, email us at faboocakes@faboocakes.com
Faboo Cakes is officially hiring. We are looking for fun, happy, friendly people to help customers at the front counter. Hours vary but are mainly 2pm-7pm Wednesday through Friday and Saturdays 2 shifts between 7 am and 8 pm. This is NOT a cake decorating position. :) It is front service including serving coffee and cleaning, lots of cleaning. :) We are looking for several people so if you are interested, email us at faboocakes@faboocakes.com
Monday, April 2, 2012
Silkwood, Hale vote against restoring employee pay
School Board members Vanessa Silkwood and Danny Hale recently voted against restoring pay to workers "furloughed" in order to balance the 2011-12 budget. The 300+ employees include support staff and administrators. Because the County Commission refused to provide sufficient funds to properly operate schools, the Board forced a 3-day furlough on certain employees. With actual budget numbers in front of them, Westemoreland Board member David Brown led a charge to restore pay for the last planned furlough day.
Hale expressed concerns about employees getting a "bonus" from having their pay restored while Silkwood said the Board should simply stick with its adopted budget.
Despite objections from Silkwood and Hale, the Board voted to restore the pay.
Hale expressed concerns about employees getting a "bonus" from having their pay restored while Silkwood said the Board should simply stick with its adopted budget.
Despite objections from Silkwood and Hale, the Board voted to restore the pay.
School Board Calls Special Meeting
SCEA Litigation is on the agenda. The meeting will be held tomorrow (April 3rd) at 6:30 PM at the Board Office -- 695 East Main Street, Gallatin.
Immediately following the Special Called Meeting, the Board will meet in study session to discuss items including cell phone use in schools, abolishing committees, and outsourcing custodians.
See the full agenda here.
Immediately following the Special Called Meeting, the Board will meet in study session to discuss items including cell phone use in schools, abolishing committees, and outsourcing custodians.
See the full agenda here.
Hollie Harris Pulls Petition for 44th...
...but, says on Facebook she won't run for the seat.
Hollie Harris of Gallatin pulled a petition last week to run for the 44th District House seat being vacated by Mike McDonald. Harris is the daughter of County Commissioner Ben Harris and a graduate of Gallatin High School and MTSU.
She recently noted on her personal facebook page that she sees a run for office in her future -- but not this year.
Hollie Harris of Gallatin pulled a petition last week to run for the 44th District House seat being vacated by Mike McDonald. Harris is the daughter of County Commissioner Ben Harris and a graduate of Gallatin High School and MTSU.
She recently noted on her personal facebook page that she sees a run for office in her future -- but not this year.
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