Park Overall, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate, will be visiting Sumner County at 6 PM tonight. She'll be in Gallatin at the Pizza Machine on the Square.
Overall is the choice of the Democratic Party establishment, though political gadfly Larry Crim has also filed to run as a Democrat.
Should Overall win the Democratic nomination she will most certainly face incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Corker. However, Corker faces a primary challenge from Hendersonville resident Zach Poskevich.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Forsythe for Mayor
the fourth candidate, Vice Mayor Garry Forsythe, has pulled a petition to run for Mayor and indicates he will make the race.
Forsythe joins a field that includes incumbent Mayor Scott Foster, Alderman Steve Brown and Alderman Tommy Elsten. All three have substantial war chests, meaning Forsythe starts far behind in the money chase.
Forsythe joins a field that includes incumbent Mayor Scott Foster, Alderman Steve Brown and Alderman Tommy Elsten. All three have substantial war chests, meaning Forsythe starts far behind in the money chase.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Ungurait Resigns
Sumner County Schools' Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Ungurait has resigned, effective June 30th, the Tennessean reports.
Ungurait's position was the subject of some controversy during last year's budget cycle when County Commissioners questioned the wisdom of adding a staff person during tight budget times.
No word on whether the position will be filled for the 2012-13 school year.
Ungurait's position was the subject of some controversy during last year's budget cycle when County Commissioners questioned the wisdom of adding a staff person during tight budget times.
No word on whether the position will be filled for the 2012-13 school year.
Schools Need Technology Upgrade
Director of Schools Del Phillips plans to ask the County Commission for $2.1 million in Capital Outlay funds in order to upgrade the system's woefully inadequate technology infrastructure.
A comprehensive review of available technology in schools revealed that Sumner County students are ill-served by the current technology available to them.
The Board and County Commission have not made funding technology a priority in the past and as a result, the system's technology has suffered. Now, parent organizations fundraise to provide schools with technology. That has resulted in vastly different levels of technology available to studetns across the county.
Phillips has laid out a plan to change that and the $2.1 million in 2012-13 will be used to address it, if approved by the County Commission.
A comprehensive review of available technology in schools revealed that Sumner County students are ill-served by the current technology available to them.
The Board and County Commission have not made funding technology a priority in the past and as a result, the system's technology has suffered. Now, parent organizations fundraise to provide schools with technology. That has resulted in vastly different levels of technology available to studetns across the county.
Phillips has laid out a plan to change that and the $2.1 million in 2012-13 will be used to address it, if approved by the County Commission.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Phillips Names New School Leaders
Sumner County Director of Schools Del Phillips has named new leadership at several schools with still more vacancies to fill.
There will be new principals at Walton Ferry Elementary, Hawkins Middle, and Jack Anderson elementary next year -- though the individuals in those jobs have yet to be chosen.
There will be new principals at Walton Ferry Elementary, Hawkins Middle, and Jack Anderson elementary next year -- though the individuals in those jobs have yet to be chosen.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Foster, Brown Pull Petitions...
...and we're assuming they will turn them in and qualify to run. Especially since they've raised some money for the cause.
Scott Sprouse is seeking re-election to an enlarged Ward 2 seat. And several past candidates - Jim Waters, Kee Bryant McCormick -- have also shown interest.
Plus, a guy from the Lions Club who also happens to be a Tea Party founder (Darrell Woodcock) is running for Tommy Elsten's presumably vacant seat.
Elsten has indicated he's running for Mayor.
Scott Sprouse is seeking re-election to an enlarged Ward 2 seat. And several past candidates - Jim Waters, Kee Bryant McCormick -- have also shown interest.
Plus, a guy from the Lions Club who also happens to be a Tea Party founder (Darrell Woodcock) is running for Tommy Elsten's presumably vacant seat.
Elsten has indicated he's running for Mayor.
Monday, May 21, 2012
E.B. Wilson to Close
Programs at the Night School (on the campus of Ellis Middle) will be merged with the Adult Education program. Savings realized will be used to help fund the shift to "Theme Academies" at high schools starting in 2013.
No word on the vendor for Sumner's "Virtual School." K12 Inc. has a track record of questionable practices that should raise concern.
No word on the vendor for Sumner's "Virtual School." K12 Inc. has a track record of questionable practices that should raise concern.
Friday, May 18, 2012
School Expansion Projects Outlined
Sumner County Director of Schools Del Phillips recently outlined expansion plans for the school system.
Plans include adding classrooms at Hendersonville and Station Camp High Schools, a new elementary school on the campus of Knox Doss at Drakes Creek Middle, and adding classrooms at Hawkins Middle School among other suggested improvements.
Plans include adding classrooms at Hendersonville and Station Camp High Schools, a new elementary school on the campus of Knox Doss at Drakes Creek Middle, and adding classrooms at Hawkins Middle School among other suggested improvements.
It's electric...
...but it won't boogey in Hendersonville.
The Mayor and Codes Director have backed off a proposal to purchase an electric vehicle for the city Codes Department.
Despite data indicating long-term savings from the purchase, citizens have actively rallied against purchasing an electric car.
No word yet on whether there's outrage that the Fire Chief drives a Hummer.
The Mayor and Codes Director have backed off a proposal to purchase an electric vehicle for the city Codes Department.
Despite data indicating long-term savings from the purchase, citizens have actively rallied against purchasing an electric car.
No word yet on whether there's outrage that the Fire Chief drives a Hummer.
No Stickers for Steve
While Tommy Elsten has had campaign bumper stickers on cars for some time and Mayor Foster is joining in the fun, Steve Brown doesn't have stickers. He's got magnets. This week, cars sporting Steve Brown magnets have been spotted around town.
Elsten still has a solid lead in terms of bumper sticker support. Foster is in a clear second. We'll see if Steve Brown's magnets really stick.
Elsten still has a solid lead in terms of bumper sticker support. Foster is in a clear second. We'll see if Steve Brown's magnets really stick.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Foster Campaign Cranks Up
For nearly a year now, the only sign that there is a Mayor's race in Hendersonville in 2012 has been bumper stickers promoting Alderman Tommy Elsten. His stickers are everywhere and on a diverse array of vehicles.
The three major candidates appear to be Elsten, incumbent Mayor Scott Foster, and Alderman Steve Brown. The filing deadline is August.
Now, cars around the city are sporting Foster 2012 stickers. In a matter of days, it appears Foster's campaign is gearing up.
Still very little sign of Steve Brown, though previous fundraising reports indicate he is well-positioned for the race.
Supposedly, Jim Hoback (Alderman) and possibly Jamie Clary are considering runs. No evidence so far that much is going on on those fronts.
Meanwhile, watch for the Foster 2012 stickers to challenge Elsten's current dominance.
The three major candidates appear to be Elsten, incumbent Mayor Scott Foster, and Alderman Steve Brown. The filing deadline is August.
Now, cars around the city are sporting Foster 2012 stickers. In a matter of days, it appears Foster's campaign is gearing up.
Still very little sign of Steve Brown, though previous fundraising reports indicate he is well-positioned for the race.
Supposedly, Jim Hoback (Alderman) and possibly Jamie Clary are considering runs. No evidence so far that much is going on on those fronts.
Meanwhile, watch for the Foster 2012 stickers to challenge Elsten's current dominance.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Are Hendersonville Kids College Ready?
There's been some buzz lately about Merrol Hyde Magnet School's "Gold" ranking from U.S. News and World Report. MHMS ranks 3rd in the state (behind two magnet schools in Nashville) and 109th in the nation.
That's no surprise, really. The school is small and targeted toward academically talented kids. It's good news that the teachers and programs there are serving those students well.
What's interesting in the numbers is that other Hendersonville-area schools are not fairing as well as their counterparts in Middle Tennessee.
The schools get scored on 1) College Readiness 2) Algebra Proficiency and 3) English Proficiency
Here's how Hendersonville-area high schools scored:
College Readiness Algebra English
Station Camp 14.5 2.4 2.7
Beech 10.7 2.5 2.9
Hendersonville 9.4 2.4 2.8
By way of comparison, here's how some other area schools scored:
Mt. Juliet (Wilson) 16.8 2.6 2.9
Siegel (Rutherford) 18.5 2.9 2.9
Blackman (Rutherford) 15.5 2.8 2.9
Centennial (Williamson) 34.4 2.3 3.0
Fairview (Williamson) 21.9 2.6 2.7
Franklin (Williamson) 21.8 2.6 3.2
Independence (Williamson) 26.1 2.8 3.2
It is noteworthy that all of these schools scored significantly higher than the Hendersonville schools on college readiness in spite of similar student populations. The U.S. News college readiness index is based on AP and IB scores -- percentage of students who take AP tests and percentage who pass. It seems we're either not offering enough AP OR not getting a high enough percentage of our AP students to pass.
Also of concern is the Algebra proficiency -- all but Centennial score higher than the Hendersonville schools on Algebra.
How can Sumner County change these numbers and have more schools with high scores? First, by offering more AP classes -- the proposed IB "academy" at Beech may be one way to do this. And second, by incorporating more rigor in the high school curriculum. We've been hearing and seeing numbers that show Sumner County schools struggle with Math relative to other subjects for several years now. More should be done to address these struggles.
Parents should be encouraging their children to take higher level and more challenging courses and asking for more AP.
Of course, all of this isn't free. So, will the County Commission settle for these results... or, will they give Sumner Schools the investment needed to go to the next level?
That's no surprise, really. The school is small and targeted toward academically talented kids. It's good news that the teachers and programs there are serving those students well.
What's interesting in the numbers is that other Hendersonville-area schools are not fairing as well as their counterparts in Middle Tennessee.
The schools get scored on 1) College Readiness 2) Algebra Proficiency and 3) English Proficiency
Here's how Hendersonville-area high schools scored:
College Readiness Algebra English
Station Camp 14.5 2.4 2.7
Beech 10.7 2.5 2.9
Hendersonville 9.4 2.4 2.8
By way of comparison, here's how some other area schools scored:
Mt. Juliet (Wilson) 16.8 2.6 2.9
Siegel (Rutherford) 18.5 2.9 2.9
Blackman (Rutherford) 15.5 2.8 2.9
Centennial (Williamson) 34.4 2.3 3.0
Fairview (Williamson) 21.9 2.6 2.7
Franklin (Williamson) 21.8 2.6 3.2
Independence (Williamson) 26.1 2.8 3.2
It is noteworthy that all of these schools scored significantly higher than the Hendersonville schools on college readiness in spite of similar student populations. The U.S. News college readiness index is based on AP and IB scores -- percentage of students who take AP tests and percentage who pass. It seems we're either not offering enough AP OR not getting a high enough percentage of our AP students to pass.
Also of concern is the Algebra proficiency -- all but Centennial score higher than the Hendersonville schools on Algebra.
How can Sumner County change these numbers and have more schools with high scores? First, by offering more AP classes -- the proposed IB "academy" at Beech may be one way to do this. And second, by incorporating more rigor in the high school curriculum. We've been hearing and seeing numbers that show Sumner County schools struggle with Math relative to other subjects for several years now. More should be done to address these struggles.
Parents should be encouraging their children to take higher level and more challenging courses and asking for more AP.
Of course, all of this isn't free. So, will the County Commission settle for these results... or, will they give Sumner Schools the investment needed to go to the next level?
Monday, May 14, 2012
MHMS Earns U.S. News GOLD Award
Merrol Hyde Magnet School has been recoginzed at the GOLD level by U.S. News and World Report's ranking of American high schools. The school received the 3rd-highest ranking in Tennessee and 109th nationally. Additionally, MHMS ranked 26th amonth magnet schools nationally.
More here.
More here.
School Board Meets Tuesday
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Gallaher Resigns
Embattled Ward 3 Alderman Chris Gallaher has resigned, the Star News reports.
After facing down a number of controversies, including improper use of a City computer and recent questions about his residency, Gallaher tendered his resignation via email to Mayor Scott Foster this week.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen may choose to fill the vacancy or simply wait until the November election when a new Alderman is selected.
After facing down a number of controversies, including improper use of a City computer and recent questions about his residency, Gallaher tendered his resignation via email to Mayor Scott Foster this week.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen may choose to fill the vacancy or simply wait until the November election when a new Alderman is selected.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Danny Hale Continues to Micromanage Cheerleading
He's at again. After first throwing a fit about cheerleading policy and demanding the Board use valuable time to come up with a policy across all high schools (instead of leaving the decision to the professionals involved) Hale is now arguing for a change that at least the one Cheerleading Coach interviewed doesn't want ...
more here.
more here.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Kim Venable's Theme: Pissed!
Yep, Kim Venable is pissed. About the most innovative idea to come down from the Sumner County Board of Education in a long, long time.
Theme academies. Bringing STEM schools and IB programs to Sumner County.
She's mad because instead of right next to her house, the STEM school is 10 miles (and about 12 minutes) from her house. The IB school is even closer in terms of distance, though still probably a 10+ minute drive.
And of course, this is all a proposal right now. Many details will need to be worked out.
Venable is correct in noting that the devil is in the details. If Sumner County is to move to theme academies, lots of details will need to be worked out.
The most important: Funding. Assuming the proposal is fleshed-out based on its current form, there will be faculty training, additional faculty needed, resources to support programs, and transportation costs. The County Commission has yet to demonstrate its willingness to support our schools adequately. It's unclear what would motivate them to support the added cost of theme academies.
In any case, Kim Venable's not happy.
Theme academies. Bringing STEM schools and IB programs to Sumner County.
She's mad because instead of right next to her house, the STEM school is 10 miles (and about 12 minutes) from her house. The IB school is even closer in terms of distance, though still probably a 10+ minute drive.
And of course, this is all a proposal right now. Many details will need to be worked out.
Venable is correct in noting that the devil is in the details. If Sumner County is to move to theme academies, lots of details will need to be worked out.
The most important: Funding. Assuming the proposal is fleshed-out based on its current form, there will be faculty training, additional faculty needed, resources to support programs, and transportation costs. The County Commission has yet to demonstrate its willingness to support our schools adequately. It's unclear what would motivate them to support the added cost of theme academies.
In any case, Kim Venable's not happy.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
School Board Study Session
The School Board meets in Study Session tonight... lots of potential policy changes related to the elimination of standing committees. Here's the agenda.
Financial Management Act Passes
The Financial Management Act that resolves a long-running dispute between the County Commission and the School Board, finally passed the General Assembly last week.
The Act allows for common accounting procedures and access to information regarding available funds while allowing the School System to maintain management of its own finances.
More information here.
The Act allows for common accounting procedures and access to information regarding available funds while allowing the School System to maintain management of its own finances.
More information here.
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