don't start a fire, don't light the backyard fireworks. That's the word from County Executive Anthony Holt. Holt issued a countywide ban on burning and fireworks until further notice. That means if you are planning on lighting fireworks on the 4th of July, you can't. If you do, you could be cited -- and, even worse, you could set your yard or your neighbor's yard on fire.
Friday, June 29, 2012
A Goode Alderman
Following in the footsteps of Jo Skidmore, County Commissioner Paul Goode is now a Hendersonville Alderman. Perhaps a run for County Mayor (2014) or Hendersonville Mayor (2016) is in his future?
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Maggart vs. Washington!
Hendersonville's own Debra Maggart says she's leading the charge in a "new battle" against Washington!
Wonder Where this is Headed?
Yep, the County Commission again is sending messages to the School Board -- telling the Board to cut proposed employee raises and strongly hinting that the Board will need to cut $7 million from its proposed 2012-13 operating budget.
PTOs pay for copiers and paper in the school, bus purchases are deferred, the night school and adult ed are being merged, positions are being cut, new teachers are not being hired, textbooks are not being purchased, and the County Commission's leaders think that's just fine.
The impact of $7 million will be felt across the district -- by teachers, students, parents, and families.
High school teachers may again go without substitute teachers, programs may be stopped.
One wonders how much it costs to operate the lights and seed and care for the football fields each week?
It seems likely that a heated County Commission meeting is coming soon. One where community members stand up and ask for more funding for schools only to watch as Commissioners overwhelmingly reject such funding. Those same Commissioners will complain that they get phone calls, texts, email messages about the issue -- nevermind that they CHOSE to run for office. Their "NO" votes to any sort of revenue increase will surely insulate them from opposition in 2014, when they next face the voters.
Will candidates emerge who will hold these Commissioners accountable for not properly funding schools? Will they have to answer for their record of negligence? Or do Sumner County voters truly believe this is the best we can do for schools? Time will tell.
But a hot summer is getting hotter thanks to the acrimony between the Board and County Commission.
PTOs pay for copiers and paper in the school, bus purchases are deferred, the night school and adult ed are being merged, positions are being cut, new teachers are not being hired, textbooks are not being purchased, and the County Commission's leaders think that's just fine.
The impact of $7 million will be felt across the district -- by teachers, students, parents, and families.
High school teachers may again go without substitute teachers, programs may be stopped.
One wonders how much it costs to operate the lights and seed and care for the football fields each week?
It seems likely that a heated County Commission meeting is coming soon. One where community members stand up and ask for more funding for schools only to watch as Commissioners overwhelmingly reject such funding. Those same Commissioners will complain that they get phone calls, texts, email messages about the issue -- nevermind that they CHOSE to run for office. Their "NO" votes to any sort of revenue increase will surely insulate them from opposition in 2014, when they next face the voters.
Will candidates emerge who will hold these Commissioners accountable for not properly funding schools? Will they have to answer for their record of negligence? Or do Sumner County voters truly believe this is the best we can do for schools? Time will tell.
But a hot summer is getting hotter thanks to the acrimony between the Board and County Commission.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
They Might Be Mayor
Here are the websites of the three men who just might be Hendersonville's next Mayor:
Steve Brown
Tommy Elsten
Scott Foster
Steve Brown
Tommy Elsten
Scott Foster
A calendar might be helpful...
...because these things keep getting put off until August or September. These things (School Board budgets) are pretty important. And the fiscal year starts on July 1. But the School Board didn't even have the budget on its calendar until June 19th. So, it was virtually impossible for the County Commission to consider the school system budget until AFTER the fiscal year got started.
Sure, this happens all the time in Sumner County, but it doesn't have to. Calendars are amazingly useful at providing dates. Using them, one might suggest that the School Board adopt a budget by May in order to give the County Commission time to digest it and let it go through the process PRIOR to July 1st.
Sure, this happens all the time in Sumner County, but it doesn't have to. Calendars are amazingly useful at providing dates. Using them, one might suggest that the School Board adopt a budget by May in order to give the County Commission time to digest it and let it go through the process PRIOR to July 1st.
A Contract Deferred...
...by simple math. Yep, math would have solved this problem. All the School Board Chairman had to do was count the days. But he didn't. So, it was on the calendar, now it isn't. The potentially NEW School Board will get to decide on the new contract for Dr. Phillips.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Budget Deficit Grows
...from $7.1 to $7.6 million. The School Board passed its budget on Tuesday, including a $7.6 million shortfall they are asking the County Commission to fund. Based on the history between the two bodies, full funding for schools seems unlikely. The question now becomes what will be cut in order to balance the budget? Where can the School Board find $7.6 million? Or, can the community put enough pressure on the Commission to secure some or all of the $7.6 million needed to adequately fund schools?
Thursday, June 21, 2012
These Woods are Haunted ...
...by Thieves!
Yep, Death Valley Haunted Woods is making $ because they're not paying for all the electricity they use!
Yep, Death Valley Haunted Woods is making $ because they're not paying for all the electricity they use!
Fighting Words?
It sure sounds like it. Courtney Rogers turns up the heat in her primary against Debra Maggart.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
School Board Passes Budget
The Sumner County School Board unanimously endorsed the Director's proposed 2012-13 budget last night.
The budget includes a $7 million shortfall that the Board is asking be filled by the County Commission. Commissioners aren't sure they are ready to support fully-funded schools. Absent the $7 million from the County, significant cuts will have to be made in order to operate schools in 2012-13.
The budget now goes on to the County Commission's budget committee in July.
The budget includes a $7 million shortfall that the Board is asking be filled by the County Commission. Commissioners aren't sure they are ready to support fully-funded schools. Absent the $7 million from the County, significant cuts will have to be made in order to operate schools in 2012-13.
The budget now goes on to the County Commission's budget committee in July.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Shelton Backs Jackson
Retired Hawkins Middle School Principal Mike Shelton is backing Tony Jackson in the race for School Board in District 2. Jackson is running to unseat incumbent Tim Brewer.
Alderman Goode?
County Commissioner Paul Goode of Hendersonville is seeking to expand his reach by asking the Board of Mayor and Alderman to name him to fill a vacancy left by Chris Gallaher. Attorney Kirk Clements is also seeking the appointment.
Another Showdown
This time, at the South Water Street headquarters of the Sumner County Education Association. The players: State Rep. Debra Maggart and her primary challenger, Lt. Col (ret) Courtney Rogers. Rogers has stated in the past she opposes the state-mandated, one-size-fits-all evaluation of teachers. Maggart has taken credit for beating down the "teachers' union" which in 2010 represented nearly 6 in 10 Sumner County teachers.
The event is at 1 PM today.
The event is at 1 PM today.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Maggart, Rogers Face Off
At a recent forum, the battle for the GOP nomination in district 45 began. Challenger Courtney Rogers took on incumbent Debra Maggart. Rogers promised a focus on limited government while Maggart talked of her record and her large host committee for a fundraiser.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
School Board Meets TUESDAY
... and it's all about the budget. The Board will have a chance to formally endorse the budget -- a document that shows a $7 million projected shortfall. And then, send it on to the reluctant County Commission. Will the Commission fully fund the schools? Will there be tense meetings into late September? Will there be cuts to needed school services? Will our children get the textbooks, technology, and resources they need?
These questions remain. Tune in starting Tuesday as Budget Battle 2012 heats up.
These questions remain. Tune in starting Tuesday as Budget Battle 2012 heats up.
City passes $36 million budget
and no increase in property tax. Retail growth is the reason taxes can stay low and the city can still operate. So, shop at Sam's!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Jackson Calls for Fully Funded Schools
District 2 School Board candidate Tony Jackson of Hendersonville called on the entire community to come together and support Sumner County Schools at a recent forum held by Sumner United for Responsible Government (SURG).
Jackson is running against incumbent Tim Brewer for the only Hendersonville School Board seat being contested in this year's election.
Brewer expressed frustration with the budget process as well but offered no new solutions for moving forward.
Jackson is running against incumbent Tim Brewer for the only Hendersonville School Board seat being contested in this year's election.
Brewer expressed frustration with the budget process as well but offered no new solutions for moving forward.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Friend Request Accepted
High Marks for Del Phillips
The results of his first evaluation are in and Dr. Del Phillips received high marks from the School Board. Even though the full evaluation was not used, it seems clear that Board members believe he is doing a solid job for the district.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Del Phillips Likes Salad...
... That's one piece of news that can be gleaned for Mike Towle's column in the print edition of today's Star News. No, it's not online. But, Towle does discuss his recent lunch with Phillips and the salad Phillips ate.
Oh, and there's this: Towle believes that Sumner County may be running Phillips off. What with continued budget battles and past decisions by the School Board (like lawsuits with the SCEA that the Board lost). That is to say, there may be a district out there that pays as well or better and wants a visionary leader. Sumner County doesn't seem so sure ... yet.
Towle notes Phillips' boundless enthusiasm for the school system. He applauds his focus on technology investment and theme academies. He's just not sure our community is sending the message that we're ready for all that. Maybe just fine is good enough. Or, maybe it is simply the County Commission standing in the way of excellence.
In any case, it seems clear that Towle is concerned that good salad alone won't be enough to keep Del Phillips in Sumner County.
Oh, and there's this: Towle believes that Sumner County may be running Phillips off. What with continued budget battles and past decisions by the School Board (like lawsuits with the SCEA that the Board lost). That is to say, there may be a district out there that pays as well or better and wants a visionary leader. Sumner County doesn't seem so sure ... yet.
Towle notes Phillips' boundless enthusiasm for the school system. He applauds his focus on technology investment and theme academies. He's just not sure our community is sending the message that we're ready for all that. Maybe just fine is good enough. Or, maybe it is simply the County Commission standing in the way of excellence.
In any case, it seems clear that Towle is concerned that good salad alone won't be enough to keep Del Phillips in Sumner County.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
2012 Budget Battle Begins
In an all too familiar scenario, the County Commission and School Board appear to be at odds again. Yes, it's budget time. The School System says it needs $7 million MORE than it has in order to operate effectively in 2012-13. The County Commission has generously offered an additional $400,000. And thus, the fight begins.
The County Commission's budget committee appears locked down against even a slight tax increase, despite efforts from Commissioner Shawn Utley to convince them otherwise.
Absent new revenue from the County Commission, the School Board will have to come up with more than $6 million in cuts. This in spite of the fact that the budget assumes the elimination of several school system staff positions and plans to offer stipends to existing teachers to cover new class needs rather than hiring new teachers. This means teachers will be asked to give up their planning time to teach an extra class for about $2000 a year in extra cash. While some may take the system up on the offer of being over-burdened and still underpaid, there's not much more the district can do to trim its budget.
Last year, the County Commission told the School System to be more efficient. To cut costs. And the School Board listened and took action. This year's budget proposal is a lean, efficient approach to running schools. In some cases, it's not enough. High school teachers may still be going without substitutes. The stipend plan will likely mean students get more harried, less-focused teachers in some cases.
But, it is also a serious attempt to do more with less. The School Board is making an honest effort to maximize every dollar. $6 million in cuts can only be achieved through more drastic measures. Eliminating bookkeepers as was discussed last year, for example. Not giving classified employees a raise -- in spite of the County employees getting a 2% raise. Delaying the purchase of critical textbooks and/or technology investments.
Those are the options on the table. One wonders if the community is by now weary of the annual budget battle. Despairing of a solution and accepting the fact that the current situation won't change until there's a new crop of County Commissioners.
In any case, the lines are being drawn. Another August or late September showdown seems possible.
The County Commission's budget committee appears locked down against even a slight tax increase, despite efforts from Commissioner Shawn Utley to convince them otherwise.
Absent new revenue from the County Commission, the School Board will have to come up with more than $6 million in cuts. This in spite of the fact that the budget assumes the elimination of several school system staff positions and plans to offer stipends to existing teachers to cover new class needs rather than hiring new teachers. This means teachers will be asked to give up their planning time to teach an extra class for about $2000 a year in extra cash. While some may take the system up on the offer of being over-burdened and still underpaid, there's not much more the district can do to trim its budget.
Last year, the County Commission told the School System to be more efficient. To cut costs. And the School Board listened and took action. This year's budget proposal is a lean, efficient approach to running schools. In some cases, it's not enough. High school teachers may still be going without substitutes. The stipend plan will likely mean students get more harried, less-focused teachers in some cases.
But, it is also a serious attempt to do more with less. The School Board is making an honest effort to maximize every dollar. $6 million in cuts can only be achieved through more drastic measures. Eliminating bookkeepers as was discussed last year, for example. Not giving classified employees a raise -- in spite of the County employees getting a 2% raise. Delaying the purchase of critical textbooks and/or technology investments.
Those are the options on the table. One wonders if the community is by now weary of the annual budget battle. Despairing of a solution and accepting the fact that the current situation won't change until there's a new crop of County Commissioners.
In any case, the lines are being drawn. Another August or late September showdown seems possible.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Schools Budget Shows $7 Million Shortfall
The School Board reviewed the proposed 2012-13 budget last night at it's study session. The full presentation is available here.
Here are the basics:
1) The budget proposal shows a $7 million shortfall for next year.
2) The proposal includes state mandated raises for teachers and a proposed 3% raise for classified employees -- who have gone 4 years now without a raise.
3) Another $1.7 million is needed for a required purchase of elementary school reading books.
4) The budget is a conservative document focused on achieving efficiencies (merging adult education and the E.B. Wilson night school, for example).
5) Sumner County's per pupil spending is more than $900 less than the state average.
6) Of 5 nearby middle Tennessee counties (Montgomery, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, and Robertson), Sumner County has the LOWEST per pupil spending. The average for those 5 counties is $700 MORE than what Sumner spends per student.
7) A small property tax increase (15 cents) would generate $5 million and come close to fully-funding the budget proposal. The cost to the average property owner in Sumner County would be around $60 a year.
8) The County Commission will soon be making the decision about whether or not to fully fund the proposed budget.
Here are the basics:
1) The budget proposal shows a $7 million shortfall for next year.
2) The proposal includes state mandated raises for teachers and a proposed 3% raise for classified employees -- who have gone 4 years now without a raise.
3) Another $1.7 million is needed for a required purchase of elementary school reading books.
4) The budget is a conservative document focused on achieving efficiencies (merging adult education and the E.B. Wilson night school, for example).
5) Sumner County's per pupil spending is more than $900 less than the state average.
6) Of 5 nearby middle Tennessee counties (Montgomery, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, and Robertson), Sumner County has the LOWEST per pupil spending. The average for those 5 counties is $700 MORE than what Sumner spends per student.
7) A small property tax increase (15 cents) would generate $5 million and come close to fully-funding the budget proposal. The cost to the average property owner in Sumner County would be around $60 a year.
8) The County Commission will soon be making the decision about whether or not to fully fund the proposed budget.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Maggart Gets Bill's Help
Governor Bill Haslam is supporting 45th district state Rep. Debra Maggart of Hendersonville in her primary against Tea Party extremist Courtney Rogers. Haslam will attend Maggart's campaign kickoff on June 13th.
Maggart serves as Chair of the Republican Caucus in the Tennessee House of Representatives. The winner of the August primary will face Democrat Jeanette Jackson in November.
Maggart serves as Chair of the Republican Caucus in the Tennessee House of Representatives. The winner of the August primary will face Democrat Jeanette Jackson in November.
First Look at Schools Budget Tomorrow
The School Board will meet in Study Session tomorrow night (June 5th) at 6 PM at the Board meeting room in Gallatin.
The Study Session will include information and discussion about the proposed 2012-13 system budget.
The full agenda is here.
The Study Session will include information and discussion about the proposed 2012-13 system budget.
The full agenda is here.
Friday, June 1, 2012
McDonald Slams GOP-King Coal Alliance
In parting words to the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee, outgoing state Rep. Mike McDonald of Portland took the opportunity to highlight what he calls an unseemly alliance between the coal industry and leading Tennessee Republicans. McDonald took the time to highlight his accomplishments this past legislative session and noted that GOP leadership has meant "nutty" headlines for Tennessee.
Libraries Face Funding Cuts
As the County Commission seeks to cut services in order to balance the budget without raising taxes, local libraries could see funding cuts.
As part of an ongoing effort to see how deep they can cut before citizens scream, the County Commission is proposing even more cuts to services in the 2012-13 budget. And that's even BEFORE we get to the Schools budget, expected to be discussed this month.
Fortunately, the library has some friends.
As part of an ongoing effort to see how deep they can cut before citizens scream, the County Commission is proposing even more cuts to services in the 2012-13 budget. And that's even BEFORE we get to the Schools budget, expected to be discussed this month.
Fortunately, the library has some friends.
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