The Board of Mayor and Aldermen have given final approval to the Millstone development off of Saundersville Road. The development, by Goodall Homes, will eventually have 600 units. Based on current trends, 1 of every 2 of those homes will have at least 1 school-aged child. That means 300 new students will be headed to the already crowded schools on the Station Camp campus.
The building of Burris Elementary on the campus of Knox Doss Middle School will alleviate some over-crowding at Station Camp Elementary, but it is not clear how Station Camp Middle and High Schools will handle the projected influx of students.
One possibility, as yet not considered by the School Board, is rezoning the area so more students now zoned for Station Camp attend Beech High School and either Knox Doss or Hunter Middle School.
Showing posts with label Portable Classrooms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Portable Classrooms. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
School Safety to Cost $2.7 Million
The Sumner County School Board this week approved school safety upgrades that would cost an estimated $2.7 million. The upgrades include a new telephone system as well as security cameras and improved entrances at most schools. Schools will be equipped with panic and lockdown alarms as well.
The proposal came after a security review of the entire system conducted by Board staff and a firm specializing in school safety.
The recommendations are one-time costs and will be forwarded to the County Commission for funding.
The proposal came after a security review of the entire system conducted by Board staff and a firm specializing in school safety.
The recommendations are one-time costs and will be forwarded to the County Commission for funding.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Construction: Approved
That is, the capital projects bond that was on last night's County Commission agenda has been approved.
Frank Freels raised some objections about process and about the actual need for some of the buildings. Freels has consistently joined those on the Commission reluctant to fund schools. There was debate over the scope of the projects, the sufficiency of the bond to meet needs, etc. But ultimately, the bond was approved and projects can now move forward.
Frank Freels raised some objections about process and about the actual need for some of the buildings. Freels has consistently joined those on the Commission reluctant to fund schools. There was debate over the scope of the projects, the sufficiency of the bond to meet needs, etc. But ultimately, the bond was approved and projects can now move forward.
Monday, March 18, 2013
County Commission Meets Tonight, School $ on Agenda
The Sumner County Commission meets tonight. On the agenda:
Approval of nearly $250,000 THIS year to fund the start of the School Resource Officer (SRO) request by the School Board (recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee on School Safety). This would mean 13 new SROs in the 2013-14 school year. The plan would include phasing in SROs so they are in every school within 5 years.
Also up for a vote is a $30 million+ capital bond for construction of a new elementary school (Burris Elementary) on the campus of Knox Doss at Drakes Creek Middle as well as the addition of new classrooms at Hendersonville High and Gallatin High.
Construction bonds are the first step -- the rooms, once built, will need teachers and supplies and resources in order to make them useful. Historically, the system has opened new buildings/additions without adequate resources and then scrambled to hold fundraisers or beg the County Commission for additional funds.
As these facilities will take time, the recurring expenses/resources needed for their operation likely won't be needed until the 2014-15 budget year.
Approval of nearly $250,000 THIS year to fund the start of the School Resource Officer (SRO) request by the School Board (recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee on School Safety). This would mean 13 new SROs in the 2013-14 school year. The plan would include phasing in SROs so they are in every school within 5 years.
Also up for a vote is a $30 million+ capital bond for construction of a new elementary school (Burris Elementary) on the campus of Knox Doss at Drakes Creek Middle as well as the addition of new classrooms at Hendersonville High and Gallatin High.
Construction bonds are the first step -- the rooms, once built, will need teachers and supplies and resources in order to make them useful. Historically, the system has opened new buildings/additions without adequate resources and then scrambled to hold fundraisers or beg the County Commission for additional funds.
As these facilities will take time, the recurring expenses/resources needed for their operation likely won't be needed until the 2014-15 budget year.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
A Changing Tide?
The County Commission's Budget Committee met last night and approved a bond issue for new school building projects, including classrooms at GHS and HHS and a new elementary school (Burris Elementary) to be built on the campus of Knox Doss at Drakes Creek Middle School.
The funding comes roughly one year ahead of the 2014 County Commission primary elections and follows months of tense meetings over proper funding for schools. Some speculate the Commission is providing these funds to help quell public anger over the body's historic lack of support for schools just in time for the upcoming elections.
In other meeting news, the County Commission's sometimes secret committee on school safety was disbanded. Commissioners agreed that the School Board and Sheriff's office could handle the proposals for SROs (School Resource Officers) and that the Board's proposals for physical upgrades to facilities to enhance safety would go through the normal Commission committee channels.
Perhaps this is the beginning of an increased level of cooperation between the Board and Commission. As the school system's budget shapes up, we'll see if the peace lasts or is only temporary.
The funding comes roughly one year ahead of the 2014 County Commission primary elections and follows months of tense meetings over proper funding for schools. Some speculate the Commission is providing these funds to help quell public anger over the body's historic lack of support for schools just in time for the upcoming elections.
In other meeting news, the County Commission's sometimes secret committee on school safety was disbanded. Commissioners agreed that the School Board and Sheriff's office could handle the proposals for SROs (School Resource Officers) and that the Board's proposals for physical upgrades to facilities to enhance safety would go through the normal Commission committee channels.
Perhaps this is the beginning of an increased level of cooperation between the Board and Commission. As the school system's budget shapes up, we'll see if the peace lasts or is only temporary.
Monday, March 11, 2013
County Budget Committee Meets Tonight
At 6:30 in Gallatin.
Among the items for consideration is a $47 million bond issue which includes funds for construction of new classrooms at Gallatin High and Hendersonville High as well as the new Burris Elementary (to be built on the campus of Knox Doss at Drakes Creek). Some Commissioners are anticipating a bit of controversy over this issue -- but it appears to be a step in the right direction in terms of ensuring we have adequate facilities for our growing student population.
Others have expressed concern that the Commission may fund the new buildings (one-time cost) but not provide adequate funds for the staffing or resources (technology and library books, for example) necessary for operation of an effective school system.
Stay tuned as school budget issues come into clearer focus as summer approaches.
Among the items for consideration is a $47 million bond issue which includes funds for construction of new classrooms at Gallatin High and Hendersonville High as well as the new Burris Elementary (to be built on the campus of Knox Doss at Drakes Creek). Some Commissioners are anticipating a bit of controversy over this issue -- but it appears to be a step in the right direction in terms of ensuring we have adequate facilities for our growing student population.
Others have expressed concern that the Commission may fund the new buildings (one-time cost) but not provide adequate funds for the staffing or resources (technology and library books, for example) necessary for operation of an effective school system.
Stay tuned as school budget issues come into clearer focus as summer approaches.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Controversial Apartment Complex Off the Table ... For Now
The controversial rezoning of land behind Cracker Barrel on Indian Lake Boulevard to accommodate a 312-unit apartment complex has been removed from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen's consideration ... for now.
Former Mayor Charles Kimbrough is consulting with the North Carolina-based company and admitted he was unsure the votes were there to approve the new development.
Some advocates for schools also raised concerns about the number of new students who would be zoned to attend either Whitten Elementary or Nannie Berry Elementary -- two already over-crowded schools.
Whether or when the rezoning will be back before the Aldermen is unclear.
Former Mayor Charles Kimbrough is consulting with the North Carolina-based company and admitted he was unsure the votes were there to approve the new development.
Some advocates for schools also raised concerns about the number of new students who would be zoned to attend either Whitten Elementary or Nannie Berry Elementary -- two already over-crowded schools.
Whether or when the rezoning will be back before the Aldermen is unclear.
Battle Lines Being Drawn
In a continuation of the seemingly never-ending saga that is the relationship between the Sumner County Commission and Sumner County School Board, the Commission's Budget Committee recently moved to slow funding for capital projects in order to address near-term deficits.
Of course, funding for school projects was delayed this past year as capital funds were shifted to the general operating fund in order to ease the budget impasse that caused a delay in the start of the 2012-13 school year.
With Commissioners such as Jerry Stone and Jim Vaughn continuing to put road blocks in the way of fully-funded schools, it seems another tense budget battle is already brewing. The Commission has yet to address the school safety request from the School Board (though a preliminary meeting is scheduled for Thursday) and the system needs about $7 million worth of computers for the new standardized tests tied to the Common Core State Standards.
The School Board has already approved offering a retirement incentive again this year as a way to encourage more senior teachers to leave -- saving money by hiring newer teachers at lower salaries and hopefully avoiding layoffs.
However, with computers to buy and reserves spent to the maximum last year, it seems likely that absent additional funds from the County Commission, some teachers and staff will lose their jobs.
Of course, funding for school projects was delayed this past year as capital funds were shifted to the general operating fund in order to ease the budget impasse that caused a delay in the start of the 2012-13 school year.
With Commissioners such as Jerry Stone and Jim Vaughn continuing to put road blocks in the way of fully-funded schools, it seems another tense budget battle is already brewing. The Commission has yet to address the school safety request from the School Board (though a preliminary meeting is scheduled for Thursday) and the system needs about $7 million worth of computers for the new standardized tests tied to the Common Core State Standards.
The School Board has already approved offering a retirement incentive again this year as a way to encourage more senior teachers to leave -- saving money by hiring newer teachers at lower salaries and hopefully avoiding layoffs.
However, with computers to buy and reserves spent to the maximum last year, it seems likely that absent additional funds from the County Commission, some teachers and staff will lose their jobs.
Monday, February 4, 2013
The Ad Hoc Committee on Delaying Action
So, the Sumner County Commission now has an Ad Hoc Committee on School Safety and Implementation.
The list of Committee members includes police chiefs from across the County and exactly ONE school system employee.
It is not clear when the committee will hold its first meeting.
It is not clear IF they will consider the School Board's recommendation for facility upgrades and additional School Resource Officers (SROs).
Committee Co-Chair Jim Vaughn has been advocating spending zero additional dollars on school safety and instead has proposed arming teachers. This in spite of serious physical issues that make many schools vulnerable.
Noteworthy, too, is the fact that the County Commission may make recommendations to the School Board, but the Board is not bound to implement them. That is: Unless these recommendations have buy-in from the Board, they won't happen.
The Board has made a request and is continuing a school security review with an outside expert on the issue. The Board is asking the Commission to fund that request, which includes facility improvements. The Commission has yet to schedule a vote on the Board's proposal.
No one is talking seriously about the vulnerability of portable classrooms - a result of poor planning for community growth. There is so far no discussion of a plan to rezone, improve/expand facilities, or build more schools in order to ensure that portables are nothing more than a temporary solution to a space problem.
With no meeting date set, it seems likely that this Ad Hoc Committee will not present findings at the February 25th County Commission meeting. Unless someone moves to add the School Board's proposal to the February agenda, it seems unlikely it will be addressed. And then, on to March. When will the Commission take up the issue of school safety and vote to approve or reject the necessary funds? Or, will they?
The list of Committee members includes police chiefs from across the County and exactly ONE school system employee.
It is not clear when the committee will hold its first meeting.
It is not clear IF they will consider the School Board's recommendation for facility upgrades and additional School Resource Officers (SROs).
Committee Co-Chair Jim Vaughn has been advocating spending zero additional dollars on school safety and instead has proposed arming teachers. This in spite of serious physical issues that make many schools vulnerable.
Noteworthy, too, is the fact that the County Commission may make recommendations to the School Board, but the Board is not bound to implement them. That is: Unless these recommendations have buy-in from the Board, they won't happen.
The Board has made a request and is continuing a school security review with an outside expert on the issue. The Board is asking the Commission to fund that request, which includes facility improvements. The Commission has yet to schedule a vote on the Board's proposal.
No one is talking seriously about the vulnerability of portable classrooms - a result of poor planning for community growth. There is so far no discussion of a plan to rezone, improve/expand facilities, or build more schools in order to ensure that portables are nothing more than a temporary solution to a space problem.
With no meeting date set, it seems likely that this Ad Hoc Committee will not present findings at the February 25th County Commission meeting. Unless someone moves to add the School Board's proposal to the February agenda, it seems unlikely it will be addressed. And then, on to March. When will the Commission take up the issue of school safety and vote to approve or reject the necessary funds? Or, will they?
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