What Happened Last Night...

...Or, will Sumner County be back in school anytime soon?

The short answer is: NO.

Here's the breakdown:

The County Commission spent a long time talking about how individual commissioners support schools.  However, numerous proposals were put forth to reallocate revenue, raise taxes a very small amount, or in other ways give the schools $3 million to $4 million of the $7.6 million they are seeking.

Ultimately, the Commission engaged in an accounting gimmick, transferring $2.2 million they were giving schools anyway in the form of capital outlay (buildings) to the schools general fund.  This means the schools technically are $2.2 million closer to their goal .... BUT ... it also means $2.2 million worth of capital projects (buildings or additions to buildings) won't get done.  So, although some commissioners may claim they gave the schools some money, the schools actually get a NET ZERO from the Commission's move.

There is no word yet on when or if the School Board will meet again.  Indications from many Board members are that the County's actions are unacceptable and will not lead to an opening of schools any time soon. 

The Commissioners who actually voted for proposals that would have provided new money to schools (though not all the Board is requesting) were:

Ben Harris, Baker Ring, Chris Hughes, Shawn Utley, Paul Decker, David Kimbrough, Michael Guthrie, and Paul Goode.  Trish LeMarbre was not able to attend, but sent a letter indicating her support for new revenue for schools and has voted to raise revenue for schools in the past.  It should be noted that Hughes said he supports more revenue, but opposes a property tax increase to get there. 

The remaining members of the body consistently voted NO to additional funding for schools.  Commissioners even rejected a proposal to cut their own pay (a total of $144,000 a year) and dedicate that money to schools. 

David Kimbrough was among the most passionate advocates for additional funding and noted that he didn't have anywhere to be until 8:30 this morning, so he could stay with his fellow commissioners all night until they found a solution.  He pointed out that the full School Board was in attendance as well and this would be a good opportunity to have an open, public discussion of the County's priorities.  The Commission did not seem interested in that proposal. 

Paul Goode noted that the Director of Schools had warned the Commission that if they didn't solve the funding problem with last year's budget, there'd be a crisis this year.  Goode said that Commissioners pledged to work with the Board on a long-term solution last year...and have since failed to live up to that pledge. 

Perhaps most interesting, at the start of the meeting, Commission Chair Merrol Hyde asked the hundreds in attendance who supported the schools budget including a property tax increase.  Nearly the entire audience stood and raised their hands.  When he asked he did not support the budget or a tax increase, a handful of people raised their hands.

In speech after speech from Commissioners, they pointed out that an overwhelming majority of their constituents had asked them to fund schools with whatever it takes, including a tax increase.  Then, 15 of those Commissioners proceeded to vote time and again against proposals to fund the schools.

In other news...

While much of Sumner County is now focused on the closed schools, something else BIG happened on Thursday night.

Challenger Courtney Rogers defeated incumbent Debra Maggart in the 45th district state house race.  Maggart has been in the House since 2004 and recently served in the #3 leadership role as Chair of the Republican Caucus.

Now, Rogers goes on to face Democrat Jeanette Jackson in the November election.  And Maggart goes on to...

They have a petition and everything...

Some members of SURG -- Sumner United for Responsible Government -- the local Tea Party outpost, are complaining that parents got organized and started a petition and are planning a rally.  Their suggestion:  Attend the rally and speak out!  Hmm...

Automatic For the People

Since many County Commissioners are getting phone calls and emails regarding the current budget situation, some have resorted to automated voice messages or emails.

For the most part, this messages can be divided into two groups.  First, a group that says they support NO additional funding for schools (Paige Brown Strong falls in this category).  Second, a group that says they oppose any tax increase (while not explicitly ruling out another source of funding).

Combined, it seems highly unlikely that a majority of commissioners will agree on a solution tonight.  At best, Commissioners may offer a small sum of money from reserves and demand that the Board make further cuts. 

If so, the Board will likely meet again as soon as Wednesday and either propose cuts OR continue with the delay of schools until the budget is properly funded.

An email from Dr. Phillips today seems to indicate he is not interested in a short-term fix, but rather wants a long-term solution to fully fund schools and prevent "crisis" budgeting. 

School's Out Forever....

...Well, the signs in front of the schools all read:  "Until further notice, school is not in session."

So, that could be forever.  But, eventually, Sumner County students and teachers will have to go back.

For now, there is no school.

Why?

The School Board voted on Thursday night to suspend the start of school indefinitely pending a resolution to the budget impasse between the Board and the County Commission.

Interestingly, back in May, County Commissioner Jerry Stone commended Director of Schools Del Phillips for "the most transparent budget process" he'd ever witnessed.

Then, Stone joined his fellow Commissioners in telling the Board they simply won't fund the $7.6 million needed to pay for all that's in that budget.

In September of 2011, during the last edition of the now annual schools budget crisis, Director Phillips warned the Commission that failure to act to fully fund the 2011-12 budget would lead to dire consequences in 2012-13. 

The Board presented an inital 2011-12 budget that was $12 million over available funds.  The County Commission sent it back with a request to cut the budget back to only "needs."  The Board submitted a new budget -- cutting $7 million from their initial request.  The Commission then said:  We still don't want to pay for that.

Ultimately, the County Commission funded $500,000 of the Board's request. The Board cut $11.5 million from its initial proposal.  High school teachers no longer had substitutes available and had to use planning time to cover their colleagues classes.  14 positions were eliminated.  Key textbook purchases were delayed. And the Board accessed some of its reserve fund to cover other expenses.  But accessing the Board's reserves last year would mean there would be no reserves left to access in 2012-13. 

Since May, the Board has been pushing what it says is a "needs-based" budget.  All 11 Board members supported this budget request. 

But, the County Commission has said no time and again. 

In order to achieve the $7.6 million in savings, the Board would have to cut positions.  Already, the Board needs to hire 28 teachers, but instead is asking teachers to give up their planning time to cover these classes in exchange for a small stipend.  Eliminating subs for high school teachers would also save some funds.  Eliminating raises for classified employees -- who haven't had a raise in 5 years -- is another option.  Even with those measures, it is impossible to get to $7.6 million.  That means something else has to be cut.  Elementary art and music are on the table.  Other "non-required" courses may also be cut. 

Alternatively, the County Commission may decide at its emergency meeting tomorrow night at 6:30 that it can find the way to fund the budget.  Perhaps by using some of its $26 million reserve fund. 

Some County Commissioners are already giving indications of where they stand.

Commissioners Decker, LeMarbre, Utley, Guthrie, Harris, and Kimbrough have all indicated or explicitly supported a property tax increase as a means of funding the budget.  Commissioner Ring has indicated the schools need more revenue, and thus he may support a tax increase if needed. 

Commissioner Hughes has said the schools need additional funds, but that he's unwilling to support increased taxes.

Commissioner Jim Vaughn has stated he is absolutely opposed to any tax increase.  Commissioner Paige Brown Strong has said she opposes additional funds for schools at this time.

Commissioners Stone, Moser, Matthews, and Geminden have all historically opposed full funding of schools.  Commission Chair Merrol Hyde has said he doesn't believe the schools should always get the budget they propose and appears to be leaning against fully funding the budget.

County Executive Anthony Holt has said the School Board's action is "unacceptable." 

So, school's out in Sumner.  Not forever, but maybe for quite some time. 

HolidayFest Board Members Named

New Board Members join Holidayfest Board for the Sixth Annual Season of Events.


Left to right, Lynda Evjen, Beverly Cannon Jones, Eric Stamper, Roger Sevigny, Brenda Sevigny, Julie Massicotti, Connie Maynard, Tonya Elsten, and not pictured Michael Smith, Theresa Birdsong, Carol Maynord, Dean Germain.  

Will School Start Monday?

As first reported here, the Sumner County School Board meets tonight at 7:30 in study session, then at 8:00 PM in a special called meeting to address the calendar.

The issue is the school budget.  And some are saying it could delay the start of school. 

Of course, this showdown has been shaping up for some time now. 

And, it seems the use of a calendar would in fact come in handy.