Tuesday, March 19, 2013
School Board Meets Tonight
Among the agenda items: Discussion of the renaming of Union Elementary and discussion of the School Safety Audit. It all starts at 6PM at the Board Meeting room in Gallatin.
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.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Most Influential Named
Sumner County's Most Influential people and organizations have been named by Sumner County Publications (The Hendersonville Star News and Gallatin News Examiner).
Among the five most influential organizations in Sumner County, the papers named upstart advocacy group Strong Schools for their role in the 2012 school budget fight. The paper noted that the organization didn't just organize parents for the key meetings in the budget struggle, but that they've continued encouraging parents and community members to attend Board and County Commission meetings.
Strong Schools members attend meetings and document and share their findings so more in the community can learn about what decisions impact schools.
The organization maintains a Facebook page with over 2000 members and sends out regular email updates on school-related meetings where key decisions will take place.
From live-streaming County Commission meetings to providing meeting summaries that are easily and quickly shared, Strong Schools has changed the dynamic in Sumner County when it comes to discussion and action on public schools.
Among the five most influential organizations in Sumner County, the papers named upstart advocacy group Strong Schools for their role in the 2012 school budget fight. The paper noted that the organization didn't just organize parents for the key meetings in the budget struggle, but that they've continued encouraging parents and community members to attend Board and County Commission meetings.
Strong Schools members attend meetings and document and share their findings so more in the community can learn about what decisions impact schools.
The organization maintains a Facebook page with over 2000 members and sends out regular email updates on school-related meetings where key decisions will take place.
From live-streaming County Commission meetings to providing meeting summaries that are easily and quickly shared, Strong Schools has changed the dynamic in Sumner County when it comes to discussion and action on public schools.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Cox Named to Education Board
Governor Bill Haslam has named Sumner County School Board Vice Chair Beth Cox to the Southern Regional Education Board. Cox will serve through 2016 on the regional body representing 16 southeastern states.
Cox is seen by many as among the most informed and most reasonable members of the Sumner County School Board. Known for her in-depth research of issues, Cox often consults with teachers and principals before making key votes.
Some have suggested Cox may challenge incumbent State Rep. Courtney Rogers in the 2014 Republican primary for the 45th District State House seat.
Cox is seen by many as among the most informed and most reasonable members of the Sumner County School Board. Known for her in-depth research of issues, Cox often consults with teachers and principals before making key votes.
Some have suggested Cox may challenge incumbent State Rep. Courtney Rogers in the 2014 Republican primary for the 45th District State House seat.
Vendor allegedly harasses student
According to this report, a person who sold copies of "the Contributor" newspaper not far from Ellis Middle School is a registered sex offender. The story details a recent incident in which the vendor is alleged to have had inappropriate contact with an 18-year-old who was walking into a store not far from the school.
"Outsiders" Comes to MHMS
The Merrol Hyde Magnet School Theatre Department will present S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders next week. The public performance is Thursday, March 21st and tickets are $5 at the door.
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