Security Procedures in Place at Local Schools

Because of the shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14, local parents have expressed concerns about the safety of their children in schools. While some safety measures are visible to all, such as school driving zones, there are other invisible security measures in place.

The Franklin County school district emergency and crisis response plan can be found at <www.fcstn.net>. 

“The Franklin County School System is committed to the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors on its campus,” according to the plan. This includes “ongoing training, exercises and maintenance required to keep the plan current.”

“Although there is no way to prepare for every possible situation, I do think we have addressed and continue to address security in our schools,” said Rebecca Sharber, director of schools for Franklin County. “If anyone has additional ideas about how to increase safety for our children, please let me know,” said Sharber.

Parents may also bring concerns to their local school board representatives. Chris McDonough is the fifth district school board member.

All Franklin County Schools have buzzers at the front entrance, and in some instances the back door, in order for visitors to be allowed in the school. Doors remain closed and locked during the school day. There are also sign-in and sign-out procedures for visitors, staff and students. Some of the local schools are also equipped with security cameras.

Each school within the system has an emergency operation plan. These plans include evacuation (leaving the building), reverse evacuation (staying in the building in safe areas), lock down, shelter-in-place (for severe weather or hazardous material release outdoors) and drop, cover and hold procedures. All students, faculty and staff go through required safety drills. Safety checks such as making sure doors are closed and locked are done throughout the day by faculty and staff.

“We have been proactive in our approach to safety and security at the school,” said Mike Maxon, principal of Sewanee Elementary. 

At SES, teachers and staff are visible at the beginning, during and at the end of the school day. The doors are locked at 8 a.m. Visitors have to be buzzed in to the school, and sign in at the front office. 

“On Dec. 18 we practiced our lock-down procedures with the new Sewanee chief of police, Marie Eldridge, and two of her officers,” said Maxon. 

“We are revisiting our evacuation plan with Otey Parish,” Maxon said. “Chief Eldridge has offered to review our safety plan at the Jan. 3 SES faculty meeting. There is a plan to have a safety walk-through with the sheriff’s department during the Christmas break. 

“The Sewanee police department is planning to be more visible during the school day with a new ‘Police Buddy’ program at Chief Eldridge’s suggestion,” said Maxon.

At the county’s high schools, there is one Special Resource Officer (SRO) from the Franklin County sheriff’s department assigned to Huntland and two assigned to Franklin County. One SRO splits their time between North and South middle schools. These officers, in part, attend school functions and provide classes on law enforcement topics to the students. They also assist in developing emergency plans and strategies “to prevent and/or minimize dangerous situations such as hostage situations, armed person(s) on campus, student disturbances, and natural/manmade disasters,” the plan states. As they are deputy sheriffs, the SROs can take law enforcement action as required.

At St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, “Parents should know that there is always a safety plan in place,” said Pratt Paterson, chair of the SAS Safety and Security Committee, which is responsible for “creating best practices for the campus and community, crisis prevention and how we handle crises.

“With the support of the SAS trustees and administration, an increased focus on campus safety and security began this summer,” said Paterson.

Some new changes to visitor check-in begin next month where each visitor will be required to wear a visitor badge, in addition to signing in with school personnel. An outdoor siren should be in place by January. There will be two tones to the siren, one for weather alerts and one for lockdown.

SAS conducts fire drills monthly. In case of severe weather, students, faculty and staff go to designated safety zones. When a lockdown has been issued, students are directed to the nearest securable safety zone and issued specific instructions. Students may not use cell phones during a lock-down situation. 

“We do not want noises to tip off intruders as to our whereabouts . That is the reason for no cell usage during lockdown. It is a safety concern,” said Paterson.

There are check-in and check-out procedures for all SAS students during the school day and on the weekends. Suspicious cars and people on campus are to be reported to the dean of students, the discipline coordinator, a houseparent, the administrator on duty or the teacher in charge. A security detail also checks all campus buildings at night. 

SAS also has three emergency medical service members and one Sewanee volunteer firefighter on staff. 

“We are always in direct contact with the Sewanee police dispatcher and have emergency radios,” said Paterson.

In all emergency situations, the proper authorities are notified. Each school’s faculty and staff follow standard operating procedures until the appropriate emergency official arrives. These officials include the local and county police departments, EMTs and local fire departments. 

In case of emergencies, parents at the Franklin County schools are notified via a mass phone messaging system. SAS notifies parents by e-mail and its website. SAS students, faculty and staff also use text and email for campus alerts. 

Parents should always notify SAS if they take their children off campus by emailing <studentinfo@sasweb.org> or by calling the school at 598-5651. SES parents should contact their school at 598-5951.

At the University of the South, if a situation arises either on or off campus that “in the judgment of the chief of police constitutes an ongoing or continued threat, a campuswide Security Bulletin will be issued.” 

Campus safety policies can be found at <www.sewanee.edu>. Sewanee police officers provide patrol protection to the campus, University property, parking lots and dorms, and are vested with full law enforcement powers and responsibilities. Potential emergencies and criminal actions can be reported directly to the police department. In emergencies, call 9-1-1; in non-emergencies call 598-5111.

SUD Hears From Concerned Residents About Fluoridation

The Board of Commissioners of the Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties invited SUD customers to comment on the issue of fluoridation at the Dec. 18 business meeting. More than 15 visitors attended, a record in his six years of service, according to SUD president Cliff Huffman.

Huffman provided background on the topic. In keeping with a revised recommendation from the Center for Disease Control, in March 2011 SUD reduced the amount of fluoride it added to .7 ppm (parts per million), the minimum CDC recommendation, Huffman said. The CDC supports fluoridation of public water supplies because it reduces tooth decay; however, too much fluoride is toxic and can lead to fluorosis, the developmental disturbance of dental enamel. In some areas of the world, toxic levels of fluoride occur naturally in the water, Huffman said. Consequently, the World Health Organization advises healthcare providers to monitor local populations for excessive exposure. 

Huffman consulted Sewanee pediatrician Dr. Amy Evans, who reported that she has not seen fluorosis in children in our community.

Area dentists Dr. Bruce Baird and Dr. Bob Childress likewise reported seeing little to no evidence of fluorosis. Baird said the lowered CDC recommendation takes into account the amount of fluoride most people receive in toothpaste. SUD manager Ben Beavers said untreated water on the Plateau contains .06 ppm of fluoride. 

Visitors commented on evidence of negative health effects, in addition to fluorosis, and on the benefits that corporations reap from the practice of fluoridation. (Fluoride is a byproduct of manufacturing fertilizer.) One visitor’s comment about toxicity differences between naturally occurring and manufactured fluoride prompted another visitor to observe that both compounds were toxic at excessive levels. Several visitors stressed that they wanted to have a choice about whether to ingest fluoride. One guest pointed out that a filter system to remove fluoride costs more than $400. Visitors presented the board with a petition signed by more than 100 SUD customers asking SUD to stop adding fluoride.

In response, Dr. Baird said there are many “indigent mouths” in the area, estimating that roughly 25 percent of the population did not receive adequate dental care and would be penalized by removing fluoride.

SUD Commissioner Ken Smith said evidence from communities that had stopped adding fluoride would provide new data in the near future, but until such evidence prompted the CDC to revise its recommendation, he could not support eliminating fluoride from SUD’s water treatment practices.

A visitor asked if SUD added other chemicals besides fluoride which were not for purification. Smith answered affirmatively, noting that SUD also adds phosphate to the water. (Phosphate prevents the leeching of copper and lead from pipes and fixtures.)

Another visitor questioned SUD’s authority to add fluoride to the water. Beavers will research the issue and report at the next meeting on Jan. 22.

In discussion, the commissioners voiced agreement with the current policy, but said they would continue to review new evidence.

Huffman thanked the visitors for their insight and input.

Voting in the SUD commissioner election will be open 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Jan. 2–22, at the SUD office on Sherwood Road.

Community Chest Spotlight

The 2012–13 Sewanee Community Chest Fund Drive is nearing its close. The power of people helping people makes a difference in the life of the community. Sponsored by the Sewanee Civic Association, the Community Chest raises money yearly for local charitable organizations serving the area. 

As of Dec. 19, the drive had raised $75,675 toward its $90,000 goal. (84 percent of the total). This is the final article in a series about organizations that benefit from the Community Chest.

Campora Family Resource Center is an organization that provides and coordinates services to aid in the empowerment, proficiency and development of cohesive family units. Campora is requesting $1,000 to purchase food from Second Harvest Food Bank for the Backpack Program. The Backpack Program is designed to bridge the food gap for local schoolchildren (pre-K through high school) during the weekends. The Backpack Program serves more than 350 students weekly from all of the Franklin County schools. The cost to provide a backpack for one child is $2.70 for one weekend, or $97.20 for one school year. Volunteers are always needed for this program. To help, contact Eric Vanzant at 967-7825.

The Community of St. Mary, Southern Province is a vowed religious order of the Episcopal Church. The sisters are requesting $1,000, or one month of aid, for the People-In-Need (P.I.N.) program. P.I.N. supports local people in economic difficulty by providing financial assistance, and offering prayer and emotional support. The goal of P.I.N. is to serve those in need while living into a baptismal covenant of respecting the dignity of every human being. P.I.N. supplements resources through organizations such as CAC by discreetly serving a population that might not otherwise be eligible for or willing to seek aid.

The Grundy County Food Bank provides food monthly to those in need in Grundy County and the surrounding areas. The Food Bank is requesting $1,000 to help purchase extra food items for the holiday food boxes.

The goal of the Sewanee Community Chest is to help citizens by funding the community. The Community Chest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Send your donation to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375. For
more information, contact <se​waneecommunitychest@gmail.com>.

[Editor’s Note: The Sewanee Mountain Messenger was founded in part by the Sewanee Civic Association; however, the Messenger no longer requests Community Chest funding.]

SUD Board Meets on Tuesday / Will Consider Fluoridation in New Business

The commissioners of the Sewanee Utility District (SUD) Board of Franklin and Marion Counties will meet in regular session at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the SUD office, 150 Sherwood Rd., Sewanee. 

The agenda for the meeting is:

Approval of agenda; approval of the November 2012 minutes; general manager’s report; financial report; unfinished business (update on constructed wetlands study, update on the build-out study, upcoming election for Seat A); new business (removal of fluoride in treated water); scheduled meetings (next meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 22); visitor comments; announcements; adjournment.

“Thirty minutes will be allowed for visitor comments at the meeting,” said SUD board president Cliff Huffman.

SUD Board Candidate

The Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties will elect a commissioner for Seat A, serving a four-year term to begin in January of 2013. 

All SUD customers are eligible to vote in the commissioner election. Voting runs from Jan. 2 through Jan. 22 at the SUD office during regular business hours. SUD commissioner Ken Smith, who currently holds Seat A, will run for re-election. Votes will be counted at the annual meeting on Jan. 22. SUD commissioner Randall Henley is serving as election officer.

Ken Smith is the only person who filed the required petition and biography before the deadline. 

Smith is a professor of forestry and geology at the University of the South, and he also serves on the University’s land management team as the University forester. 

Prior to coming to Sewanee in 1998, Smith obtained research and management experience in a variety of forested environments in North America and beyond. 

Smith first attended SUD meetings in 2004–05 when the wastewater treatment facility was experiencing problems, and he has subsequently served as a SUD commissioner in 2006 and 2009–13. 

Outside of Sewanee, Smith serves as a trustee for the Valles Caldera National Preserve, works on the Cherokee National Forest Resource Advisory Committee and serves on the national board of the Forest Guild. 

Smith has two sons, Sam and Aidan, and is married to Deborah McGrath of Sewanee’s biology department. Smith enjoys coaching youth soccer and baseball, and he also likes to fish.

New Police Chief Named

University Vice-Chancellor John McCardell announced the appointment of Marie Eldridge as police chief on Dec. 10.

Eldridge has worked at the University since 1999. She has served as interim chief of police since Aug. 1, when former chief Robert White retired from the University.

“After a thorough search process, Marie emerged as clearly the strongest candidate for the position,” said McCardell. “She has earned the confidence of her working colleagues, as well as others on the campus and in the greater Sewanee community.”

Regents Elect Sutherland

University Vice-Chancellor John McCardell announced on Dec. 11 that Sarah Sutherland was elected interim treasurer by the Board of Regents, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Sutherland has served as assistant treasurer and chief accountant at the University since 1993 and has worked in the financial office since 1968. She replaces Jerry Forster in this role. Forster is moving to West Virginia to be area president for the University of Charleston-Beckley.

“Her appointment will ensure that the work of that office goes forward unimpeded, informed by her many skills and her wealth of experience,” McCardell said in the announcement. “The office could not be in more capable hands.”

McCardell also announced that Mary Davis has agreed to serve as interim assistant treasurer, also effective Jan. 1, 2013. Davis has been at the University for the past five years and has served as endowment accountant. “She will continue to work closely as liaison with the University’s Investment Advisory Committee,” McCardell said.

Advent Quiet Day at St. Mary's Sewanee

St. Mary’s Sewanee is hosting “Holy Waiting: An Advent Quiet Day,” 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20, led by the Rev. Thomas Morris. 

“Everyone is waiting for something nearly all the time,” Morris said. “We wait for our toast in the morning. We wait at another red light. We wait to fall asleep.” In the Christian calendar Advent is the season that “calls us to the practice of watching and waiting as a way to prepare to receive the not-yet-seen gifts of God,” he said. 

Through brief meditations, silence and common prayer the Advent Quiet Day will give participants ways to explore waiting as a vital, engaged and active stance people can take in the life of faith. 

This Advent Quiet Day is offered free-of-charge as part of the celebration of 25 years of spiritual hospitality at St. Mary’s Sewanee: The Ayres Center for Spiritual Development. Lunch is included in the day. Registration is required by emailing <reservations@stmaryssewanee.org> or by calling 598-5342. 

St. Mary’s Sewanee: The Ayres Center for Spiritual Development, is dedicated to providing spiritual hospitality to persons of diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds, where guests can encounter beauty and simplicity, silence and tranquility, warm welcome and spiritual friendship while here for retreat, renewal, and learning.

Community Chest Spotlight: Sewanee Children’s Center

The 2012–13 Sewanee Community Chest Fund Drive is underway. The power of the people helping people makes a difference in the life of the community. Sponsored by the Sewanee Civic Association, the Community Chest raises money yearly for local charitable organizations serving the area. This year’s goal is $90,000.

For the next few weeks, the Messenger will focus on some of the organizations supported by the Community Chest. This week we shine the spotlight on the Sewanee Children’s Center.

The Sewanee Children’s Center (SCC) began in 1948. SCC provides a high-quality preschool and after-school program to the youngest members of Sewanee and the surrounding communities of Franklin, Marion and Grundy counties. SCC currently has 45 children in both preschool and after-school care. SCC serves more than 30 families in the local communities and employs nine people.

SCC is requesting $8,000 to fund its scholarship account. SCC has a long history of offering tuition assistance to families in need. These funds allow SCC to serve between seven and nine additional families that meet income eligibility guidelines. Often these children have the most to gain from access to high-quality early childhood education services, but their families are not able to afford the care without financial assistance. The Community Chest funding of this program reaches many in the local community, including children and families most in need.

SCC receives money from tuition fees and other donations. SCC incurred $12,000 in unexpected moving expenses from Otey Parish to Cravens Hall this year. The Community Chest was able to 

provide $5,000 in moving expense assistance in addition to funds for the scholarship account. 

Yearly expenses for SCC total more than $229,000. The biggest expenses are in payroll, rent and classroom supplies.

The goal of the Sewanee Community Chest is to help citizens by funding community organizations. The Community Chest is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax-deductible. 

Send your donation to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375. 

For more information, or to make a donation through PayPal, contact <sewaneecommunitychest@gmail.com>.

[Editor’s Note: The Sewanee Mountain Messenger was founded in part by the Sewanee Civic Association; however, the Messenger no longer requests Community Chest funding.]

Holiday Music Across the Plateau

There are many special music events on the Mountain this week. All events are free and open to the public.

The second annual Jazz Night featuring the University Student Jazz Band and the Student Jazz Quartet, led by Prakash Wright, will be at 7 p.m., today (Friday), Dec. 7, at the Ayres Multi-Cultural Center.

Linda Heck will perform 8–10 p.m., today, Dec. 7, at Stirling’s. Heck is a songwriter, singer, guitar player, producer, and Sewanee local. 

The Sewanee Chorale is hosting a community sing-a-long of Handel’s “Messiah” at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, in All Saints Chapel. People may sing with the Chorale or come be part of the audience. To print the public domain music, go to <http://tinyurl.com/akzratb>. 

Sewanee Praise, the University’s gospel choir, will have its fall concert at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9, in St. Luke’s Chapel. 

Morton Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting a “Mountain Christmas” at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9. There will be arrangements of Appalachian Christmas carols. Joining the choir will be the Good Ol’ Boys Bluegrass Band, Regina Rourk Childress and April Minkler, Cricket & Snail and storytellers Jette Halliday, Diana Hague and Susan Ramsay. Morton Memorial is located at 330 Main St., Monteagle. 

The St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School Chorus will perform at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 10, for the Sewanee Women’s Club’s Christmas luncheon at the DuBose Conference Center in Monteagle. 

Sewanee’s A Cappella Groups, Cadence and Cambiata, will present their winter concert at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Guerry Auditorium. Following the concert, there will be a reception in the McGriff Alumni House.

St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School middle and upper school choruses, chamber ensemble and stage band will present a holiday concert at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12, in McCrory Hall for the Performing Arts on the SAS campus.

Finally, there is live music at a number of area restaurants this weekend, including Pearl’s Foggy Mountain Café, the Smoke House and Dave’s Modern Tavern. Check with these venues for details.

Sewanee Holiday Home Tour on Saturday

Amy Burns of Sewanee displays two of her family’s vintage Christmas hand-hooked wool pieces made by her aunt, Dorothy Loney of Chattanooga, that will be part of the Sewanee Woman’s Club Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 8. 

The Seawanee Woman’s Club is hosting its second annual Holiday Home Tour, 2–6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8. Guests are invited to enjoy five private Sewanee homes, the exclusive Templeton Library and beautiful All Saints’ Chapel, all decorated for the holiday season.

This is a self-guided tour, with hostesses at each home. The homes on the tour this year are: Marge Wagner (Templeton Library, 730 Templeton Way); Alleen Cater and Lyle Hohnke (121 Sherwood Trail); Amy and Bob Burns (39 John Allin Drive); Joan and Michael Hurst (49 Roark’s Cove Road); Virginia and Chip Craighill (97 Roark’s Cove Road); and Bobbye and Joe Ballard (290 Clara’s Point Road). The tour ends at 5 p.m. at All Saints’ Chapel, when Ken Taylor of Taylor’s Mercantile explains how he coordinates the “greening of the Chapel” for the Lessons and Carols service.

The cost for the tour is $15 per person, and proceeds will be used to benefit local charities. Tickets are available at Taylor’s Mercantile in Sewanee, Citizen’s State Bank in Monteagle and Tea on the Mountain in Tracy City. Tickets will also be available that day at each home.

Meacham Book Signing Saturday

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham (left) will sign copies of his new book, “Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power,” noon–2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, at the University of the South Book and Supply Store. Photo by Lyn Hutchinson 

Provost Clarifies University Avenue Parking

To promote a more pedestrian-friendly campus, the University removed non-handicapped parking in portions of central campus earlier this year, but there has been continued confusion about legal parking in the area. 

University Provost John Swallow said the Sewanee Police Department (SPD) issued only warnings during August while the new policy was communicated in the Messenger, the Sewanee Classifieds email and University emails. The new parking plan was also discussed at meetings of the Sewanee Community Council. In September, SPD began issuing parking citations along University Avenue between the Sewanee Inn and Hunter and Elliott dormitories. The number of citations has been declining; in November, the number of parking citations in that area was fewer than five, he said. 

Confusion has remained, however, about the circumstances under which parking may be temporarily allowed, Swallow said. 

“Many residents correctly understood that for large, special events such as Homecoming, parking would be permitted,” he said. “Unsure of which events those might be, some residents and out-of-town guests received citations this week for parking on University Avenue.”

Drawing on the combined efforts of Franklin County, Physical Plant Services, and the Sewanee Police Department, Swallow said the University plans to provide signage and curbside stenciling on University Avenue soon to indicate the parking policy clearly and direct drivers to appropriate parking.

“The University has requested county approval for no-parking signs for University Avenue between the Sewanee Inn and Hunter and Elliott dormitories,” Swallow said. Physical Plant Services additionally plans to stencil the zone. 

When parking is temporarily allowed for an event, the SPD will set out temporary signage. For some of the largest events, such as Lessons and Carols, a police officer will assist. Also, a more prominent sign for Visitor Parking between Fulford and Rebel’s Rest will help guests find parking spaces.

“The University seeks a more pedestrian campus and remains fully committed to accommodating large events and the needs of those with difficulties in mobility,” Swallow said. Those who are organizing events with many guests or who are in need of a handicapped-parking sticker should contact the Sewanee Police Department.

“The University is grateful for the patience of the community during this transition,” he said.

Community Council to Hold Constituent Meetings

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Dec. 3 meeting, the Sewanee Community Council decided to hold constituent meetings to elicit input from residents about issues important to them. The Council also asked for clarification on special-events parking on University Avenue and passed a resolution honoring Jerry Forster for his service to the University and community.

Council representative Pam Byerly introduced the discussion on the need for constituent meetings, suggesting every third Council meeting be reserved for this purpose, provided there were no time-sensitive agenda items. On the suggestion of council representative Pat Kelly, the council plans to host a constituent meeting in February or March. Domain manager Nate Wilson and Provost John Swallow are working on clarifying the district boundaries so residents will know who their council representative is and can join in the appropriate group discussion. The council will hold a short business meeting after the constituent meetings if there are urgent subjects which need to be addressed.

On a related topic, council representatives Theresa Shackelford and David Coe took issue with the practice of the agenda committee determining which topics are discussed at Council meetings. Both Shackelford and Coe offered agenda topics that were not included. Swallow explained that issues could often be resolved with a request for information and that delivery of that information did not need to be on the agenda. Coe pointed out that while he received a satisfactory answer to his question, the information would have been beneficial to the entire community. Vice-Chancellor John McCardell said issues that needed additional airing could be brought up during announcements. Coe’s question related to parking on University Avenue for special events. [See story on page 6 for details.]

The council passed a resolution honoring Jerry Forster, who served the University and community since 2001, most recently as vice president for finance and administration, and before that as treasurer of the University and chief financial officer. The resolution, authored by Coe, stressed Forster’s service to the council explaining topics such as “the rudiments of lease and transfer fees, emergency services and waste management contracts with the precision of an expert and patience of a saint.”

Domain manager Wilson reminded the council that the deer cull will begin Dec. 19. The only change in this year’s cull will be a small additional zone in the Abbo’s Alley area, Wilson said. During hunting hours, Abbo’s Alley will be closed off by barriers.

College student Caitlin-Jean Juricic, director of the Community Engagement House, invited the community to join in “bridging the gap between town and gown. If you are interested in developing relationships with students and individuals employed by the University, please let us know. We would love to work with you.” Contact Juricic by email at <juricca0@sewanee.edu>.

The next meeting of the Community Council will be Jan. 28.

Community Chest Spotlight: Youth Sports

The 2012–13 Sewanee Community Chest Fund Drive is underway. The power of the people helping people makes a difference in the life of the community. Sponsored by the Sewanee Civic Association, the Community Chest raises money yearly for local charitable organizations serving the area. This year’s goal is $90,000.

For the next few weeks, the Messenger will focus on some of the organizations supported by the Community Chest. This week we shine the spotlight on the local youth sports’ organizations.

The TigerSharks swim team is a local club that provides an organized athletic experience for children ages 4-18 in the spring and summer, develops strong swimmers, builds self-esteem and encourages youth of all ages to work together as a team. The team is requesting $500 in funds to help support scholarship swimmers. The TigerSharks also raise funds through bake sales, T-shirt fund-raisers and parent donations in order to break even. Expenses last year totaled $16,000.

Sewanee Little League is affiliated with Little League Baseball, Incorporated, a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to promote, develop, supervise and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest of those who will participate in Little League Baseball and Softball.” The Sewanee Little League is requesting $1,000 in funds from the Community Chest to purchase equipment and to help pay for umpires. The group receives funds through registration fees, and uniform and banner sponsors. Expenses last year totaled $8,800.

Sewanee Youth Soccer (SYS) is the local soccer organization affiliated with the American Youth Soccer Association. SYS offers children from the Mountain the opportunity to play soccer in an environment of balanced teams, positive coaching and equal participation. SYS is requesting $850 in funds from the Community Chest to help with scholarships for underprivileged children to join, and for field and equipment purchases and tournament expenses. SYS receives funds through registration fees. Expenses last year totaled $7,800.

The goal of the Sewanee Community Chest is to help citizens by funding the community. The Community Chest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Send your donation to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375. For more information, or to make a donation through PayPal, contact <sewaneecommunitychest@gmail.com>.

[Editor’s Note: The Sewanee Mountain Messenger was founded in part by the Sewanee Civic Association; however, the Messenger no longer requests Community Chest funding.]

School Board Reviews State Legislative Issues. Also Approves SES Contract, Considers Bus Ads

by K. G. Beavers, Messenger Staff Writer

The Franklin County School Board met in a regular session on Dec. 3 to hear from State Representative David Alexander on upcoming educational legislative issues, advertising on school buses and an update on Sewanee Elementary renovations.

“I need some information from you as a school board in order to make informed and intelligent decisions regarding education issues,” Alexander said, and asked the school board to express its opinions in the form of resolutions before the next legislative session.

Alexander reported that in the upcoming legislative session, bills would be introduced about school vouchers, creating a board to approve charter schools and electing rather than appointing superintendents of schools.

“These are just the first steps in privatizing education,” said Lance Williams, third district member.

School vouchers would enable a parent to send their child to private or parochial schools with public taxpayer dollars paying for the student to attend those schools. Under consideration will be which students would qualify for the “opportunity scholarships,” evaluating student outcomes, and how these non-public schools would be held accountable. Alexander said he would “need a tremendous amount of information on the good side of school vouchers” before voting for such a program.

“I feel those I represent would want to put their dollars into educating the public and would be against school vouchers,” said Chris McDonough, fifth district member.

The state legislature is proposing to create a board that would have authority to approve charter schools. 

A charter school is a public school operated by independent, nonprofit governing bodies that must include parents. Currently, local school boards have that authority, ensuring that, according to the authorizing legislation, “those charter schools open and remain open that are meeting the needs of their students, district and community. Local boards do this through rigorous authorization processes, ongoing monitoring of the academic and financial performance of charter schools, and, when necessary, through the revocation or non-renewal of charters.”

Chris Guess, fourth district member, said, “By the time all these state laws are passed, there will not be a need for local school boards. Charter schools still come under local school board accountability, and we should be able to approve those.”

“These are just band-aids stemming from No Child Left Behind,” said Kevin Caroland, chairman of the school board. “Instead of getting rid of NCLB, these are just ways around that accountability.”

Alexander also discussed the proposal that would have county school superintendents (or school directors, as they are known in some counties) be elected rather than appointed by the school board. This idea “has never gotten out of committee” in the legislature, he said.

“I encourage you to contact those committee members and pass a resolution on elected versus appointed superintendents,” said Alexander.

Currently, the elected school board members hire the school superintendent. By doing this, “it takes away from politics and favoritism,” said Betty Jo Drummond, seventh district member. 

“I always thought we needed someone local to run the schools,” said Drummond. “I have changed my mind with Dr. [Rebecca] Sharber [director of Franklin County schools]. She is straight across the board with all of us. She knows how the state education system operates.”

“We are a 43 million dollar a year business,” said Williams. “We need the best person to run it, and this is not a job based on who wins a popularity contest.”

The school board requested resolutions be drafted to oppose these three legislative measures, and discussion will continue in the next school board meeting.

In other business, the school board has been researching the idea of placing advertisements on the school buses as a way to raise revenue. Direct Solutions, a marketing firm in Atlanta, sent a proposal that described how two advertisement signs on each of the 63 county school buses would generate approximately $42,000 a year. 

School board members raised concerns about safety and the lack of businesses in the area able to afford such advertising. Drummond said this was not the best deal, as Direct Solutions kept one-third of the profits. “I will keep looking for another alternative,” Drummond said.

“We just aren’t to the point that we need corporate sponsorship for our schools,” said Caroland. No motion or vote was taken on this issue.

Concerning the SES renovations, the Franklin County Commission voted 16-0 in a meeting on Dec. 3 to approve moving money from the school board fund balance to a capital outlay budget line. Pre-construction meetings will be held next week between SAIN Construction, director of schools Rebecca Sharber and SES principal Mike Maxon.

The next school board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 14, at the board office, 215 S. College St., Winchester.