CES Receives $11,000 Grant

by Leslie Lytle,  Messenger Staff Writer
The Carson Scholars Fund selected Cowan Elementary School as the recipient of an $11,000 Ben Carson Reading Room grant. At the Oct. 10 meeting of the Franklin County School Board, the board approved the request of CES Principal Cynthia Young to designate a room at the school for the project and to allow the school to honor the 10-year grant commitment.
Cowan will receive $6,600 to spend on books with the remainder of the funds designated for supplies. The reading room must be supervised and open to students at least three days a week, Young said. No computers are allowed in the reading room.
The gift was made possible by a Tennessee benefactor affiliated with the Carson Scholars Fund, an initiative established by Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon, author and recent presidential candidate.
Cowan chose the theme Discover America to headline the project. The reading room will include books for all grade levels in all genres. At the end of the 10-year grant cycle, all books and supplies remain the property of the school. “If a reading-room award school closes, the grant stipulates the books and supplies should be transferred to another school in the area,” Young said.
The board also entertained a request from Clark Memorial Elementary Principal David Carson to name the Franklin County High School (FCHS) Gym in honor of high school P.E. teacher and basketball coach Jeff Taylor. Taylor, who has taught and coached at FCHS for more than five years, has cancer. As a FCHS student in the early 1990s, Taylor led the basketball team to 48 wins and is the only FCHS student ever recognized as a Division I player in basketball.
Taylor left the Tullahoma City Schools to come back to teach in Franklin County “because he wants to see Franklin County at its best,” Carson said. Carson cited the precedent of naming school venues after members of the school community, giving the examples of James E. Douglas Memorial Stadium and H. Lewis Scott and J.D. Jackson junior high schools. No action was taken on the proposal.
Addressing old business, the board approved the Tennessee School Board Association policies and policy amendments reviewed at the Oct. 3 working session. The board incorporated changes to the Service Animals in District Facilities policy in keeping with the recommendation of Sewanee area school board representative Adam Tucker. To comply with nondiscrimination law, Tucker proposed including the language, “The district may not ask about the nature of extent or a person’s disability, nor may the district ask for documentation the animal has been properly trained.”
The board also approved an addition to the list of approved electives in the Tennessee Diploma Project. The new focus area allows students with disabilities to earn three elective credits for work-based learning undertaken to explore different types of employment opportunities.
The board meets next on Nov. 7 for a working session.

School Board Reviews Policies

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
At its Oct. 3 working session, the Franklin County School Board reviewed new policies and policy amendments proposed by the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA). The board will vote on the TSBA recommendations at the Oct. 10 board meeting.
At the September meeting, the board expressed need for clarification about the number of credits required to graduate in the various circumstances identified by the Graduation Requirements policy recommended by the TSBA. The board further revised the policy to reflect the Franklin County School System’s practices.
“The policy is cleaner now and has continuity,” said board president Cleijo Walker.
Questioned about the requirement stipulating that a student must identify intent to graduate early prior to beginning ninth grade, Director of Schools Amie Lonas said, “The requirements are pretty stringent.” The board’s amendments to the TSBA policy added a list of core courses required for early graduation.
The amended School Day policy requires all employees, not just teachers, to sign in and sign out. Federal law requires documentation of work hours, said Assistant Superintendant Linda Foster explaining the reason behind the school system’s decision to begin using a software program to track hours teachers and staff spend on campus. “Coffee County and other neighboring school systems are also using the program,” Lonas said.
The more stringent documentation protects non-salaried employees from being required to work extra hours, observed board member Sara Liechty. “It’s good defense against a law suit,” concurred Sewanee school board representative Adam Tucker.
“The program also protects the school system,” Foster said, “by verifying non-salaried employees are working the hours we’re paying them for.”
The new Service Animals in District Facilities policy identifies the circumstances allowing and guidelines surrounding service animals for the aid of students. Walker expressed surprise the policy allowed “trained miniature horses” as well as “service dogs.”
“That’s what the regulations require,” Tucker said. “I’ve written two of these policies.” Tucker stressed, “the policy does not allow service animals for the purpose of emotional support or companionship.” He recommended that to comply with nondiscrimination law, the policy should be revised to stipulate the school system cannot inquire about the nature of a student’s disability. The school system can, however, ask what service the animal provides, Tucker said. Tucker will incorporate the needed language in the policy and present it to the board for review at the Oct. 10 board meeting.
Explaining the recommendation the board delete the Work Based Learning policy, Foster said, “The TSBA proposed we combine our two existing policies related to Work Based Learning into a single policy.” The board will retain a revised Work Based Learning Program policy. The board also plans to delete the Energy Conservation policy established in 2011 to comply with grant requirements. “The grant period is over,” explained Director of Schools Amie Lonas.
School board member Gary Hanger asked if the school system had experienced any opposition to the new Dress Code. “One parent phoned the school,” Lonas said, “but overall the principals say the response has been positive.”

SES Hosts FC School Board Meeting

Policy Amendments Approved
 by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
Sewanee Elementary School hosted the Sept. 8 meeting of the Franklin County School Board in keeping with the board’s practice of meeting at one of the district’s schools every other month. Prior to the meeting, board members met with SES teachers and toured the school. Addressing the board, SES Principal Kim Tucker talked about educating the whole child and the importance of instilling the values of service and being good community stewards. Tucker strongly advocates teaching across the curriculum and teaching outside the four walls, incorporating place-based learning that utilizes the many resources offered by the community, University, and natural environment.
Tucker announced several upcoming events that reflect the school’s ethos and approach to learning. Scheduled for Sept. 26–30, the SES Book Fair is a one-on-one experience connecting students with titles they want to read. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, students, parents and community members will join in the annual Walk to School event, which begins at the University Bookstore. The annual SES Peace Pole Ceremony celebrates a different foreign country each year. This year’s ceremony is scheduled for 8 a.m., Friday, Oct.14, during the morning assembly period.
During the business portion of the meeting, the board welcomed new school board member Linda Jones and elected the following officers: Cleijo Walker, chair, and Lance Williams, vice-chair. Adam Tucker, school board representative from Sewanee, was reelected to serve in the capacity of legislative liaison for the board.
The board approved several policy amendments and additions recommended by the Tennessee School Board Association. The new Homeless Students policy defines homelessness and guarantees homeless students access “to the same free appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths”; the policy also calls for appointing a district homeless coordinator to implement the policy and coordinate support from social service agencies. The new Credit Recovery policy establishes procedures by which students can recover credit and sets criteria for credit recovery teachers. The amended Discipline Procedures policy added the following to the list of “misbehaviors” calling for disciplinary action: wearing clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent manner; harassment (sexual, racial, ethnic, religious); and possession, sale, and/or distribution of tobacco or alcohol.
The board withheld approval of the Graduation Requirements policy and Child Abuse and Neglect policy pending further consideration. The board will seek clarification on the number of credits required to graduate in the various circumstances identified in the Graduation Requirements policy.
Tucker also asked for clarification of the definition for emotional abuse in the Child Abuse and Neglect policy. Board representative Chris Guess pointed out that scolding did not constitute abuse and a distinction needed to be made between the two. The board approved of the portion of the policy obligating school employees to report abuse and stipulating the procedures to be followed.
The board will revisit the Graduation Requirements policy and Child Abuse and Neglect policy at the October meeting. The board will hold a working session on Oct. 3. The next regular meeting is Oct. 10.

County Schools Launch Year with New Teachers

 by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
“Thanks to the fine work of Assistant Superintendant Linda Foster and her team, we began the school year with all positions filled,” Director of School Amie Lonas told the Franklin County School Board at the Aug. 8 meeting. Lonas directed the board’s attention to the three-page August personnel report which included 21 new teachers. August marks the beginning of the new academic year. The board reviewed enrollment trends, year-end finances, and a change in the transportation policy affecting students who ride buses.
Lonas spoke enthusiastically of the new teachers joining the staff. “Only four or five are new to the profession,” Lonas said. “The rest come to us with a strong background of teaching experience in other school systems.”
With 5,192 students on the roster, enrollment is down slightly, Lonas reported. The Franklin County Schools finished the 2015–16 academic year with more than 5,400 students. Lonas projects enrollment will increase throughout the year as is typically the case. She advised the board additional kindergarten teachers may be needed at Huntland and North Lake schools.
Reporting on finances, Franklin County Deputy Director of Finance Cindy Latham said the school system ended the year with a small deficit, drawing $107,000 from the fund balance to meet the shortfall. The amount is far less than the average-annual $600,000 fund balance withdrawal.
Lonas reminded the board and community that due to a change in transportation policy, “buses will no longer service private lanes, only public roads.” Safety concerns prompted the policy change. “Private lanes are often not maintained up to county standards,” Lonas said. Affected students and families have been notified of the change.
Lonas announced dates for the town meetings being hosted by the building committee to invite community input on the proposal to construct a new combined middle school with a projected cost of $29,000,000 to $32,000,000. Meetings are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 29, at Franklin County High School, Thursday, Sept. 22, at South Middle School, and Thursday, Oct. 13, at North Middle School. All meetings start at 6 p.m.
In November 2015, the building committee was charged with addressing the need for extensive renovation at the middle schools. The committee will also post an online survey where students, teachers and community members can offer input on the proposal.
The board’s November working session will focus on reviewing the information gathered from the survey and town meetings.
Reviewing the board’s evaluation of Lonas’s first year as director of schools, Board Chair Kevin Caroland said, “You’ve done a great job. Your first year here you got thrown into the fire.”
Rating Lonas on a scale of one to four, the board rated Lonas 3.88 on overall performance; 3.38 on student achievement; 3.75 on relationship with staff and personnel; and 3.88 on relationship with the community.
 “We really appreciate the way you’ve gone into the community and their willingness to talk to you,” said board member CleiJo Walker. “You’re very approachable.”
 The August meeting marked Caroland’s retirement from the board after eight years of service. “I enjoyed my time on the board,” Caroland said. “You will be well served by Linda Jones who will join the board in September.”
 Lonas and the board thanked Caroland for his wise leadership and commitment to serving the Franklin County Schools.
 “You’ve made our job a lot easier,” said board member Christine Hopkins.
Linda Jones ran unopposed to fill Caroland’s seat on the board. A former teacher, vice-principal, and most recently, principal at North Middle School, Jones brings with her 40 years of experience serving in the Franklin County Public Schools.
 The board will hold its Sept. 8 meeting at Sewanee Elementary School. All are invited to attend.

School Board Rejects Drones Policy; Adopts Discrimination Policy and Code of Behavior

by Leslie Lytle,  Messenger Staff Writer
“The drones policy recommended by the TSBA infringes on the community’s rights and would institute rules we don’t have the authority to enforce,” Director of School Amie Lonas told the Franklin County School Board at the July 11 meeting, passing along the advice of school attorney Chuck Cagle not to adopt the drone use policy. The board also reviewed changes to the Student Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy recommended by the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) and the Code of Behavior and Discipline for the 2016–17 school year.
Sewanee School Board representative Adam Tucker suggested rewording portions of the Discrimination Policy because “the policy as written is both under and over inclusive.”
The language used in the policy as drafted by the TSBA didn’t take into account bullying not based on discrimination, Tucker explained, while “technically prohibiting discrimination based on intellectual, athletic and artistic ability,” or discriminatory behavior teachers routinely employ to facilitate student activities and learning. In addition, the TSBA recommended the policy only applied to students and staff, Tucker said, without taking into account the possibility of discrimination and harassment by volunteers, independent contractors and visitors.
Board member Christine Hopkins asked if the policy adequately protected student’s after school.
“The school system only has the authority to intervene in instances of outside school harassment when the harassment effects the in-school environment,” Tucker said. “Then principals can address it.”
The board approved the TSBA recommended revisions to the Discrimination Policy with the language changes proposed by Tucker. The board did not adopt the Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) Policy.
Reporting on operations, Lonas said the Bullying Report had been sent to the state, with no incidents of bullying recorded during the 2015–16 school year. Two acts of bullying were recorded in the 2014–15 report.
The board also approved a revised Code of Behavior and Discipline for the 2016–17 school year.
Board Chair Kevin Caroland said the 46-page document included a number of policy decisions “approved and adopted throughout the past year.”
Tucker questioned the provision for random drug testing of any student engaged “in voluntary extracurricular activities.”
“When we passed the policy, I thought the intent was for testing students engaged in sports,” Tucker said.
“That was the intent,” Caroland agreed.
“There’s no money set aside for drug testing in other extracurricular activities,” board member Lance Williams said.
Director of Human Resources Linda Foster will compile a student handbook incorporating the rules outlined in the code.
Significant among new policies that will be in effect in the 2016–17 school year are changes to the dress code allowing knee-length shorts and patterned shirts. The revised Code of Behavior and Discipline also delineates procedures to be followed by school principals when incidents of bullying are reported.
Beginning with the 2016–17 school year, the Alternative School will be located in the former Special Education facility at the Franklin County Health Department. Lonas said the Adult Education program had requested permission to relocate from Cowan to the Winchester Townsend School, which previously housed the Alternative school. The board approved the request.
“We have plans to divest ourselves of the Townsend property eventually,” Caroland said, “but while we still have it, I think it’s a good idea.”
Hopkins concurred.“The Townsend School is much more centrally located.”
The board approved the Athletic Ambulance Service agreement for the coming school year. Under the revised agreement, an ambulance will be on site 30 minutes prior to the beginning of an event, instead of 10 minutes. The fee was increased from $50 to $100.
The board meets for a working session on Aug. 1. The next regular board meeting is Aug. 8.

School Board Reviews Costly Middle School Renovations

 by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
Renovating the county’s two aging middle schools would cost between $16,500,000 and $17,500,000 each, engineer Tim Little told the Franklin County School Board at the June 13 meeting. In comparison, a new combined middle school would cost between $29,000,000 and $32,000,000, Little said.
Little represents OLG Engineering, Inc., the Tullahoma based firm retained to guide the Capital Building Planning Committee in drawing up plans for renovating the nearly 50-year-old middle schools. Citing the need for improved security, increased classroom space, especially for the Special Education and CDC programs, and expansion and renovation of the locker rooms, Little proposed increasing North Middle School (NMS) by 25,000 square feet and South Middle School (SMS) by 31,000 square feet.
At 98,000 square feet, NMS is already larger than SMS, at 80,000 square feet, as a result of a 1997 addition.
Other pressing needs at the two schools include reroofing both facilities, replacing corroded plumbing, replacing the inefficient HVAC system, making the facilities ADA compliant, upgrading the fire alarm system, installing a fire control sprinkler system, upgrading classrooms, upgrading kitchen facilities and equipment, improving outside lighting, and expanding event parking.
For a new combined middle school, Little proposed a 159,000 square foot facility on a 46-acre site in the vicinity of Franklin County High School on Bypass Road.
The Capital Building Planning Committee recommended the school board host town hall meetings to gather input from the community on the proposals presented by OLG and urged the board not to delay in taking action as the need for renovation at the middle schools was urgent.
Board Chair Kevin Caroland said, “Every day we put this off it costs the tax payer money. We’ve spent a lot on the roofs just in the past couple years.”
Sewanee area school board representative Adam Tucker suggested waiting until school was back in session to hold the town meetings since families were away on vacation.
Director of Schools Amie Lonas set the goal of finishing with the town meetings by the end of September and presenting a proposal to the Franklin County Commission before the end of the year.
Little estimated renovating the schools would take 18 months. Lonas said the students would rotate to portable classrooms during renovation if the school board chose that route.
Asked about the school systems plans for the two facilities if a new middle school was built, Lonas said, “That would be a board decision. We haven’t discussed specifics.”
Revisiting the topic of disposition of the old Franklin County High School property, school board member Christine Hopkins said, “Chances are better than ever the state will proceed with the proposal to turn the site into a technical college.” In July of 2014, the board agreed to wait to see if plans for the technical college materialized and to refrain from disposing of the property for two years. The board would incur no cost in the construction of the technical college except for donating the property. The county has pledged $1,000,000 to the $6,000,000 project. The board approved Hopkins request to delay disposing of the property until July of 2017.
The board reviewed and approved two new policies and seven policy revisions recommended by the Tennessee School Board Association. “The TSBA annually proposes policy additions and revisions based on changes in state law,” Lonas said.
The board postponed voting on the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy, and the Student Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying policy recommended by the TSBA. Lonas will seek advice from school attorney Chuck Cagle on the two policies.
“The unmanned aircraft policy would be difficult to monitor,” Lonas said expressing reservations about the policy.
Tucker took issue with the language of the Student Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying policy. “The language is both over and under inclusive,” Tucker said. “Teachers, coaches, and others discriminate all the time in making decisions with regard to students. The language needs to be cleaned up.”
The school board next meets on Monday, July 11.

School Board Recommends a Kindergarten Teacher’s Dismissal

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
At the May 9 meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education, Director of Schools Amie Lonas recommended the dismissal of Rock Creek Elementary kindergarten teacher Mary Jo West. Lonas submitted copies of the “charges to dismiss” for the board’s review. The board voted 7 to 0 in support of Lonas’ recommendation that the alleged charges, if proven, would justify West’s termination. Board member Gary Hanger abstained from the vote.
Board president Kevin Caroland directed Lonas to notify the tenured teacher of the board’s action and advise her of her right to seek legal counsel. “I’ll also ask the state director of education to flag her license,” Lonas said. No further information is available at this time.
Returning to regular business, the board voted to approve the $44,611,111 general purpose budget for the 2016–17 academic year. The budget includes a 2 percent raise for all employees and reflects a 6 percent increase in insurance costs.
The board also approved the pay scales for certified and classified employees, unchanged except for the addition of the 2 percent raise. Commenting on the pay scale revised last year to make Franklin County more attractive to prospective teachers, Assistant Superintendant of Schools Linda Foster said, “The salary for new teachers is higher if they have experience at accredited schools. For inexperienced teachers, the salary is flat for the first five years.”
Lonas said the cost of lunch meals did not increase, and the budget includes the cost of free breakfast for all students. The board approved the cafeteria budget, which is calculated separately from the general purpose budget. The cafeteria budget increased by $337,000 compared to 2015–16. Franklin County Deputy Director of Finance Cindy Latham said the budget took into account “the fluctuating price of food,” projecting a $400,000 increase over last year.
Caroland asked if the fund balance the school system is required to hold in reserve could be put in an interest-bearing account. The undesignated fund balance now stands at $4,465,647. Latham will present the request to the county trustees.
The board approved two policy revisions directly impacting students.
The school system will no longer have a separate drug-testing policy for alternative school students. The revised alcohol and drug-testing policy will apply to all students in the school system. The policy provides for testing when there is a “reasonable indication a student may have used or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
The policy requires parental notification before a student is tested and stipulates a urine test be used instead of the current practice of hair sample testing.
Changes to the dress-code policy allow for patterned shirts and tops and top-of-the-knee-length shorts. The revised policy defines “spirit wear” as “any clothing item that displays the student’s assigned school’s logo or publicizes a class, club or team that is recognized by the assigned school.” Logos must be no larger than 6 inches by 6 inches.
Lonas stressed the new dress-code policy would not go into effect until the beginning of the next school year.

School Board Reviews Budget & Policies

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
At the May 2 working session the Franklin County Board of Education reviewed the 2016–17 budget proposed by Director of Schools Amie Lonas, as well proposed revisions to the drug testing and dress code policies.
The proposed $44,610,502 budget exceeds projected revenue by $1,303,416, again requiring the school system to dip into the fund balance reserve. Lonas said the draw on the fund balance “would reduce the total reserve to $3,162,231, but that’s still well within the 3 percent of the operating budget we’re required to hold in reserve by law.” Three percent of the 2016–17 operating budget is $1,271,465.
Highlighting provisions of the 2016–17 budget, Lonas said it includes a 2 percent raise for all school system employees, with the amount dedicated to teachers’ salaries increasing by $821,000 and a 1.5 percent raise ($17,000 total) for contract bus drivers.
The budget also earmarks $135,000 for curriculum coaches, regular classroom teachers who take on the added duty of coordinating lesson planning and practices in their field of instruction.
Board member Sarah Liechty said, “I hope teachers understand why they’re only getting a 2 percent raise when the state announced funding proposed to increase teacher salaries by 4 percent.”
 Lonas explained, “What we get from the state for the Basic Education Program funds 350 positions, but we have far more than that.” The state funding does not cover all the aids and other educational staff employed by the school system.
 Commenting on the special education budget, Lonas said, “We may need to add a bus route and driver, as we’re at capacity now.”
 Franklin County Commissioner Angie Fuller asked the board to approve a Transition to Work grant, which would pay 70 percent of the salary for an instructor and assistant to implement the Occupational Diploma option for special education students. The school system does not currently offer an Occupational Diploma, which requires two years of work experience. The board agreed to move the request to the consent agenda for approval at the regular board meeting.
 Updating the board on special education needs, Fuller said the county had 900 special education students, 17–19 percent of the student population compared to a state average of 16–18 percent. “We’re seeing an increase in the number of severely challenged students,” Fuller said. “These students are the most costly to serve.”
 Moving on to policy considerations, Lonas recommended deleting the highly punitive alternative school drug testing policy and having all students in the system subject to the same policy. She also recommended revisions to the language of the current Alcohol and Drug Testing policy and adding a clause defining the testing procedure. The revisions were suggested by school attorney Chuck Cagle to adhere to state code.
 The revised policy provides for testing when there is “reasonable indication a student may have used or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
 The testing procedures would require parental notification before the student is tested and stipulates a urine test be used, in keeping with the intention of the state code.
 The current policy allows for hair sample testing. Board President Kevin Caroland pointed out urine testing was less costly and suggested all student athletes be tested, since the current random testing practice seems to favor certain students over others. Lonas will consult with Cagle on the legality of testing all student athletes, as opposed to random testing.
 Taking up proposed revisions to the dress code, Caroland and board member Chris Guess expressed reservations about allowing students to wear shorts. “At the high school level, we’re preparing students for a job,” Caroland said, “and dress is where that starts.”
 The board also discussed changing the skirt length requirement to “top of the knee” as opposed to three inches above the knee to make the requirement easier to monitor.
 Board member Adam Tucker asked why the logo size allowed was increased from two inches to six inches. “School principals felt two inches was restrictive,” Lonas explained.
 Lonas announced the school system would not administer Tennessee Ready testing in grades three–eight, but would comply with the state’s request to administer the test at the high school level. The state is considering using the results for school growth ranking purposes. The state recently ended its contract with Measurement Inc., the company responsible for scoring the test, due to problems with the software and delivery of the tests.

School Board Passes Revised School Clubs Policy; Considers More Lenient Dress Code

By Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
At the April 11 meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education, the board passed an aggressively revised school clubs policy. Fifth district school board member Adam Tucker voted against the revised policy.
The board also discussed proposed revisions to the dress code policy with a view to making the policy more lenient.
The revision of the school clubs policy was prompted by the strong community reaction to the formation of a Gay Straight Alliance club at Franklin County High School in January of this year. The board’s review of the policy began in February.
Fourth district board member Chris Guess read from an email criticizing the board for its “violent attitude.”
“Members of the board have been targeted and threatened,” Guess said, “me in particular.” At past meetings, Guess questioned the legitimacy of the GSA club under the existing policy and school club guidelines.
Under the revised policy, the director of schools has final approval of all clubs following recommendation by school principals. The policy also defines and distinguishes between academic clubs which “serve as an extension of the school’s regular curriculum” and non-academic clubs which “the principal shall designate” as belonging to one of the following categories: service, honorary, interest, religious, political, and/or sports. Another major change requires a parent or guardian to give permission for a student to participate in a club.
The permission requirement “prevents me from supporting the policy,” Tucker said.
“Until the recent controversy, the policy existed unquestioned as an opt-out policy, as mandated by state law requiring schools to publish a list of clubs,” Tucker pointed out. Under the opt-out system, parents may refuse to allow their children to participate in a club, but permission to participate is not required, as in the opt-in system.
“The argument that an opt-in policy reduces legal risk is not supported,” Tucker said. “The schools are obligated to provide for the protection and safety of students regardless of whether parents have given permission for a student to participate in an activity.”
Tucker also stressed, “The first amendment right to freedom of expression applies to children, as well as adults. An opt-in policy enlists parents to limit student rights. An opt-out policy does not limit the rights of parents or students. I will vote against the policy for these reasons.”
The board passed the revised policy with Tucker casting the only nay vote.
Revisiting the April 4 working session discussion about the dress code, the board reviewed the revised policy presented by Director of Schools Amie Lonas.
At the working session, South Middle School student Paul McCray presented a petition from his classmates asking the board to allow students to wear shorts, mid-knee length, during warm weather.
Lonas consulted with school principals. The revised dress code allows shorts and also allows patterned shirts and tops. The current dress code says shirts, tops, pants and skirts must all be a solid color.
Board President Kevin Caroland from the 2nd district said he received one email objecting to students wearing shorts. On Caroland’s suggestion, Lonas will survey teachers on the shorts’ issue.
Tucker proposed patterned shorts, pants and skirts also be allowed. Lonas will add the question to the survey.
Tucker also proposed clarification of the provision allowing “logos on spirit wear.” Tucker asked if this referred only to sports-related logos or if other logos such as club insignia were allowed.
Lonas will consult with school principals about the current practice regarding spirit wear logos.
The board is also in the process of revising the attendance policy and alternative school drug testing policy. Lonas said, “legal review of the language” was still underway, as well as a review of the attendance and drug testing policies at other schools.
Lonas will present revised dress code, attendance and the alternative school drug testing policies for the board’s review at the Monday, May 2, working session.

School Board Revisits School Clubs Issue, Considers Other Policies

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the April 4 working session, the Franklin County Board of Education further refined proposed changes to the school clubs policy, as well as discussing changes to the dress code, attendance and drug testing policies.

Continuing a policy review that began in February in response to the formation of a Gay Straight Alliance Club at Franklin County High School, the proposed revised policy adds the stipulation that the director of schools has final approval of all clubs, following recommendation by school principals.

The proposed policy also defines and distinguishes between academic clubs which “serve as an extension of the school’s regular curriculum” and nonacademic clubs which “the principal shall designate” as belonging to one of the following categories: service, honorary, interest, religious, political and/or sports.

School board member Adam Tucker proposed students forming a club have the opportunity to recommend a club’s designation. On the suggestion of board chair Kevin Caroland, Director of Schools Amie Lonas will add the option to the club application form.

Tucker reiterated his opposition to the requirement that a parent or guardian must give permission for a student to participate in a club. Teachers serving as club advisors have contacted him about “the need to police” club participation, Tucker said. But he stressed his biggest concern was that the permission slip requirement could “bar students whose parents aren’t active participants in the student’s life, and these are the students who most need club involvement.”

Other board members disagreed. CleiJo Walker acknowledged she had “one complaint from a teacher,” but Walker suggested a student club officer such as the secretary could be responsible for tracking the permission requirement.

Board members Chris Guess and Sarah Liechty stressed that parents needed to be involved and informed of students’ activities.

Caroland raised a question about the school system’s liability for nonacademic clubs engaged in activities off school property, particularly if the group used school transportation. Lonas will research the liability issue.

The board will vote on the proposed policy at the next board meeting.

In reviewing the administrative procedures document created by Lonas to serve as criteria for implementing the school clubs policy, Tucker recommended the school supply a form for recording minutes to simplify the record-keeping requirement. The board supported the suggestion. The board does not vote on administrative procedures, but Lonas has invited the board’s input on school clubs criteria.

South Middle School student Paul McCray asked the board to consider allowing students to wear shorts, mid-knee length, during warm weather. McCray presented the board with a petition from his classmates supporting the request.

Discussing dress code policy, Guess recommended the solid-color only requirements for shirts, pants and skirts, be rescinded to allow students to wear plaids, stripes, checks and other designs. Caroland agreed. The dress code was last revised in July of 2014 to make student dress “more uniform,” Caroland said, “but there’s a lot of latitude we can put back in.”

“When I visit schools, dress code is what students want to talk to me about,” Lonas said.

In response to teachers’ concerns about excessive excused absences, Lonas recommended making the attendance policy stronger. “At one time we required a certain number of days in attendance for a student to get credit for a course,” Walker said. Lonas will discuss options with school principals.

Lonas expressed concern about the “punitive” drug testing policy at the alternative school, which requires suspension on the first offense and dismissal on the second offense. “I’ve had to expel three students this year,” Lonas said.

She recommended a proactive policy similar to the athletic drug testing policy that provides for counseling and temporary suspension from sports on the first and second offenses, and permanent suspension from sports on the third offense, but not dismissal from school.

Lonas will revise the dress code, attendance and drug testing policies and present them to the board with a view to receiving approval for the revised policies by June. Caroland said timeliness was particularly important in the case of the dress code policy so parents could begin shopping for school clothes.

Lonas announced kindergarten students will be “phased in” next fall by attending two half-day classes the first week and one full day on Friday. Four half-day classes will be scheduled with only half the class in attendance at each session to allow for more individual attention. At the Friday session, all students will attend.

The board meets next on April 11 at South Middle School.

Franklin Co. Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration

Registration for kindergarten and pre-kindergarten in Franklin County will be on Thursday, April 7, at the school the child will attend. Pre-K registration is 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Kindergarten registration is 1–5 p.m.

For the 2016–17 school year, Tennessee students entering kindergarten must be 5 years old by Aug. 15. To enroll in the pre-K program, a child must be 4 years old by Aug. 15.

The following documents are required to register a child for public school: the child’s certified birth certificate, the child’s Social Security card, the child’s immunization record and a completed physician’s physical report. 

In addition, for registration in the pre-K program, proof of income is required. For more information contact Patti Limbaugh at 967-0626.

School Board Revisits Policy & Criteria for Non-Curricular Clubs

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Anticipating another large crowd, the Franklin County Board of Education met on March 14 at the Franklin County High School. Contrary to what many expected, there was no motion on the issue of school clubs, and therefore no vote on the hotly contested topic. The board had spent a significant portion of its March 7 working session discussing a “closed-forum” policy that would ban all non-curricular school clubs at the secondary level. 

“I do not believe the majority of the board supports such a drastic measure,” said school board member Adam Tucker, who represents Sewanee, Sherwood and Keith Springs Mountain.

At the March 7 working session, board member Sarah Liechty pointed to dire consequences if the Franklin County schools banned non-curricular clubs: “Over 1,100 students would be impacted, as well as over 80 organizations which use school facilities.”

The federal Equal Access Act of 1985 prohibits discrimination when schools allow non-curricular clubs. To avoid losing federal funding, a school system must allow all non-curricular clubs or it must prohibit all non-curricular clubs. Outside FCHS prior to the March 14 board meeting, students and community members displayed signs and banners asking the school system to keep an open-forum policy on clubs.

Inside at the meeting, the board did not revisit the closed-forum concept and instead focused on less radical policy revisions and administrative procedures pertaining to clubs.

Board Chair Kevin Caroland suggested that the school clubs policy could require parental permission for a student to join a club. Board members Cleijo Walker and Chris Guess agreed.

Tucker said the current “opt-out” policy already allowed parents to prohibit their children’s participation in a club. He argued an “opt-in” policy could create difficulty for students when divorced parents disagreed and in any circumstance where parents are not active participants in their child’s life. “We need to be expanding extracurricular opportunities, not creating obstacles that discourage participation,” Tucker said. 

Weighing in on the discussion, school system attorney Chuck Cagle said a law now under consideration by the Tennessee legislature would require parental permission for student participation in a club. Caroland also suggested revising the policy to require the director of schools join with school principals in approving formation of a club, a decision which at present falls to school principals alone. Cagle pointed out that the director of schools was already involved in the decision-making process as the supervisor of school principals.

The board also reviewed a newly created administrative procedures document that details the criteria for school clubs.

“The purpose of administrative procedures is to implement policy,” Tucker explained. “[Director of Schools Amie] Lonas is seeking the board’s input. The board will not vote on the [administrative procedures] document.”

Tucker suggested several revisions to the criteria, including more lenient standards in how students can publicize clubs, allowing students time to find a new faculty advisor if the current advisor resigned and allowing students to appeal to the director of schools if their application to form a club is denied.

Tucker also took issue with “the undue administrative burden on faculty advisors in terms of documenting club activities.” Prior to the board meeting, the advisors for the National Honor Society and Beta Club sent board members an email saying they would not serve as a club sponsor next year if the onerous documentation procedures proposed were adopted. 

Caroland recommended adding the stipulation that a club could be disbanded for failing to adhere to the criteria outlined in the administrative procedures. Cagle advised including in the policy a provision for disbanding clubs, as well as an appeals process in the event a club is disbanded.

In discussion about the requirement that 10 students were needed to form a club, Tucker noted that some clubs now in existence have as few as six members. Board member Gary Hanger recommended a club with five or fewer members be disbanded.

Turning to the application to form a club, which is also an administrative procedures document, Caroland asked Lonas to include a parental permission requirement. 

The board will likely continue its considerations of extracurricular clubs at its April 4 working session and April 7 board meeting. 

In other business, Lonas said the first round of student achievement testing “went better than expected.” She will consult with school principals on possible changes to procedures to facilitate the next round of testing scheduled for the first week in May.

Lonas expressed concern because the school system expected to receive $1.2 million from the state for teacher salary increases, but the amount was reduced by $926,000, the amount of stability funding the school received last year. (Stability funding is the monies received by a school system when its enrollment falls below the anticipated level.) Lonas hopes the school system will receive stability funding again this year, but cautioned the additional support will eventually be withdrawn if enrollment continues to decline.

School Board Hears Comments on GSA

by Leslie Lytle,  Messenger Staff Writer

Visitors packed the 500-seat auditorium to near capacity at the Feb. 8 Franklin County Board of Education meeting at Franklin County High School. The meeting was moved from its normal location to accommodate the large crowd. The recently formed Gay-Straight Alliance club at FCHS has attracted national attention and locally provoked an outpouring of both support and criticism. Following publication of the agenda last week, the board agreed to an eleventh-hour agenda change, giving four community members permission to comment publicly on the GSA.

“This is a school board meeting, and no disruption will be tolerated,” insisted Kevin Caroland, board chair, after some audience members loudly recited the Lord’s Prayer during the moment of silence at the start of the meeting. Caroland then continued with the agenda, which allotted five minutes to each speaker. 

Chris Ball of Belvidere began by asking “the forgiveness of God, the board, the faculty and the children of the Franklin County Schools for never giving the safety of students a thought.” “I don’t think clubs that promote a viewpoint should be here,” he said, “even Christian clubs. But the GSA started because a few students didn’t feel safe. I urge all of you to stop preaching hate and urge the school to implement the zero tolerance policy for bullies that’s already in place.”

Robert Weidlich, father of four with two students at FCHS, challenged Director of Schools Amie Lonas for saying the Supreme Court had already ruled on the legality of the club. Weidlich also challenged the authority of the 1984 Equal Access Act to withdraw federal funding from Franklin County Schools if the club was banned. “I’m not going to stand for my kids being subjected to homosexuality in public school,” Weidlich said in closing.

“The GSA is not a gay club. I’m a heterosexual,” said 14-year-old Kevin Hambrick, a FCHS freshman who joined the GSA at the first meeting on Jan. 19. Hambrick apologized to “Christians and GSA members for the misconduct they’ve received.” “The reason we have a club is to end demeaning treatment and dehumanization of the LGBT community. You can tear our signs down, you can tear the tears out of our eyes. I fought to be here. We need this club.”

Attorney Peter Trenchi of Sewanee, who works regularly with youth groups and children, spoke about the importance of peer contact and counseling for youth who lead challenged lives. “School may be their only safe place. This is where children learn appropriate interactions.” Citing the Bible, Trenchi said, “Love overcomes fear.”

The board reviewed the application and criterion for school clubs drafted by school administrators.

School board representative Adam Tucker from Sewanee suggested the provision prohibiting “conflict of interest with other clubs,” should be clarified to refer to “conflict of interest about use of facilities.”

Caroland said when clubs were allowed to meet needed to be clearly defined.

The board also discussed whether clubs should be required to take minutes.

School administrators will be advised of the board’s recommendations, but approving clubs and setting criterion for their establishment will remain the prerogative of the schools.

“School principals approve clubs,” Caroland stressed, citing board policy. “The school board is not involved in the process.”

“I’m pleased the club will continue,” said GSA faculty advisor Jennie Turrell, who lives in Sewanee and teaches art at FCHS. “There were concerns,” Turrell said. “Look at all the people here. Now we can begin the good work.”

In her director’s report, Lonas said Governor Haslam has recommended increased educational funding for teachers’ salaries ($100 million), health insurance ($30 million) and technology ($15–$30 million).

Discussing testing, Lonas said she had just learned earlier that day the state online testing system had experienced technical failures, and all testing would be done by pencil and paper.

Lonas said the state recently offered schools the option of using a paper-and-pencil testing format instead of an online format, and the Franklin County school principals chose to stay with the online system.

“Teachers have worked very hard to prepare students,” Lonas said. “They’ve been doing all their practice online.”

The board approved several personnel-related policy revisions. Most involved rewording for clarification purposes. There were three substantive changes.

The 30-hour orientation program requirement for new teachers was dropped. “The requirement was excessive,” Lonas said. “We’d prefer teachers spend their time in the classroom.”

The revised substitute worker policy provides for hiring substitutes when non-teaching staff are needed for enrichment and remediation practices. The revised substitute teacher policy clarified reemployment and termination procedures for substitute teachers.

The school board will meet for a working session on March 7. The next board meeting is scheduled for March 14 at South Middle School.

GSA at FCHS Draws National Attention :: Rally of Support Planned for Feb. 8

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

The newly formed Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club at Franklin County High School (FCHS) has attracted national attention. The group held its first meeting on Jan. 19 under the direction of faculty advisor Jenny Turrell, FCHS art teacher and a resident of Sewanee.

A firestorm of comments followed on the social media outlet Facebook, both condoning and condemning the club. Said one critic, “the next thing you know they will have F.I.M.A. (Future ISIS Members of America).”

Under the 1984 Equal Access Act, all federally funded secondary schools must provide equal access to extracurricular clubs.

Citing the law, Director of Schools Amie Lonas said, “If we choose not to allow this club to be established, then we would be required to prohibit all noncurriculum clubs or give up federal funding.”

The GSA “is not a recruitment tool or trying to promote an alternate lifestyle,” Lonas stressed in response to critics. “It’s more about tolerance and trying to treat people equally and with respect.”

Prior to the Feb. 8 school board meeting at FCHS, there will be a rally in support of the GSA in the parking lot left of the entrance off Georgia Crossing Road. The board meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.; however, there is no item on the board’s agenda that deals with GSA or student clubs. Winchester Police Chief Dennis Young said critics of the GSA have not applied for a permit to demonstrate.

FCHS junior Allie Faxon of Sewanee said her involvement with the GSA has made her “feel more confident.” Student participation in the GSA has more than doubled since the first meeting, with nearly fifty students attending the meeting on Feb. 2.

But there has also been “backlash,” Faxon said. 

“Students who oppose the club have made straight-pride signs and paraded around LGBT students and defaced our signs. They have thrown water bottles and food at LGBT students,” she said.

School board policy clearly prohibits “any employee or any student to discriminate against or harass a student through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or religious in nature.”

Students have been encouraged to report harassment, but explaining the process Turrell said, “for reasons of privacy the administration cannot reveal to the accuser the administration’s response or the nature of any reprimand or disciplinary action.” GSA students have received more than 40 notes of encouragement, according to Turrell, as well as “offers of support, financial and otherwise, from individuals all over the country with similar life experiences.” She has also been contacted by the GLSEN (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network) and other national organizations.

However, the GSA has no affiliation with any other group. 

“It’s a non-sponsored program driven by students with no outside affiliation,” Turrell insisted. “It’s important for the club to evolve as the students want it to evolve.”

As a small student club, the GSA is not equipped to handle large donations. To provide a vehicle for those who wish to make a financial contribution to support LGBT youth in rural Tennessee, the Cumberland Center for Justice and Peace created the LGBT Rural Youth Program Fund. Possible use of the resources includes providing scholarships to LGBT youth or to aid in establishing GSA clubs at other area high schools. For more information contact the LGBT Rural Youth Program Fund, P.O. Box 307, Sewanee, TN 37375 or visit <www.ccjp.org/projects>. 

School Board Approves Study of Middle Schools

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer 

At the Jan. 12 meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education, the board voted to allocate funding for a planning study investigating different scenarios and options for renovating the county’s two aging middle schools. The board also approved several policy revisions.

Last November, the capital building planning committee, chaired by North Middle School Principal Stanley Bean, expressed a need for guidance in drawing up plans for renovating the county’s nearly 50-year-old middle schools. After reviewing bids from engineering firms, the committee recommended the board allocate funding for a study by the Nashville based firm Olive, Little, and Gipson, Inc. The firm hopes to have recommendations to present to the board by the end of the school year.

Director of Schools Amy Lonas said proceeds from the sale of the Oak Grove School property will be used to help offset the $29,000 cost of the study. The Oak Grove School property sold for $30,000. The sale proceeds are also being used to rehabilitate property purchased for a soccer practice field at Huntland School.

The board approved four policy revisions. The changes defined circumstances when recording of board meetings would be allowed; set new graduation requirements for special education students; defined the circumstance in which employees are eligible for family and medical leave; and set December ACT scores as the criterion in determining class ranking, rather than April scores.

The board met at Rock Creek Elementary School. Prior to the meeting, the fourth-grade class presented a moving and artfully choreographed musical, Salute to the Military. At the conclusion of the program, members of the audience who served in the military were asked to stand. Among Franklin County educators recognized were Lonas, who served in the Air Force, and Anna Mullin of Sewanee, who served in the Marines. Mullin teaches geometry at Franklin County High School and is the Tennessee School Board Association teacher representative for Franklin County.

Lonas praised Rock Creek Principal Celina Benere for embracing technology as a learning and teaching tool. Benere expressed gratitude for the dedication of Rock Creek teachers and staff who worked together like a “family.” She pointed to several innovative programs at the school. The Rocket Reading Rewards promote “fun” reading by rewarding students for the time they spend reading for pleasure. In the Whole Brain Teaching methodology recently employed on a pilot basis, students engage all five senses in the learning process.

The next meeting is on Feb. 8.

School Board Considers Options for Schedule Changes at FCHS

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Jan. 4 meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education, the board heard recommendations from the scheduling committee formed last August to examine alternatives at the high school level. The committee was created to address concerns about the short amount of time—12 weeks—from the beginning of school until students would be evaluated under the new Tennessee Ready assessment. Committee members ultimately decided the time window for testing was not the most important factor for Franklin County schools, but rather the time needed to support student learning and prepare students for the next level of education.

The current Franklin County High School schedule consists of four 90-minute instructional blocks on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with instructional blocks shortened to 80 minutes on Wednesday to make time for teacher collaboration. Occasionally, instructional blocks are shortened to 78 minutes to accommodate special activities such as pep rallies.

Schedule committee chairman Greg Mantooth, who is principal at Franklin County High School, said the committee investigated and dismissed as inadequate a seven-period schedule and a modified block schedule. The seven-period schedule (with students enrolled in a course for the entire year) limited opportunities for students to take enrichment classes, and the shorter class time limited lab and work-based learning experiences. With the modified block schedule (where students receive instruction in a subject  every other day), teachers reported students had difficulty retaining information. Both alternatives were rejected.

The committee faced the challenge of identifying a schedule consistent with implementing state-mandated Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI²) practices at the high school level, a teaching model intended to focus on individual student needs that was previously only required in lower grades. The committee recommended a 78-minute block schedule with a daily 35-minute RTI² block mid-morning for intervention.

“All students would receive intervention,” Mantooth said, “some in the form of remedial help and others in the form of enrichment.” Students not requiring remedial help would receive enrichment during the daily RTI² block.

The Lawrence County Schools RTI² scheduling model guided the committee in making its recommendation to the board. The committee foresees a likely need for RTI² teachers in English, math, the sciences and reading. Mantooth will review registration projections to determine hiring needs and present them to the board.

The committee also suggested the board consider reducing the number of credits required for graduation from 28 to 26. Together with block scheduling, the reduced credit requirement would allow some students to graduate in December rather than June, and allow others to attend school part of the day and work part of the day during their senior year.

The board also received reports on Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at Franklin County High School.

Students enrolled in Mechatronics learn to troubleshoot and program systems employing a combination of mechanics, electronics, automation, robotics and information technology. In another class, students utilize a 3-D printer to turn digital designs into three-dimensional models. In one project, a student successfully designed an addition to his father’s prosthetic arm. Students in the welding program do virtual welding on a computer screen, avoiding the dangers inherent in the high-heat process, before going into a real shop and putting their newly acquired skills into practice. The Automotive College and Career Readiness programs teach auto maintenance, light repair and collision repair, preparing students for the on-the-job experience and post-secondary instruction required for certification.

Board member Christine Hopkins stressed the importance of all students knowing that the high school offered the CTE courses, “because that’s where the jobs are.” CTE instructors conduct career fairs at the middle schools each spring to inform students about opportunities available to them at the high school level.

The board next meets at Rock Creek Elementary School on Tuesday,
Jan. 12, a departure from the regular meeting day on the second Monday of the month. A musical presentation beginning at 6 p.m. will precede the meeting, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Board Announces New Teacher at SES :: Laureen Sparacio Joins to Teach Fourth Grade in January

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Dec. 14 meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education, Assistant Superintendant of Schools Linda Foster announced the appointment of Laureen Sparacio to the position of fourth-grade teacher at Sewanee Elementary School. In new business, the board voted to approve sale of surplus items stored at the old Franklin County High School Annex and to adopt policy revisions recommended by the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA).

Sewanee Elementary will add an additional fourth-grade class in January to meet increased enrollment needs. In keeping with Director of Schools Amie Lonas’ philosophy of returning autonomy to the schools, SES teachers and principal Kim Tucker interviewed Sparacio and selected her to fill the teaching position created by the addition of the class.

“Mrs. Sparacio comes to us with several years of teaching experience in New Jersey,” said Tucker. “She holds a bachelor of arts in education and is certified for both early childhood and elementary education. Laureen also holds a master of arts in reading and is a certified reading specialist. 

“She is the mother of a student at Sewanee Elementary and is already familiar with our school and procedures. This will be helpful with her transition. I am excited that she will be adding her expertise to the SES faculty,” said Tucker. 

In other business, the board reviewed a list of 164 items ranging from desks to milk coolers that have accumulated over the past several years. The board voted to declare the items surplus and to offer them for sale to the highest bidder. The items will be posted on the school district website.

Lonas recommended the board approve a lengthy list of policy changes suggested by the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA). She said TSBA- proposed revisions were “usually based on legal action or the need to comply with legal authority.” The board approved six of the eight proposed changes.

School board representative Chris Guess asked to defer a vote on the policy addressing graduation requirements until the board received the report on high school scheduling and graduation prerequisites that will be presented at the Jan. 4 working session.

Sewanee school board representative Adam Tucker asked to defer a vote on the policy addressing use of photographic and recording equipment at board meetings. 

“I don’t oppose the policy revision,” Tucker said. “I just want more information on the change in the legal authority cited in the policy.”

Lonas announced the expected finalization of the Oak Grove School property sale. Of the $30,000 proceeds, $10,000 will be used for rehabilitation of the property purchased for a soccer practice field at Huntland School. The board’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Rock Creek Elementary.

Schools Move to Early Dismissal Wednesdays

After the Christmas break, the Franklin County school day schedule will change from starting late on Wednesdays to early release on Wednesdays. School will begin at 8 a.m., and students will be released at 2:30 p.m., with the exception of pre-K students who will be released at 2 p.m.

The late start Wednesday schedule was in effect for all of the 2014–15 school year. Assistant Superintendant Linda Foster said the practice was established “to give teachers time to collaborate and work together to address the needs of individual students.”

Director of Schools Amie Lonas recommended the change in response to a request from school principals who suggested it might be more beneficial for personnel to meet in the afternoons. Under the late start Wednesday system, some students continued to arrive at school at 8 a.m., rather than 8:30 a.m. Providing for supervision of these students cut into the collaboration time allocated to personnel.

On Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 6, 2016, school buses will run 30 minutes early in the afternoon and begin picking up students from school at 2:30 p.m. instead of 3 p.m.

Asked if the school system would continue the practice next year, Foster said, “I think we will. Time for teachers to meet and share ideas needs to be built into the schedule. Whether that will be in the morning or afternoon will depend on how this works.”

SES Principal Talks to Civic Association

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“Sewanee Elementary School is the most joyous school I’ve ever been in,” said the new SES principal, Kim Tucker, addressing the Sewanee Civic Association at the Nov. 18 dinner meeting. The organization also received updates on the Elliott Park playground and Community Chest fund drive.

Tucker began her teaching career as an elementary school teacher in Cannon County, Tenn., where she was raised. She went on to serve as a high school principal and later as an academic consultant for the Tennessee Department of Education, overseeing a 16-county region. She moved to Franklin County after marrying Scott Tucker. When she learned about the opening for a principal at SES, she eagerly applied. 

“I love the small school environment,” she said, “and I’m so excited about returning to the classroom.”

Tucker cited the SES Friday School program and the school’s ties with the University as strong groundwork for her commitment to “building a sense of joy about a place.” Coupled with this philosophy, she stressed the importance of relationship-building with the community and parents. 

Under her direction, SES recently hosted two parent workshops, one to help parents understand the new Tennessee math standards and assessment procedures, and the other to educate parents about accessing their child’s academic performance records online.

Tucker praised Franklin County’s new director of schools, Amie Lonas, for giving control back to teachers and administrators, allowing them flexibility in teaching practices. Tucker is a strong advocate of project-oriented learning. With the new computerized assessment procedures beginning in the spring, “we’ll need to teach students how to manipulate the technology,” she said, “But we are not going to practice for the test.”

Tucker also concurs with Lonas’ non-paddling approach to discipline. “I will not paddle while I’m here,” Tucker said. “I’m a hugger and patter. Paddling is not the way. If you build relationships with students, the discipline takes care of itself.”

Tucker praised the Civic Association for its long-standing support of SES and recently sent a letter to parents encouraging them to donate to the Community Chest Fund Drive.

Reporting on the progress of the Community Chest, co-chair Rick Duncan said $42,000 had been raised toward the $100,000 goal, with 18 new donors already on board this year. The Community Chest funds an array of area programs, with the large majority youth-oriented. Send donations to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375.

Updating the membership on the Elliott Park playground, Civic Association President Kiki Beavers said the equipment was installed, signage was “in the works,” and the parking lot, sidewalks and ramping were scheduled for construction soon after Thanksgiving. The maintenance plan has been submitted to the insurance company. Plans call for the equipment manufacturer, GameTime, training local individuals to address maintenance. More mulch was required than budgeted for, Beavers said, which added $2,300 to the project’s cost.

Beavers reminded the membership that the slate of officers for next year would be presented at the next meeting on Feb. 17. The organization needs someone to serve in the capacity of secretary, Beavers said. To make a nomination or to volunteer to serve contact Beavers at <sewaneecivic@gmail.com>.

State Report Card on Education :: A Look at Franklin County Students’ Performance

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Each year the Tennessee Department of Education issues a statewide report card with data on achievement, graduation rate, academic growth and other criteria, which makes it possible to compare state averages, districts and individual schools. How did Tennessee students do in the 2014–15 school year compared to the 2013–14 school year? 

How did Franklin County students do compared to state averages? And how did Sewanee Elementary School students do compared to other schools in the district and state?

Statewide, math, reading and science scores at the elementary school and high school levels showed little change with the exception ofchemistry. Students lacking basic mastery of the material decreased six percentage points to 26.6 percent; advanced level students increased four percentage points to almost 20 percent. Locally, the improvements were even more dramatic, with the students lacking basic mastery in chemistry decreasing by 11 percentage points and those demonstrating advanced knowledge increasing to almost nine percent. While still below statewide averages, the gain is significant.

Looking at high school graduation rates, both Franklin County High School (FCHS) and Huntland High School (HHS) surpassed the state average of 87.2 percent and showed a rise in the number of students graduating compared to the 2013–14 school year. FCHS reported a graduation rate of 89.2 percent, and HHS reported an impressive 100 percent of enrolled seniors earning diplomas.

The Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) provides a tool for comparing academic achievement in the 2014–15 school year with academic achievement in the 2013–14 school year. TVAAS scores rank academic growth on a scale of one to five. FCHS received a score of four in both literacy and numeracy, indicating academic growth above expected levels, and Broadview Elementary received an improvement score of five in both categories.

Sewanee Elementary School (SES) received a TVAAS numeracy literacy score of three, indicating student gains matched expected levels, and a numeracy score of two, indicating students test scores didn’t improve as indicators suggested they might.

SES literacy and numeracy scores remain above statewide and Franklin County elementary school averages, with 10 percent or fewer students lacking basic skills in math and reading. Looked at as a group, almost 20 percent of Franklin County elementary school students lack basic skills in math, with 14 percent lacking basic reading skills. 

SES had a higher percentage of students with advanced level skills than any other school in the district. Nearly one-third of SES students demonstrated advanced level subject matter mastery in math, and 23.6 percent demonstrated advanced level reading proficiency.

Per pupil spending in Franklin County decreased by $515 to $8,610 in the 2014–15 school year. This ranks Franklin County $736 below the state average for 2013–14 and $2,000 below the national average. (Full financial information for 2014–15 is not available).

The Tennessee State Report Card also includes data on ACT scores, student enrollment, and ethnicity. To learn more go to <http://tn.gov/education/topic/report-card>.