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School rezoning plan will save less than anticipated
Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 12:14am
The initial estimated net savings from the rezoning plan passed by Metro’s school board in July will be less than originally anticipated, it was announced at a special work session on Tuesday.
Board members, at the time the plan was approved, were told the rezoning plan would save about $2 million through the closing of certain schools with smaller attendance numbers. That number is down to $1.2 million, according to an initial estimate released by the district.
Because the school board has promised $4.7 million in improvements to schools affected by the rezoning — in particular Pearl-Cohn High School — there is a gap of approximately $3.5 million for the next fiscal year. That gap does not factor in capital costs, which could be extensive considering Wharton and Madison schools both need significant renovations.
Neither does it factor in transportation costs, according to Interim Director Chris Henson. Additionally, the $4.7 million promised by the board assumes a differentiated pay for teachers of 5 percent.
No matter how large the gap ends up because of additional costs, the board members remained committed to writing it into the next budget.
“There is no room for interpretation here,” board member Steve Glover said. “We have said, as a board, this is going to be a part of the budget package. We have said, pretty clearly, this will be a part of it. It’s not negotiable.”
Several board members said it was their obligation to provide the funds promised when the rezoning plan was passed in order to ease tension in the community. Some have called the plan a “re-segregation” plan because it makes certain schools less diverse.
“Generally out there, there’s a trust issue with government in general and with the school board in particular,” board member Mark North said. “My position on dealing with distrust is that the only way to do it is to be trustworthy.
“And we’re going to do what we say we’re going to do. When we make commitments, we stand by them. We plan to fulfill them.”
The work session also included discussion for how to communicate to parents the changes as a result of the plan. Communicating changes as a result of the rezoning plan could begin in November.
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Filed under: City News
"The initial estimated net savings from the rezoning plan passed by Metro’s school board in July will be less than originally anticipated, it was announced at a special work session on Tuesday" is not news! It's the same old, shame old, scam old story that they tell us every time. They are going to "cut costs". Liars will tell you anything to get into your pants and your pocketbook! Wake up Nashville. Good Morning! Time for more spin on the same old, shame old, scam old story!
There is plenty of room for "interpretation". Obviously, these two Board members are not trained as interpreters though. It's very unfortunate that 40 years of slowly building a trust relationship between racial groups in this city can be undone in one night by a 5/4 vote.
School boards are notorious for being split on most issues. What emphasizes this problem is when 'new' and popular community members are elected and try to make an immediate impact upon issues already on the table. Understand, the public elects individuals at times who have no experience in leadership positions or 'little' experience or knowledge of leadersip skills. Yet, they are trying to help operate one of the largest businesses with a large work force with one of the largest budgets in the community.When does the losing side of any issue in politics feel they have been treated fairly? It isn't a matter of 'trust' in race and fiancial issues, it's what have you done for me, lately.
"New and popular" are odd adjectives to describe Mr. North and Mr. Glover and especially Mr. Kindall.
It must be understood that there are two sides to each issue. There are those who run under the radar and still are key players. There are times a person moves into a new 'position' of leadership, you question that person's agenda. An agenda can be personal or dictated by his allegiance to others. The mayor and chairperson have spoken in favor of a mayoral appointed school board. It has also sounded from past reports that there may be a favorite from among the school board members for schools director, taken from quotes from Mr. Attea.
The mayor spoke AGAINST an appointed school board. One Metro Council person and the Chair of the School Board plus the Chamber of Commerce spoke FOR an appointed school board.
"Board discusses Dean role in directors search,' mentions Dean throwing his opinion into the immediate decision making process of the director. "...he believes the best process would be for Dean himself to find members of community willing and qualified to fill the temporary position"... "I think it's important. I think it would be good for the City..."I am not using this to start an argument, but I can see the possibility that with the Chamber support, Dean has some board member support already, and once this happens it could become the process. I am also not saying this would be a bad thing. I am not supporting it, either. I mention it only as a possibility. You also have to look at the position the State Department of Education will take. Who will they support?
So you are quoting Mr. Attea as saying he thinks the Mayor should chose the interim director or positions on the Board if a vacancy occurs? There is a process dictated by the Metro Charter for that purpose, I believe. Of course, shortly The State can chose the whole Board. What a royal mess.
I may have been vague with the quotes I included, it was Dean speaking about himself giving personal "suggestions" as to the next interim director. 'Suggestions' was hinted at as being HIS selection! Attea drew attention to one particular board member after one board meeting after 'she' distinguished herself during the meeting.
Obviously, you were there and I was not. I would appreciate talking to you one on one but don't know how to do that. Thanks for your diligence.