Monday, March 06, 2006
From our school board correspondent Karen Carson
Good afternoon everyone,
Just wanted to update you on the results of the school Board
meeting on Wed. March 1st. As you are probably aware, the Board of
Ed. did approve the capital plan (it wasn't pretty!) Now this
proposed plan will be presented to the County Commission for
approval. If approved, we will then need to find land and begin
construction on a new West Knox Elementary school next year. As you
all know, that is never a quick process!
The Board also approved the first draft of the general operating
budget. We will be asking for an increase in funding to support two
new, and I think vital, programs. One will be foreign languages at
the elementary level. We are asking for 18 positions to begin this
process. If anyone has any knowledge of any innovative ways to
introduce foreign language at the elementary level utilizing today's
technology, please pass it on to me. The second new program will be
the introduction of a technology position at each of the 12 high
schools. Currently Knox County spends about 1% of its operating
budget on technology , well below state and national averages. Our
plan will be to expand this program to all schools over the next few
years.
On a separate note, I will let you all know -as soon as I
become aware of what will happen with Dr. Lindsey and the position in
Chattanooga. (though I am sure you'll hear it on the news first!)
Just wanted to update you on the results of the school Board
meeting on Wed. March 1st. As you are probably aware, the Board of
Ed. did approve the capital plan (it wasn't pretty!) Now this
proposed plan will be presented to the County Commission for
approval. If approved, we will then need to find land and begin
construction on a new West Knox Elementary school next year. As you
all know, that is never a quick process!
The Board also approved the first draft of the general operating
budget. We will be asking for an increase in funding to support two
new, and I think vital, programs. One will be foreign languages at
the elementary level. We are asking for 18 positions to begin this
process. If anyone has any knowledge of any innovative ways to
introduce foreign language at the elementary level utilizing today's
technology, please pass it on to me. The second new program will be
the introduction of a technology position at each of the 12 high
schools. Currently Knox County spends about 1% of its operating
budget on technology , well below state and national averages. Our
plan will be to expand this program to all schools over the next few
years.
On a separate note, I will let you all know -as soon as I
become aware of what will happen with Dr. Lindsey and the position in
Chattanooga. (though I am sure you'll hear it on the news first!)
