Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Knox County Sheriff’s Office Deputy wounded
From the Knoxville News Sentinel
Search under way for deputy's assailants
read more from the Knoxville News Sentinel
read more from WBIR
Search under way for deputy's assailants
By DON JACOBS, jacobs@knews.com
February 28, 2006
Knox County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Cory Johnson was wounded by a shotgun blast today while on undercover patrol in West Knox County.
Johnson, the 2003 Patrol Officer of the Year, was shot as he approached a van at Cove Park off Northshore Drive about 12:45 p.m.
Sheriff Tim Hutchison said Johnson was in an SUV with blue lights in the grill when he came upon a white van parked on an eastbound pulloff near Cove Park.
An occupant in the van apparently waved Johnson off, Hutchison said, but then the officer heard a woman scream "as if she were being held down."
About that time, a man exited the van and fired a shotgun round at Johnson, Hutchison said.
The round struck the window and driver’s door of the black SUV and at least one pellet struck Johnson in the left shoulder in the lung area, Hutchison said. The driver’s window did not shatter but sustained at least seven pellet holes, the sheriff said.
Johnson was not wearing a vest.
Johnson returned fire.
"We think he got off eight to 10 rounds," Hutchison said.
read more from the Knoxville News Sentinel
read more from WBIR
Lindsey applies for Hamilton County superintendent job
What happens when communication issues cannot be resolved? Something has to give.
Have you noticed that the job of Knox County School Superintendent is a little like the job of the University of Tennessee President? It seems that it is not possible to satisfy every political nuance of the powers that be. Talk about thankless jobs. I wonder someday if the trend continues if anyone will apply for either job.
Do we do ourselves any favors by allowing this impossible atmosphere to exist where good people cannot do their jobs? A year ago many people would have been saddened by the departure of Dr. Charles Lindsey. Today there is not the same amount of support. So was this a political win for County Mayor Mike Ragsdale? Few will discuss the matter but there is some joy in Mudville tonight. There is also some sadness.
What is clear is that no one gets a gold star for playing well with others. What a poor example for the children of this community.
From the Knoxville News Sentinel:
By ERICKA MELLON, mellone@knews.com
February 28, 2006
Knox County Schools Superintendent Charles Lindsey revealed Monday he has applied for the superintendent's job in Hamilton County, but he was tight-lipped on details.
"Beyond that, it really is inappropriate for me to make any further comments," Lindsey said.
Russ Oaks, the spokesman for Knox County Schools, said further questions should be addressed to the Hamilton County school system in Chattanooga or to the Illinois-based firm handling the search: Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates Ltd.
The firm is the same one that helped bring Lindsey to Knox County in 1999.
Pat Bowers, director of communications for Hamilton County Schools, said the search firm is expected this week to give a list of the top five candidates to the district's Superintendent Search Advisory Committee.
read more
Have you noticed that the job of Knox County School Superintendent is a little like the job of the University of Tennessee President? It seems that it is not possible to satisfy every political nuance of the powers that be. Talk about thankless jobs. I wonder someday if the trend continues if anyone will apply for either job.
Do we do ourselves any favors by allowing this impossible atmosphere to exist where good people cannot do their jobs? A year ago many people would have been saddened by the departure of Dr. Charles Lindsey. Today there is not the same amount of support. So was this a political win for County Mayor Mike Ragsdale? Few will discuss the matter but there is some joy in Mudville tonight. There is also some sadness.
What is clear is that no one gets a gold star for playing well with others. What a poor example for the children of this community.
From the Knoxville News Sentinel:
By ERICKA MELLON, mellone@knews.com
February 28, 2006
Knox County Schools Superintendent Charles Lindsey revealed Monday he has applied for the superintendent's job in Hamilton County, but he was tight-lipped on details.
"Beyond that, it really is inappropriate for me to make any further comments," Lindsey said.
Russ Oaks, the spokesman for Knox County Schools, said further questions should be addressed to the Hamilton County school system in Chattanooga or to the Illinois-based firm handling the search: Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates Ltd.
The firm is the same one that helped bring Lindsey to Knox County in 1999.
Pat Bowers, director of communications for Hamilton County Schools, said the search firm is expected this week to give a list of the top five candidates to the district's Superintendent Search Advisory Committee.
read more
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Are Knox County Schools underfunded?
Since Knox County is in an election cycle it might be helpful to look at both the Knox County Schools budget and the Knox County budget.
If you have not seen either of these you may be surprised. They are both large budgets. Depending on who you listen to you will hear that these budgets are the pinnacle of financial management or exactly the opposite.
You can find the Knox County Schools budget here. You can find the Knox County budget here.
Much has been made of the wheel tax and where that money is going. This is a good question. It was sold as a tax to fund the school system but in reality over 84% of the wheel tax goes into the general Knox County budget. School board member Robert Bratton says that adjusted for inflation the school board is going backwards and receiving less money year to year. Some taxpayers say the school system receives too much money and is wasteful.
What is the real answer? Over the next few months I invite you to explore these issues here on Can Farragut Change. Candidates for School Board or County Commission may send an email to Farragut_Republican@yahoo.com if they wish to have their bio or a letter to the community posted here.
If you have not seen either of these you may be surprised. They are both large budgets. Depending on who you listen to you will hear that these budgets are the pinnacle of financial management or exactly the opposite.
You can find the Knox County Schools budget here. You can find the Knox County budget here.
Much has been made of the wheel tax and where that money is going. This is a good question. It was sold as a tax to fund the school system but in reality over 84% of the wheel tax goes into the general Knox County budget. School board member Robert Bratton says that adjusted for inflation the school board is going backwards and receiving less money year to year. Some taxpayers say the school system receives too much money and is wasteful.
What is the real answer? Over the next few months I invite you to explore these issues here on Can Farragut Change. Candidates for School Board or County Commission may send an email to Farragut_Republican@yahoo.com if they wish to have their bio or a letter to the community posted here.
Lindsey considering Chattanooga school system
From the Knoxville News Sentinel:
Monday deadline to apply for Chattanooga school post
By ERICKA MELLON, mellone@knews.com
February 25, 2006
Knox County Schools Superintendent Charles Lindsey said Friday he has been asked to apply for the open superintendent's job in Hamilton County, and he is considering it.
"I've been asked to consider the position, but I have not made any applications at all," Lindsey said in an interview Friday afternoon.
The deadline to apply for the job in Chattanooga is Monday, Lindsey said.
"I will consider it as I have other offers," he said. "It's a good school system. It would be an attractive school system for any superintendent to try their hand at."
Lindsey, who was hired in Knox County in 1999 and whose current contract runs through 2008, said he is "happy" in his job now.
"At this point I'm very happy in Knox County," Lindsey said. "We've done some great things. We've made some progress on the world-class school system template."
read more
Monday deadline to apply for Chattanooga school post
By ERICKA MELLON, mellone@knews.com
February 25, 2006
Knox County Schools Superintendent Charles Lindsey said Friday he has been asked to apply for the open superintendent's job in Hamilton County, and he is considering it.
"I've been asked to consider the position, but I have not made any applications at all," Lindsey said in an interview Friday afternoon.
The deadline to apply for the job in Chattanooga is Monday, Lindsey said.
"I will consider it as I have other offers," he said. "It's a good school system. It would be an attractive school system for any superintendent to try their hand at."
Lindsey, who was hired in Knox County in 1999 and whose current contract runs through 2008, said he is "happy" in his job now.
"At this point I'm very happy in Knox County," Lindsey said. "We've done some great things. We've made some progress on the world-class school system template."
read more
From our school board correspondent Karen Carson
School Board Notes
As you are all probably aware, the Board of Education has begun discussion on next year's capital and operating budgets for Knox County Schools. Throughout these discussions you will hear about potential cuts to student services—driver's education and foreign language at the Middle School were recently in the news. The Board has a responsibility to prepare and submit the budget to the appropriate legislative body. The Board of Education also has a primary duty to provide the opportunity for the best and most appropriate education for all children entrusted to its care. It appears that the responsibility to prepare the budget and the duty to provide for the best and most appropriate education for our children are in conflict. We need to increase our revenue and we need to look at each level of government.
At the Federal level: Four years after the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act, Congress has continued a steady decline in fully funding the law, shifting a greater portion of the cost of compliance with adequate yearly progress and supplemental services to local school districts and states. Under the IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act) mandate of 1975, the federal government committed to funding 40% of the cost per pupil for special education. However, the federal government has met less than one-half of this commitment, creating a cumulative funding gap of more than $50 billion over the last four years!
At the State level: The state determines how much money it sends to a school system using the Basic Education Program (BEP) formula. The BEP funding formula is flawed and discriminatory in a number of ways. The differences in this funding formula create a funding shortfall for Knox County of $17.4 million.
At the Local level: While total dollar funding has increased, the percentage of money allocated from Knox County, for our schools, has decreased. Additionally, new residential construction has place a tremendous burden on our schools.
What can you do? Become involved. Write or call you elected officials, at all levels, and let them know your concerns about the needs in educational funding. Let's work together with our local officials to explore methods of increasing revenue. Let's fully explore "impact fees". What are the pluses and minuses of this method of creating new revenue?
At every level of government, education is recognized as "The Key" to the future of our Country. The President's State of the Union address, the Governor's State of the State address, and every candidate running for local office refer to the importance of education. It's time that we all not only "talk the talk" but also "walk the walk".
Karen Carson
School Board Representative
5th District
As you are all probably aware, the Board of Education has begun discussion on next year's capital and operating budgets for Knox County Schools. Throughout these discussions you will hear about potential cuts to student services—driver's education and foreign language at the Middle School were recently in the news. The Board has a responsibility to prepare and submit the budget to the appropriate legislative body. The Board of Education also has a primary duty to provide the opportunity for the best and most appropriate education for all children entrusted to its care. It appears that the responsibility to prepare the budget and the duty to provide for the best and most appropriate education for our children are in conflict. We need to increase our revenue and we need to look at each level of government.
At the Federal level: Four years after the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act, Congress has continued a steady decline in fully funding the law, shifting a greater portion of the cost of compliance with adequate yearly progress and supplemental services to local school districts and states. Under the IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act) mandate of 1975, the federal government committed to funding 40% of the cost per pupil for special education. However, the federal government has met less than one-half of this commitment, creating a cumulative funding gap of more than $50 billion over the last four years!
At the State level: The state determines how much money it sends to a school system using the Basic Education Program (BEP) formula. The BEP funding formula is flawed and discriminatory in a number of ways. The differences in this funding formula create a funding shortfall for Knox County of $17.4 million.
At the Local level: While total dollar funding has increased, the percentage of money allocated from Knox County, for our schools, has decreased. Additionally, new residential construction has place a tremendous burden on our schools.
What can you do? Become involved. Write or call you elected officials, at all levels, and let them know your concerns about the needs in educational funding. Let's work together with our local officials to explore methods of increasing revenue. Let's fully explore "impact fees". What are the pluses and minuses of this method of creating new revenue?
At every level of government, education is recognized as "The Key" to the future of our Country. The President's State of the Union address, the Governor's State of the State address, and every candidate running for local office refer to the importance of education. It's time that we all not only "talk the talk" but also "walk the walk".
Karen Carson
School Board Representative
5th District
Monday, February 20, 2006
Tragic automobile crash in Farragut
From Wate news:
Man facing charge for death in Kingston Pike crash
February 20, 2006
KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- A man is facing a vehicular homicide charge after the state highway patrol says he ran a red light on Kingston Pike Sunday night, killing another man.
According to the highway patrol, 33-year-old Martin Smith was driving a Toyota Tercel when he ran the light at the Kingston Pike and Campbell Station Road intersection.
Smith hit a Geo Tracker with three people inside. Thirty-two-year-old Edward Cates was killed. A woman and her four-year-old daughter who were in the Tracker were injured.
The child, who was in a car seat, had only minor injuries.
The accident, which happened before 10:30 p.m. Sunday night, shut down part of Kingston Pike.
Martin Smith is facing a charge of vehicular homicide. He also had some injuries.
Why does this keep happening?
UPDATE:
More from the Knoxville News Sentinel
Man facing charge for death in Kingston Pike crash
February 20, 2006
KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- A man is facing a vehicular homicide charge after the state highway patrol says he ran a red light on Kingston Pike Sunday night, killing another man.
According to the highway patrol, 33-year-old Martin Smith was driving a Toyota Tercel when he ran the light at the Kingston Pike and Campbell Station Road intersection.
Smith hit a Geo Tracker with three people inside. Thirty-two-year-old Edward Cates was killed. A woman and her four-year-old daughter who were in the Tracker were injured.
The child, who was in a car seat, had only minor injuries.
The accident, which happened before 10:30 p.m. Sunday night, shut down part of Kingston Pike.
Martin Smith is facing a charge of vehicular homicide. He also had some injuries.
Why does this keep happening?
UPDATE:
More from the Knoxville News Sentinel
Friday, February 17, 2006
Charles Lindsey spares Drivers Education
Knox County Superintendent Charles Lindsey said Thursday he would not push to cut driver's education next year.
From the Knoxville News Sentinel:
As far as driver's education classes in high school, Lindsey said he realized he didn't have enough support from board members to eliminate it.
read more
Fortunately the leadership of board members like Karen Carson spared this important program.
From the Knoxville News Sentinel:
As far as driver's education classes in high school, Lindsey said he realized he didn't have enough support from board members to eliminate it.
read more
Fortunately the leadership of board members like Karen Carson spared this important program.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Carson and James defends Drivers Education
From the Farragut Press:
Driver Ed junked?
Knox County Schools, School Board mull program future
Carolyn Evans - Thu, Feb, 16, 2006
Driver education may be at a dead end in Knox County. Knox County Schools superintendent Dr. Charles Lindsey has recommended cutting the program that serves about 3,000 students a year in order to help balance the school system’s budget. The Knox County Board of Education is looking to make a decision by Feb. 28.
During the School Board budget meeting Monday, Feb. 6, preliminary figures estimated the school system could save $900,000 by eliminating driver education.
School officials aren’t all on the same page, however.
“It’s still out there on the chopping block,” said Charles “Chuck” James, 6th District Board representative. “I was surprised to see it still out there. I think we have enough [Board of Education] votes to keep it.”
Karen Carson, 5th District representative, said she’s in favor of keeping the program and is not convinced it is as expensive as schools officials say it is.
“The nine hundred thousand dollars we will save by eliminating driver ed, I question,” she said.
“I’d be in favor of upping the cost to parents a little more,” Carson added. The class fee is currently $100 per student across the county, and Carson said she thought it could be increased to $150. “I think the potential harm is greater by cutting it.”
“The most dangerous thing that can be in a child’s hand is a set of car keys,” said Farragut High School principal Michael Reynolds.
read more
Missing desks for the new West Knox high school and now Drivers Education hangs in the balance. Also at risk is the foreign language program.
Why is this school system under-funded after two new wheel taxes? What else is going on in the Knox County budget?
Driver Ed junked?
Knox County Schools, School Board mull program future
Carolyn Evans - Thu, Feb, 16, 2006
Driver education may be at a dead end in Knox County. Knox County Schools superintendent Dr. Charles Lindsey has recommended cutting the program that serves about 3,000 students a year in order to help balance the school system’s budget. The Knox County Board of Education is looking to make a decision by Feb. 28.
During the School Board budget meeting Monday, Feb. 6, preliminary figures estimated the school system could save $900,000 by eliminating driver education.
School officials aren’t all on the same page, however.
“It’s still out there on the chopping block,” said Charles “Chuck” James, 6th District Board representative. “I was surprised to see it still out there. I think we have enough [Board of Education] votes to keep it.”
Karen Carson, 5th District representative, said she’s in favor of keeping the program and is not convinced it is as expensive as schools officials say it is.
“The nine hundred thousand dollars we will save by eliminating driver ed, I question,” she said.
“I’d be in favor of upping the cost to parents a little more,” Carson added. The class fee is currently $100 per student across the county, and Carson said she thought it could be increased to $150. “I think the potential harm is greater by cutting it.”
“The most dangerous thing that can be in a child’s hand is a set of car keys,” said Farragut High School principal Michael Reynolds.
read more
Missing desks for the new West Knox high school and now Drivers Education hangs in the balance. Also at risk is the foreign language program.
Why is this school system under-funded after two new wheel taxes? What else is going on in the Knox County budget?
Sunday, February 12, 2006
A reader shares their views
Do you know what the funds generated from the wheel tax are supposed to support?
In fiscal year 2003-2004, the County Commission added a $6 wheel tax to the existing $24 vehicle registration fee, bringing the cost per vehicle to $30. The County Mayor recommended that half of the revenue collected from this $6 additional tax be used for improving teacher salaries and the other half be used for improving the salaries of sheriff’s deputies. The anticipated annual revenue from this tax was estimated to be roughly $3 million. The actual amount received that year by the schools was about $1.2 million. Last year (2004-2005), school operations received $1.5 million from this particular tax.
In fiscal year 04-05, County Commission approved a resolution to raise the wheel tax from $6 to $36 (an increase of $30), bringing the cost per vehicle to $60 ($30 vehicle registration fee + $30 wheel tax). Of the anticipated $12 million in annual revenue expected to be generated from this additional $30 wheel tax, none was recommended by the County to be budgeted for direct use into school operations. None of that tax revenue has been deposited into school operations. Part of this money, however, is funding the Great School Partnership initiatives which include the new Pre-K program in 10 schools and the new high school and/or school physical plant upgrades that are being funded directly by the county.
Of the roughly $17-$18 million generated so far by the wheel tax (first the $6 tax: $2.4 million in FY03-04; $3 million in FY04-05/ second the $36 tax: $12 million in FY04-05), school operations (where our major programs are funded) has received about $2.7.
With School Board and County Commission elections soon, find out how where your elected officials stand and use that knowledge to vote.
Editors note: This came from an email from a reader that requested to be anonymous. While I rarely post emails that this blog receives I feel this question has merit.
In fiscal year 2003-2004, the County Commission added a $6 wheel tax to the existing $24 vehicle registration fee, bringing the cost per vehicle to $30. The County Mayor recommended that half of the revenue collected from this $6 additional tax be used for improving teacher salaries and the other half be used for improving the salaries of sheriff’s deputies. The anticipated annual revenue from this tax was estimated to be roughly $3 million. The actual amount received that year by the schools was about $1.2 million. Last year (2004-2005), school operations received $1.5 million from this particular tax.
In fiscal year 04-05, County Commission approved a resolution to raise the wheel tax from $6 to $36 (an increase of $30), bringing the cost per vehicle to $60 ($30 vehicle registration fee + $30 wheel tax). Of the anticipated $12 million in annual revenue expected to be generated from this additional $30 wheel tax, none was recommended by the County to be budgeted for direct use into school operations. None of that tax revenue has been deposited into school operations. Part of this money, however, is funding the Great School Partnership initiatives which include the new Pre-K program in 10 schools and the new high school and/or school physical plant upgrades that are being funded directly by the county.
Of the roughly $17-$18 million generated so far by the wheel tax (first the $6 tax: $2.4 million in FY03-04; $3 million in FY04-05/ second the $36 tax: $12 million in FY04-05), school operations (where our major programs are funded) has received about $2.7.
With School Board and County Commission elections soon, find out how where your elected officials stand and use that knowledge to vote.
Editors note: This came from an email from a reader that requested to be anonymous. While I rarely post emails that this blog receives I feel this question has merit.
Knox School Board talks budget woes
From the Farragut Press:
Knox County Board of Education members met Monday night at West High School, hoping to get some feedback from school patrons on how best they might handle knotty budgeting issues.
At a public forum that exceeded two hours, the board may have gotten all that it bargained for. And more.
Pamela Tracy of Farragut reflected the sentiments of many parents and teachers at the meeting when she told Board Chairman Dr. Dan Murphy and other board members she considered it “a shame to go to Knox County Commission and seek school funding that doesn’t meet the needs of students” in the school district.
Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Lindsey had outlined a series of proposed cuts that he said might keep the district within its projected revenue of $326.5 million for fiscal 2007. The estimate includes $8.4 million in projected property tax and state revenue growth. Lindsey said the district, to balance the budget it will submit to Knox County Commission, must “back out” about $5 million cut from the district’s proposed budget.
read more
As I have written before, this problem stems from a lack of communication between the County Mayor, County Commission, and the Knox County School Board. The greatest example of this lack of communication is the low ball 40 million dollar figure for the new West Knox High School that was plucked out of the air. A new high school in Oak Ridge will cost 56 million dollars. Are we to believe that a new high school in Knox County will cost 40 million dollars?
How serious is the County Mayor about this new and desperately needed high school when he keeps talking about a new downtown library that will cost over 40 million dollars? Is there any doubt that if a contender runs against the County Mayor and the race is close, that the County Mayor will not miraculously find another 10 or 12 million dollars to make this new high school viable?
Too much politics and too little representation.
Knox County Board of Education members met Monday night at West High School, hoping to get some feedback from school patrons on how best they might handle knotty budgeting issues.
At a public forum that exceeded two hours, the board may have gotten all that it bargained for. And more.
Pamela Tracy of Farragut reflected the sentiments of many parents and teachers at the meeting when she told Board Chairman Dr. Dan Murphy and other board members she considered it “a shame to go to Knox County Commission and seek school funding that doesn’t meet the needs of students” in the school district.
Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Lindsey had outlined a series of proposed cuts that he said might keep the district within its projected revenue of $326.5 million for fiscal 2007. The estimate includes $8.4 million in projected property tax and state revenue growth. Lindsey said the district, to balance the budget it will submit to Knox County Commission, must “back out” about $5 million cut from the district’s proposed budget.
read more
As I have written before, this problem stems from a lack of communication between the County Mayor, County Commission, and the Knox County School Board. The greatest example of this lack of communication is the low ball 40 million dollar figure for the new West Knox High School that was plucked out of the air. A new high school in Oak Ridge will cost 56 million dollars. Are we to believe that a new high school in Knox County will cost 40 million dollars?
How serious is the County Mayor about this new and desperately needed high school when he keeps talking about a new downtown library that will cost over 40 million dollars? Is there any doubt that if a contender runs against the County Mayor and the race is close, that the County Mayor will not miraculously find another 10 or 12 million dollars to make this new high school viable?
Too much politics and too little representation.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Out of touch Editorial in the Knoxville News Sentinel
Today the Knoxville News Sentinel has a disappointing and out of touch Editorial which advocates the end of Drivers Education in Knoxville public schools.
I disagree and question whether this Editorial represents what is best for the children of Knox County.
I can tell you that Drivers Education was one of the most important courses I ever studied. My high school did not have Drivers Education so I took the course at the University of Tennessee. Very few of my classmates took this course. As I compare the results over time it is clear I was very fortunate.
Some of my classmates died in traffic accidents. My closest friends all had major accidents while still in high school. To date I have not had a serious traffic accident. I have never had an accident that was my fault. The three minor accidents I have had were two hit from behind accidents and one accident where a neighbor backed into the side on my car.
I have had countless near accidents. A few would have been serious and possibly fatal. Drivers Education has made a significant difference in my life. Encourage the Knox County School Board to find a way to keep Drivers Education.
The Knoxville News Sentinel writes:
"At the same time, studies have found that formal instruction has yielded few benefits, and a number of school systems have eliminated the program. A spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, for example, said it is often a surprise when people learn that "research shows driver education has been a total bust when it comes to making teens safer behind the wheel."
Certainly there is a public safety interest in teaching teens to drive safely and responsibly, but is it the duty of the school systems to offer the courses? The schools have done their part admirably. Now, with tighter budgets and the dim prospect of tax increases to support education, it is time to look beyond the status quo.
Driver's education should not be retained if it means academic programs must be trimmed. Even if it is kept in the curriculum for another year or two, alternatives should be considered, perhaps including representatives of the state Department of Safety, insurance companies and local law enforcement along with educators to make the courses - whether in school of not - as relevant, instructive and affordable as possible."
I disagree and question whether this Editorial represents what is best for the children of Knox County.
I can tell you that Drivers Education was one of the most important courses I ever studied. My high school did not have Drivers Education so I took the course at the University of Tennessee. Very few of my classmates took this course. As I compare the results over time it is clear I was very fortunate.
Some of my classmates died in traffic accidents. My closest friends all had major accidents while still in high school. To date I have not had a serious traffic accident. I have never had an accident that was my fault. The three minor accidents I have had were two hit from behind accidents and one accident where a neighbor backed into the side on my car.
I have had countless near accidents. A few would have been serious and possibly fatal. Drivers Education has made a significant difference in my life. Encourage the Knox County School Board to find a way to keep Drivers Education.
The Knoxville News Sentinel writes:
"At the same time, studies have found that formal instruction has yielded few benefits, and a number of school systems have eliminated the program. A spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, for example, said it is often a surprise when people learn that "research shows driver education has been a total bust when it comes to making teens safer behind the wheel."
Certainly there is a public safety interest in teaching teens to drive safely and responsibly, but is it the duty of the school systems to offer the courses? The schools have done their part admirably. Now, with tighter budgets and the dim prospect of tax increases to support education, it is time to look beyond the status quo.
Driver's education should not be retained if it means academic programs must be trimmed. Even if it is kept in the curriculum for another year or two, alternatives should be considered, perhaps including representatives of the state Department of Safety, insurance companies and local law enforcement along with educators to make the courses - whether in school of not - as relevant, instructive and affordable as possible."
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Teenage driver dies in Halls area in tragic car wreck
As reported on WBIR Channel 10 television news:
Teen killed, two injured in Halls wreck
The wreck happened just past 9:00 p.m. on Mynatt Road in the Halls area. The car left the road, went through one yard, crossed over West Garwood Circle and finally crashed into a tree in another yard.
The driver, 19-year-old Ted Ward, Jr. of Knoxville, died at the scene. The passengers, 18-year-old Dustin Hunter and 16-year-old Christopher Atkins, both of Corryton were taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Atkins has been discharged from the hospital and Hunter remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Police say speeding played a role in the deadly accident, which came in the same 24 hour period as another accident in West Knoxville that killed a junior at Webb School.
Teen killed, two injured in Halls wreck
The wreck happened just past 9:00 p.m. on Mynatt Road in the Halls area. The car left the road, went through one yard, crossed over West Garwood Circle and finally crashed into a tree in another yard.
The driver, 19-year-old Ted Ward, Jr. of Knoxville, died at the scene. The passengers, 18-year-old Dustin Hunter and 16-year-old Christopher Atkins, both of Corryton were taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Atkins has been discharged from the hospital and Hunter remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Police say speeding played a role in the deadly accident, which came in the same 24 hour period as another accident in West Knoxville that killed a junior at Webb School.
KCS News Release - School Board to hold special budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NO: 06-008 February 1, 2006
School Board to hold special budget meeting
The Knox County Board of Education will conduct a work session dedicated to the Board's fiscal 2007 General Purpose School Fund Budget beginning at 5:00 p.m. February 6 in the large auditorium at West High School.
The meeting is intended to be easily accessible and provide interested citizens the opportunity to provide their insights to the School Board as its members discuss the operating budget for fiscal 2007, which begins in July.
"I think it is very important that we reach out to the community as we go through the budget process," said Board Chairman Dr. Dan Murphy.
"This will be a very difficult budget. We expect very austere revenue growth, and it is invaluable to the Board to have public input as the Board looks to where it can gain operational efficiency or reduce expenditures."
The work session agenda is continued discussion of the Budget recommendation submitted by Superintendent Dr. Charles Lindsey during the Board's Jan. 23 work session. The superintendent's proposal based on preliminary revenue and expenditure information is available at www.kcs.k12tn.net.
"We have started the budget process much earlier this year than we have in the past," said Murphy, who also represents the citizens of the Fourth District. "This is so we can have more options and greater public input as we try to balance resources and needs. Most Board members have some very definite feelings about various parts of the budget and the superintendent's proposal. This process allows use to look thoroughly at all the options and ask the superintendent some very hard questions. It also provides more time to understand the concerns of our community."
Citizens who wish to speak at the session should arrive at the meeting early and sign up with the board secretary.
West High School is located at 3300 Sutherland Ave.
Preliminary Revenue & Expense Projections
Preliminary Budget Information
special thanks to Karen Carson for this information
NO: 06-008 February 1, 2006
School Board to hold special budget meeting
The Knox County Board of Education will conduct a work session dedicated to the Board's fiscal 2007 General Purpose School Fund Budget beginning at 5:00 p.m. February 6 in the large auditorium at West High School.
The meeting is intended to be easily accessible and provide interested citizens the opportunity to provide their insights to the School Board as its members discuss the operating budget for fiscal 2007, which begins in July.
"I think it is very important that we reach out to the community as we go through the budget process," said Board Chairman Dr. Dan Murphy.
"This will be a very difficult budget. We expect very austere revenue growth, and it is invaluable to the Board to have public input as the Board looks to where it can gain operational efficiency or reduce expenditures."
The work session agenda is continued discussion of the Budget recommendation submitted by Superintendent Dr. Charles Lindsey during the Board's Jan. 23 work session. The superintendent's proposal based on preliminary revenue and expenditure information is available at www.kcs.k12tn.net.
"We have started the budget process much earlier this year than we have in the past," said Murphy, who also represents the citizens of the Fourth District. "This is so we can have more options and greater public input as we try to balance resources and needs. Most Board members have some very definite feelings about various parts of the budget and the superintendent's proposal. This process allows use to look thoroughly at all the options and ask the superintendent some very hard questions. It also provides more time to understand the concerns of our community."
Citizens who wish to speak at the session should arrive at the meeting early and sign up with the board secretary.
West High School is located at 3300 Sutherland Ave.
Preliminary Revenue & Expense Projections
Preliminary Budget Information
special thanks to Karen Carson for this information
Farragut residents speak about traffic safety
As reported in the Farragut Press:
FBMA quizzed on traffic
Brian Cox - Thu, Feb, 2, 2006
Farragut residents sought answers for their traffic woes during the regular Thursday, Jan. 26, meeting of the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
Residents packed into the room seeking answers for what they perceived as issues that should have been handled more than a year ago. They said the creation of new subdivisions is creating an increased traffic flow. Mike Merginio, president of the Farragut Commons Homeowners Association, told board members the traffic situation at Grigsby Chapel Road is potentially life threatening. “We have a growing concern about the Grigsby Chapel Road area,” he said. “We are asking that a three-way stop sign be placed in front of our district.”
Merginio said there have been several occasions when residents have barely avoided accidents turning on to Kingston Pike. Mayor W. Edward “Eddy” Ford III made some inquiries of Merginio, such as time of worst traffic congestion, how the situation has changed in the past year and what suggestions he had to offer on the matter. Michael Cain, another resident of the area, told of visibility problems on Windham Hall Lane. He also wanted to see the speed limit dropped along Grigsby Chapel Road.
read more
more at the Farragut Independent
FBMA quizzed on traffic
Brian Cox - Thu, Feb, 2, 2006
Farragut residents sought answers for their traffic woes during the regular Thursday, Jan. 26, meeting of the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
Residents packed into the room seeking answers for what they perceived as issues that should have been handled more than a year ago. They said the creation of new subdivisions is creating an increased traffic flow. Mike Merginio, president of the Farragut Commons Homeowners Association, told board members the traffic situation at Grigsby Chapel Road is potentially life threatening. “We have a growing concern about the Grigsby Chapel Road area,” he said. “We are asking that a three-way stop sign be placed in front of our district.”
Merginio said there have been several occasions when residents have barely avoided accidents turning on to Kingston Pike. Mayor W. Edward “Eddy” Ford III made some inquiries of Merginio, such as time of worst traffic congestion, how the situation has changed in the past year and what suggestions he had to offer on the matter. Michael Cain, another resident of the area, told of visibility problems on Windham Hall Lane. He also wanted to see the speed limit dropped along Grigsby Chapel Road.
read more
more at the Farragut Independent
MetroPulse Editorial supports Driver Education
Don’t cut foreign-language education or driver’s training, please
Superintendent Charles Lindsey says the Knox County Schools budget for 2006-07 may experience a $5 million shortfall. That ugly prospect was met last week by Lindsey’s suggestions to the school board for cuts in operating costs. None of the proposed cuts, except one that would create more efficient allocation of teachers and staff among the schools, seemed palatable. That one recommendation, though, would save nearly half of the money needed to offset the shortfall.
Two of the other cost-saving measures, the elimination of foreign-language instruction in middle schools and driver’s training in high schools, were met with skepticism by the school board. Good for the board members who objected.
Foreign-language instruction at the earliest possible school level is among the most foresighted of curriculum options, and driver’s ed may be the most practical course taught in public high schools. Where to begin in defending these educational essentials?
Teaching as many young people as possible the elements of safe operation of motor vehicles has a profound effect on traffic safety in any community. Witness the insurance industry’s discounting of premium rates for young drivers who have passed a driving course in school.
The insurance industry doesn’t do so on faith. The insurers rely on statistics that show that school-educated drivers have fewer accidents, thereby costing the companies fewer claims. The upshot of driver education offerings across the board is that, with fewer accidents in a community, all vehicle owners’ insurance rates are lower. To take away the option of driver training as a budget concession would be tantamount to increasing the risk to motorists as well as hiking their auto insurance rates over the next several years. Ironically, the superintendent’s suggestion comes at a time when fatal accidents involving high-school students here have drawn a great deal of attention.
read more
Superintendent Charles Lindsey says the Knox County Schools budget for 2006-07 may experience a $5 million shortfall. That ugly prospect was met last week by Lindsey’s suggestions to the school board for cuts in operating costs. None of the proposed cuts, except one that would create more efficient allocation of teachers and staff among the schools, seemed palatable. That one recommendation, though, would save nearly half of the money needed to offset the shortfall.
Two of the other cost-saving measures, the elimination of foreign-language instruction in middle schools and driver’s training in high schools, were met with skepticism by the school board. Good for the board members who objected.
Foreign-language instruction at the earliest possible school level is among the most foresighted of curriculum options, and driver’s ed may be the most practical course taught in public high schools. Where to begin in defending these educational essentials?
Teaching as many young people as possible the elements of safe operation of motor vehicles has a profound effect on traffic safety in any community. Witness the insurance industry’s discounting of premium rates for young drivers who have passed a driving course in school.
The insurance industry doesn’t do so on faith. The insurers rely on statistics that show that school-educated drivers have fewer accidents, thereby costing the companies fewer claims. The upshot of driver education offerings across the board is that, with fewer accidents in a community, all vehicle owners’ insurance rates are lower. To take away the option of driver training as a budget concession would be tantamount to increasing the risk to motorists as well as hiking their auto insurance rates over the next several years. Ironically, the superintendent’s suggestion comes at a time when fatal accidents involving high-school students here have drawn a great deal of attention.
read more
Another tragic teenage car crash
As reported in the Knoxville News Sentinel:
Webb student, 16, dies in wreck
By DON JACOBS, jacobs@knews.com February 2, 2006
A 16-year-old high school junior died Wednesday in a crash in West Knoxville when the car carrying him went out of control and entered the oncoming lanes of traffic.
Eric Encarnacion of Knoxville was declared dead upon arriving at the University of Tennessee Medical Center after the 7:47 a.m. crash, said Darrell DeBusk, spokesman for the Knoxville Police Department.
Encarnacion was a junior at Webb School of Knoxville in West Knoxville, according to school president Scott Hutchinson.
DeBusk said Encarnacion was a passenger in a Honda Civic driven by Benjamin Prichett, 17, also of Knoxville. Prichett also is a junior at Webb School, Hutchinson said.
DeBusk said the Civic was eastbound on Sherrill Boulevard near the intersection with Park West Boulevard when the car went out of control. The Civic slid for several hundred feet, DeBusk said, before it jumped the 6-inch-high concrete curb, traversed the grassy median and ran into the westbound lanes.
A westbound 1997 Nissan Maxima then slammed into the passenger side of the Civic, DeBusk said. The Maxima driver, Ashlyn Knight, 21, of Knoxville was not injured by the impact.
read more
Webb student, 16, dies in wreck
By DON JACOBS, jacobs@knews.com February 2, 2006
A 16-year-old high school junior died Wednesday in a crash in West Knoxville when the car carrying him went out of control and entered the oncoming lanes of traffic.
Eric Encarnacion of Knoxville was declared dead upon arriving at the University of Tennessee Medical Center after the 7:47 a.m. crash, said Darrell DeBusk, spokesman for the Knoxville Police Department.
Encarnacion was a junior at Webb School of Knoxville in West Knoxville, according to school president Scott Hutchinson.
DeBusk said Encarnacion was a passenger in a Honda Civic driven by Benjamin Prichett, 17, also of Knoxville. Prichett also is a junior at Webb School, Hutchinson said.
DeBusk said the Civic was eastbound on Sherrill Boulevard near the intersection with Park West Boulevard when the car went out of control. The Civic slid for several hundred feet, DeBusk said, before it jumped the 6-inch-high concrete curb, traversed the grassy median and ran into the westbound lanes.
A westbound 1997 Nissan Maxima then slammed into the passenger side of the Civic, DeBusk said. The Maxima driver, Ashlyn Knight, 21, of Knoxville was not injured by the impact.
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