School Board Update – November 2008

November 2008 - School Board Update from Indya

Good Morning!

I know School Board matters seem rather trivial after yesterday’s historic Presidential election, but we are voting on some significant issues tonight so I wanted to give you a brief overview.

School Calendar
After many months of consideration, public forums, and a survey done by UT, I’ve learned two things: First, the school calendar is important to many people; and second, if you ask 10 people about the school calendar, you’ll get 10 different, and often conflicting, opinions!

One consistent message I’ve heard is that uncertainty is annoying. We need to decide on a calendar soon so, regardless of what we approve, people can plan their lives accordingly. Of course the educational needs of our students come first, but there is no clear evidence that any of the options would have a significant impact on educational outcomes. To remain internationally competitive we may one day have to consider adding days to the calendar, not just re-allocating them, but that would cost serious money and is not feasible anytime soon.

The Superintendent’s recommendation is based on the following principles:

• Begin with a half-day on the 1st day of school
• Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday first day of school
• School starts no earlier than August 15th
• At least a two-day fall break
• Election day off only for Presidential or Gubernatorial elections
• No “In-Service” days in the fall (except prior to school starting, or election days)
• Three full days off for Thanksgiving break
• High school finals prior to winter break
• Two week winter break
• Spring break coordinated with University of Tennessee (when feasible)
• School year ends prior to Memorial Day (when feasible)
• At least 84 instructional days in the fall; at least 85 in the spring (total minimum 175)

If we approve the Superintendent’s recommendation, students would return to school for a half day on Monday, August 17th, 2009, and there would be a two-day Fall break on October 15th and 16th. You can view the recommended calendars for 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years here.

Our discussion Monday mainly concerned whether to retain the 5-day Fall break and start school earlier, or to go back to a 2-day Fall break and start a little later. I can see pros and cons to both approaches. At this juncture I intend to support the Superintendent’s recommendation as it’s based on significant community input (from teachers, KCEA, students, parents and businesses) and carefully reasoned analysis of the trade-offs.

Random Searches for Dangerous Weapons
This policy is up for final approval Wednesday (today). It would authorize the school system to conduct periodic random searches for guns in our schools. Students would walk through a metal detector or have a magnetic wand pass over them. Just this semester we’ve had multiple guns found at several different schools, and of course we had the tragedy at Central High School. The hope is that random searches would deter students from bringing weapons to school.

Would this policy make kids safer? Would it be done in a truly random manner, without unfairly targeting certain students? There is no way to know for sure. Random searches may make our schools safer, but we also need to improve mental health services and communicate more effectively with our students.

Dr. McIntyre has assured the Board that this policy would be just one of many tools he would use to prevent violence in our schools. I’m inclined to support the recommendation, with the provision that we review its effectiveness in one year.

Fulton Foundation Raising Funds for Auditorium
The Fulton High School Foundation is trying to raise $98,500 to repair faulty acoustics and install a modern sound and lighting system in the school’s auditorium. Because Fulton has a special place in the hearts of so many people, the school is raising funds by offering auditorium seat sponsorships that will last a lifetime. Prices range from $50 - $1000 and every little bit helps.

Seat plates are a perfect gift for any friend or family member connected to Fulton. It’s a great way to showcase your business or organization or celebrate a birthday or anniversary. You could also purchase a seat in honor of a Fulton staff member who made a positive difference in your life.

Donations may be sent to Fulton High School Foundation, c/o East TN Foundation, 625 Market Street, Suite 1400, Knoxville, TN 37902. If you have questions please contact Buck Coatney, coatneyb@k12tn.net; 865-594-1254.

Knox Achieves
Did you know that on average, an individual with an associate's degree makes over $400,000 more in a lifetime than a high school graduate? Individuals with a post-secondary education also volunteer more in their community, vote more often, and need less public assistance than those with only a high school diploma. (See The Big Pay-Off, U.S. Census Bureau Report, 2002).

Knox Achieves is a new effort to encourage higher education, particularly for students who would be the first in their families to attend college. Successful applicants not only get financial help, but also would be connected to a mentor who can help them with the college application process. Please help spread the word about this opportunity and also consider being a mentor!

Meet our new Superintendent
I am co-hosting a reception for Dr. McIntyre, along with the members of our Knoxville City Council, next Tuesday November 11th, 5:30 – 7pm. The reception is at Councilman Rob Frost’s house, 1022 Luttrell Street Knoxville city taxpayers contribute almost $100m to our $370m school budget, and we are grateful for the support. Feel free to come by and meet our new Superintendent. No RSVP needed.

Thanks for reading this and feel free to share your feedback.

Very Truly Yours,

Indya Indya Kincannon,
Chair Knox County Board of Education