fri., june 15 news summary

7/31/2019 Fri., June 15 News Summary

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FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Financial Literacy Push Underway in TN Public Schools (TN Report)Tennessee ranks 47th in the nation for financial literacy, according to the Jumpstart Coalition for PersoFinancial Literacy a problem Gov. Bill Haslam says needs to be turned around to build a more effectworkforce. If people can learn not to be afraid of numbers early and not to be afraid of understanding finances, theyll be a much more productive employee, Haslam told reporters Thursday after addresselementary teachers at a summit sponsored by the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission. Obviously tchallenge for our school systems is, given everything else we want them to do with also helping increase heahabits, increase math and reading scores, theyve got a lot of balls to juggle, he said. The day-long conferenin Nashville included workshops about how to teach students to be financially fit, save for college and a ho

and outsmart scammers topics Tennesseans struggle with compared to other states.http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/06/14/financial-literacy-push-underway-in-tn-public- schools/

Teachers Learn How To Teach Financial Literacy (Associated Press, WTFV-TV)Governor Bill Haslam and other state officials spoke at a daylong summit Thursday in Nashville for elementaschool teachers wanting to teach financial literacy skills. "It doesn't make any difference if they're rural or frothe urban community, the same things apply," McKissack Middle School teacher Debra Gann said. "They sdon't know the basics. Just because I have a dollar in my pocket, doesn't mean that I can spend all of tdollar." Tennessee ranks 47th in the nation w hen it comes to financial literacy. Lieutenant Governor RRamsey and Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman were featured speakers at the gathering, sponsoredthe Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission. "We want to teach them the basics of ma th and how to ultimatuse it in life," Homer Pittard 4th grade teacher David Lockett explained.

http://www.newschannel5.com/story/18793560/teachers-learn-how-to-teach-financial-literacy

No Waiting on Perfection for Teacher Evaluations: Haslam (WPLN-Rad

Nashville)Governor Bill Haslam says the state should keep learning as it goes when it comes to evaluating teachers. Tweek, a review the governor asked for from an outside group suggested changes to evaluations for teacherssubjects that arent currently tested, like art. The report from the group SCORE suggests in such cases tstudent test results should not count for a full half of the teachers job review. Haslam says the state will look iit going forward, arguing its too important to wait until the system is perfect. When pressed, he acknowledgedthe meantime it could affect teachers careers. Well, I think it can, but thats the alternative is to just not anything. And I just dont think thats a smart idea for the state. Haslam says he thinks the evaluation proce

has already begun making teachers and principals in the state better. He says next year he thinks the proceitself will also be better.http://wpln.org/?p=382 63

Huffman: Ed department preparing evaluation report (Associated Press)Tennessee education officials are considering changes around some of the same areas identified in a recstudy requested by the governor, the education commissioner said Thursday. Education Commissioner KeHuffman spoke to reporters before speaking at a sum mit for elementary school teachers at the Legislative PlaEarlier this week, the State Collaborative on Reforming Education, or SCORE, released its study, whaddressed educators concerns about student testing data. The report said about two-thirds of the statteachers should be allowed to opt for a smaller portion of their evaluations to be based on such data. Fi
http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/06/14/financial-literacy-push-underway-in-tn-public-schools/http://www.newschannel5.com/story/18793560/teachers-learn-how-to-teach-financial-literacyhttp://wpln.org/?p=38263http://wpln.org/?p=38263http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/06/14/financial-literacy-push-underway-in-tn-public-schools/http://www.newschannel5.com/story/18793560/teachers-learn-how-to-teach-financial-literacyhttp://wpln.org/?p=38263


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percent of teachers evaluations are based on student testing data, but only about one-third teach subjects whevalue-added testing data is collected. The SCORE report recommends that teachers in subjects or gradwithout specific testing data be allowed to reduce that component to 25 percent of their evaluation.http://www.theleafchronicle.com/viewart/20120614/NEWS01/306140035/Huffman-Ed-department-preparing-evaluation-report(SUBSCRIPTION)

Governor Haslam Stands Behind Tennessee Economic Official (WTVF-T

Nashville)Governor Bill Haslam has offered support for a state official whose religion has come under fire by some anMuslim groups. Samar Ali is a Nashville born Muslim who graduated from Vanderbilt law school and recenaccepted a position as international director on the state's Economic and Community Development departmeThat appointment came under fire by the The C enter for Security Policy and the 8th District Tea Party Coalitigroups who also opposed the mosque in M urfreesboro. When asked about his stance on the issue, Haslam sthat freedom of religion is guaranteed in our country, and that he looked forward to working with Ms. A li. "Samis a highly qualified person, who has taken a role with our Economic Development Department . She comes wa great track record and a lot of experience and we think she'll be a great employee for the state of Tennessesaid Haslam. The governor and First Lady were at the Sounds Game Thursday night to give out books as parthe first lady's literacy program.http://www.newschannel5.com/story/18794024/governor-haslam-stands-behind-tennessee-economic-official

Foulks 'Honored To Serve' In Homeland Security Role (Greeneville Sun)Greeneville Fire Chief Mark Foulks was recently appointed to the state Homeland Security Council by Gov. Haslam. The appointment was formally announced Wednesday. Foulks, 43, has been Greeneville's fire chsince 2006. The Knoxville native previously served 17 years in various roles in the Knoxville Fire Departmeincluding assistant chief. "I'm very honored to serve. I'm very honored to represent the Greeneville FDepartment in this capacity, and I'm very honored to represent the citizens of Greeneville in this type of roFoulks said today.http://www.greenevillesun.com/Local_News/article/Foulks-Honored-To-Serve-In-Homeland-Security-Role-id-319937

Haslam signing photo includes two from company that had been fined (TN/RochWhen a smiling Gov. Bil l Haslam signed into law a new statute governing the operation of staff leascompanies, he was surrounded by a group that included two people whose company recently was cited afined for operating without a license. One of them had been described in a state document as not of good mocharacter which may be why no one seems to want to own up to inviting them. In a consent order signApril 9, the attorney representing Chris and A ndrea Ball of Powell, Tenn., acknowledged that their firm, HR CoLLC, had acted as an employee leasing agency without the license required by state law and that the Balls hgiven false responses when asked about it. An investigation by the state Department of Commerce aInsurance found that HR Comp LLC had a staff leasing arrangement with Barden Enterprises, parent companya Knoxville sports bar, for about 10 months ending in November 2010.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS0201/306150053/Haslam-bill-signing-photo-includes-two-from-company-had-been-fined?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

'Top Secret Trail' is Tennessee's newest (Associated Press)The state's newest Discover Tennessee Trail is the "Top Secret Trail" named in honor of Oak Ridge. Statourism officials announced the trail Friday, the 15th of 16 self-guided driving tours in Tennessee. It is made upsites and attractions in Knox, Anderson, Campbell, Overton, Fentress, Morgan, Scott, Clay, Roane and Pickcounties. said the trail, like the others, will showcase history, culture, music and cuisine. A Top Secret brochhighlights 111 points of interest. Oak R idge was known as "the secret city" when it developed the atomic bombthe early 1940s.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/top-secret-trail-is-tennessees- newest/

TN jobless rate for May rises to 7.9 percent (AP, TN/Rugaber, Marsteller)
http://www.theleafchronicle.com/viewart/20120614/NEWS01/306140035/Huffman-Ed-department-preparing-evaluation-reporthttp://www.theleafchronicle.com/viewart/20120614/NEWS01/306140035/Huffman-Ed-department-preparing-evaluation-reporthttp://www.newschannel5.com/story/18794024/governor-haslam-stands-behind-tennessee-economic-officialhttp://www.greenevillesun.com/Local_News/article/Foulks-Honored-To-Serve-In-Homeland-Security-Role-id-319937http://www.greenevillesun.com/Local_News/article/Foulks-Honored-To-Serve-In-Homeland-Security-Role-id-319937http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS0201/306150053/Haslam-bill-signing-photo-includes-two-from-company-had-been-fined?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS0201/306150053/Haslam-bill-signing-photo-includes-two-from-company-had-been-fined?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/top-secret-trail-is-tennessees-newest/http://www.theleafchronicle.com/viewart/20120614/NEWS01/306140035/Huffman-Ed-department-preparing-evaluation-reporthttp://www.theleafchronicle.com/viewart/20120614/NEWS01/306140035/Huffman-Ed-department-preparing-evaluation-reporthttp://www.newschannel5.com/story/18794024/governor-haslam-stands-behind-tennessee-economic-officialhttp://www.greenevillesun.com/Local_News/article/Foulks-Honored-To-Serve-In-Homeland-Security-Role-id-319937http://www.greenevillesun.com/Local_News/article/Foulks-Honored-To-Serve-In-Homeland-Security-Role-id-319937http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS0201/306150053/Haslam-bill-signing-photo-includes-two-from-company-had-been-fined?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS0201/306150053/Haslam-bill-signing-photo-includes-two-from-company-had-been-fined?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/top-secret-trail-is-tennessees-newest/


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U.S. economy appears to be backsliding; Fed action 'likely' Tennessees unemployment rate increased lmonth for the first time in nearly a year, rising to 7.9 percent, m irroring a U.S. job market that has begun to sha few hiccups. The slight increase in state unemployment compared with Aprils 7.7 percent revised ratewas caused by a small increase in the amount of people re-entering the workforce to seek jobs, said Karla Davthe states labor commissioner. The U.S. job market is flagging, and consumer prices are barely rising. Tpicture sketched by economic data released Thursday has made some economists predict the FedeReserve will announce some new step next week to boost the national economy. Applications for unemploymbenefits rose last week, pointing to a fourth straight month of sluggish hiring in June nationwide. And a plungegas prices pulled down consumer prices in May. Weak job growth raises pressure on the Fed because part ofmission is to boost employment.http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/BUSINESS01/306150045/TN-job less-rate-May-rises-7-9 -percent?odyssey=m od|newswell|tex t|News|s(SUBSCRIPTION)

Unemployment rate rises in Tennessee (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/FlessnerWith more unemployed people re-entering the labor market last month, the jobless rate in May edged higherTennessee and was unchanged in Georgia, according to employment figures released Thursday. Unemploymin Tennessee during May rose by two-tenths of a percent from April's revised level to 7.9 percent, reversing a 2month-long decline in the state's jobless rate. In Georgia, the state jobless rate was unchanged at 8.9 percethe first time in 10 months that the jobless rate has failed to decline. "We continue to see steady, but slugggrowth in employment so we're likely to see unemployment rates around these levels for some time," said Dr. Fox, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee. "Jobs agrowing, especially in durable manufacturing in Tennessee. But so are the number of people in the workforcOver the past year, Tennessee added 39,100 jobs, or 1.5 percent, including 7,700 jobs in manufacturing a6,000 jobs in construction. But the Volunteer State suffered an unexpected decline of 1,700 jobs from AprilMay primarily because of fewer jobs in the hospitality and financial industries.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/tennessee-jobless-rate-up-in-state-unemployment/?business

Unemployment Rate Up Slightly (WPLN-Radio Nashville)Tennessees jobless rate went up slightly last month; it was 7.9 percent in May, compared to 7.7 in April. Thathe first increase since late 2010. Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis says the uptis largely due to people quote- re-entering the workforce to look for work. The latest economic forecast for tstate predicts some slight improvement in the jobless rate as the year goes on. But economists dont see a retto pre-recession employment figures in the near future, and they expect a slowdown in personal income growfor the rest of this year.http://wpln.org/?p=382 74

Tennessee's unemployment rate increases to 7.9% (Nashville Post)Tennessees unemployment rate for M ay increased to 7.9 percent, up from the April revised rate of 7.7 perceThe national unemployment rate for May was 8.2 percent, 0.1 percentage point higher than the April ra"Tennessees employment change this month is relatively flat with a slight increase in the amount of people entering the workforce to look for work, Karla Davis, labor department commissioner, said in a release. Evthough the unemployment rate had a slight increase, it is the first increase we have seen since November 201http://nashvillepost.com/news/2012/6/14/tennessees_unemployment_rate_increases_to_79

Knox woman charged with four counts of TennCare fraud (News-Sentinel)A Knox C ounty woman has been charged w ith TennCare fraud involving "doctor shopping," authorities said. Tstate Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the Knox County Sheriff's Office, today announced tarrest of Tonya Michelle Thomas, 35, of Knoxville. Thomas is charged with four counts of fraudulently usTennCare to pay for visits to m ultiple doctors to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances. TennC are frauda Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. Tennesseans can get cash rewafor TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982log on to http://www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/14/knox-woman-charged-with-four-counts-of-tenncare/

UT president's house remains empty two years after listing (N-S/Osborne)From the road, one might imagine that the owners of the perfectly-maintained Georgian-style home at 9
http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/BUSINESS01/306150045/TN-jobless-rate-May-rises-7-9-percent?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/BUSINESS01/306150045/TN-jobless-rate-May-rises-7-9-percent?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/BUSINESS01/306150045/TN-jobless-rate-May-rises-7-9-percent?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/tennessee-jobless-rate-up-in-state-unemployment/?businesshttp://wpln.org/?p=38274http://wpln.org/?p=38274http://nashvillepost.com/news/2012/6/14/tennessees_unemployment_rate_increases_to_79http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/14/knox-woman-charged-with-four-counts-of-tenncare/http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/BUSINESS01/306150045/TN-jobless-rate-May-rises-7-9-percent?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/BUSINESS01/306150045/TN-jobless-rate-May-rises-7-9-percent?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/tennessee-jobless-rate-up-in-state-unemployment/?businesshttp://wpln.org/?p=38274http://nashvillepost.com/news/2012/6/14/tennessees_unemployment_rate_increases_to_79http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/14/knox-woman-charged-with-four-counts-of-tenncare/


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Cherokee Blvd. come out every morning to fetch the newspaper and wave howdy to the neighbors. But thouse that five former University of Tennessee presidents called home has sat empty for more than two yeand remains unsold after going on the market in March 2010. The listing price of the 11,400-square-foot houwas cut nearly in half a year after the property was put on the market from the original $5 million asking prto the current $2.9 m illion price tag. The home is on the list for discussion during the University of TennesseBoard of Trustees Finance and Administration Committee meeting at 3:30 p.m. June 20 in the HollingswoAuditorium on the Agricultural campus. The full board's meeting will take place the following afternoon at 1p.m. While the issue is on the agenda for the meeting, university officials say there have been no decisionschanges in the status of the property.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/ut-presidents-house-remains-empty-two-years/

287(g) immigration program goes before TN Supreme Court (AP, TN/Loll

Bonner)Justices hear arguments over deputies' powers The state Supreme Court is deciding whether a federal progrthat lets some Davidson County sheriffs deputies act as immigration agents violates the Metropolitan Chartercourt on Thursday, attorney Bill Harbison argued that the charter reserves all law enforcement duties for

police while the sheriffs office is confined to running the jail and serving warrants. That separation of powers wput in place in 1962 when Nashville and Davidson County combined to form a metropolitan governmeAssistant Metro Attorney Keli Oliver argued that interviewing detainees to determine their immigration status wpermissible under the powers granted to the sheriffs office because it pertains to managing the jail.A fedejudge asked the Suprem e Court to decide the question, at the heart of a federal suit chal lenging the prograOpponents of the federal program, known as 287(g), believe it unfairly targets for deportation people who comminor infractions such as traffic violations. Supporters say the program helps the federal government idenlawbreakers.http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/NEWS03/306150049/287-g-immigration-program-goes-before-TN-Supreme-Court?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News(SUBSCRIPTION)

TN Supreme Court hears arguments in suit targeting participation (CP/GreenbergAfter navigating the court system for roughly a year and a half, the Tennessee Supreme Court on Thursdafternoon heard arguments in a lawsuit targeting the Davidson County Sheriffs Offices participation in tfederal 287(g) immigration enforcement program. The main issue revolves around DCSOs memorandumagreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which allows sheriff employees to double federal agents. The agreement allows the DCSO to hand over illegal immigrants to ICE for possible deportatiThe plaintiffs argue that the sheriffs office is overstepping their role solely as jail operators by contracting wICE, a law enforcement agency. Tennessees five Supreme Court justices interjected questions during easides 30-minute arguments inside a packed courtroom. Attorney Bill Harbison, representing the plaintiffs, bashis argument on the Metro Charter, which calls the Metro Nashville Police Department the sole conservatorpeace. The charter, established in 1963, states that the DCSO is specifically the operator of the jail.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/tn-supreme-court-hears-arguments-suit-targeting-dcso-participation-287g-program

State High Court Hears Argument Against Sheriffs Immigration Powers (WPLN)The Tennessee Supreme Court is considering whether Davidson Countys sheriff can legally enforce immigratlaw. Before the high-court Thursday, attorneys argued about whether the Metro Charter allows the sheriff to any police work. Attorney Elliott Ozment has had it out for the so-called 287(g) program ever since cases begsurfacing in which undocumented immigrants were deported for such petty crimes as fishing without a licenHis case before the state high court has nothing to do with the legality of the federal program. Instead, Ozmenwaging a technical attack based on Metros founding document. As a way to prevent turf battles when the couand city governments consolidated 50 years ago, police powers were taken away from the sheriff, which noperates the jails. So to the extent the sheriff is exercising immigration enforcement authority, thats illegal undthe charter.http://wpln.org/?p=382 70
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/ut-presidents-house-remains-empty-two-years/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/ut-presidents-house-remains-empty-two-years/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/ut-presidents-house-remains-empty-two-years/http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/NEWS03/306150049/287-g-immigration-program-goes-before-TN-Supreme-Court?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/NEWS03/306150049/287-g-immigration-program-goes-before-TN-Supreme-Court?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/tn-supreme-court-hears-arguments-suit-targeting-dcso-participation-287g-programhttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/tn-supreme-court-hears-arguments-suit-targeting-dcso-participation-287g-programhttp://wpln.org/?p=38270http://wpln.org/?p=38270http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/ut-presidents-house-remains-empty-two-years/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/ut-presidents-house-remains-empty-two-years/http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/NEWS03/306150049/287-g-immigration-program-goes-before-TN-Supreme-Court?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20120615/NEWS03/306150049/287-g-immigration-program-goes-before-TN-Supreme-Court?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/tn-supreme-court-hears-arguments-suit-targeting-dcso-participation-287g-programhttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/tn-supreme-court-hears-arguments-suit-targeting-dcso-participation-287g-programhttp://wpln.org/?p=38270


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Ex-Judge Baumgartner's federal trial reset to Oct. 23 (News-Sentinel/Satterfield)A federal m agistrate judge today approved a three-month delay in the trial of disgraced former Knox CouCriminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner. Baumgartner had been set to be tried in July on seven countsmisprision of a felony. Baumgartner had asked via his defense attorneys that the case be deemed "complexmove that would have allowed lengthy delays as it would essentially remove the case from the restrictions of federal speedy trial act. Both sides reached a deal today that allowed a delay but would keep the case subjecthe speedy trial act. U.S. Magistrate Judge Clifford Shirley set a new trial date of Oct. 23. Baum gartner plead

guilty in state court last year to official misconduct for buying prescription painkillers from a felon on probationhis court. The Feds indicted him in May for allegedly covering up the crimes of his mistress, who told tTennessee Bureau of Investigation she supplied him sex and pills.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/14/ex-judge-baumgartners-federal-trial-res et-to-oct/

Judge Blackwood threatens DA with contempt (News-Sentinel/Satterfield)Senior Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood is tired of being the fall guy. That much was clear Thursday after a hearithat began with an hourlong speech and ended with a fiery exchange between Blackwood and Knox CouDistrict Attorney General R andy Nichols. "Somebody had to do it," Blackwood said of his appointment by state Supreme Court to helm the fallout over revelations former Criminal Court Judge R ichard Baumgartner whimself a criminal. "That's why I'm here. Som ebody has to do this terrible, untasteful job. If you took a polwho was the most hated person in Knox County, me and Baumgartner would be neck and neck." The goa

Thursday's hearing was simple. Nichols wants Blackwood to step away from handling the cases of defendants in the January 2007 torture slayings of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 2Blackwood set Thursday's hearing to decide that motion. But, from the start, it was clear this would be ordinary hearing and this seemingly simple request was steeped in complexities. "There's been way too muemotions, prejudices and passions that have made the decision-making process in this case difficult," Blackwosaid, citing "a little bit of jawing, a little bit of posturing and a little bit of distrust" that has been taking place behithe scenes since Baumgartner fell from grace amid a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation probe nearly two yeago of his abuse of prescription painkillers.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/judge-threatens-da-with-contempt-refuses-to-se lf/

NRA backs Sumner County challenger (Tennessean/Sisk)The National Rifle Association endorsed a tea party challenger in Sumner County, saying she has dem onstra

her leadership abilities which the state of Tennessee so badly needs today. The NRA Political Victory Fund sWednesday it had formally decided to back Courtney Rogers, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, formBridgestone Americas communications executive and one-time leader of Sumner United for R esponsiGovernment, a tea party group. Rogers is taking on House Republican Caucus Chair Debra Maggart, Hendersonville, in the August primary. Maggart represents the 45th House District, which includes mostHendersonville and portions of G oodlettsville. The NRA said it had given R ogers an AQ rating, its highest grafor a candidate who has not held elected office. The rating was based on Rogers responses to an Nquestionnaire. The NRA announced its endorsement on the same day Gov. Bill Haslam headlined a fundraifor Maggart. Gun rights groups have targeted Maggart this fall after she joined other Republican leadersblocking legislation that would have let gun owners bring their weapons to work and store them in parkvehicles.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306140081/NRA-backs-Sumner-County-challenger?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cs&nclick_ch eck=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

GOP likes its chances in Davidson County Senate race (Tennessean/Sisk)The 20th Senate District winds around Davidson County like a crescent, from the old factory neighborhoodsOld Hickory and Hermitage to the wealthy enclaves of Belle Meade and Forest Hills. In this arc, Republicans san opportunity to do something they have not been able to do in at least 70 years: capture a state Senate seaTennessees capital city. The GOP has carved out a district that both parties say is split fairly evenly betweDemocrats and Republicans. If Republicans were able to pull off a victory, even the plantation of AndrJackson, the father of the modern Democratic Party, would be in their hands proof of the partys strengthTennessee. Winning the 20th District would be more than a trophy for the party. It also could help Republicatoward a two-thirds majority in the Senate, which would allow them to conduct business even if Democrats wto boycott legislative proceedings, as they have in other states.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/14/ex-judge-baumgartners-federal-trial-reset-to-oct/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/judge-threatens-da-with-contempt-refuses-to-self/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/judge-threatens-da-with-contempt-refuses-to-self/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/judge-threatens-da-with-contempt-refuses-to-self/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306140081/NRA-backs-Sumner-County-challenger?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cs&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306140081/NRA-backs-Sumner-County-challenger?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cs&nclick_check=1http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/14/ex-judge-baumgartners-federal-trial-reset-to-oct/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/judge-threatens-da-with-contempt-refuses-to-self/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/judge-threatens-da-with-contempt-refuses-to-self/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306140081/NRA-backs-Sumner-County-challenger?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cs&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306140081/NRA-backs-Sumner-County-challenger?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cs&nclick_check=1


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http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150052/GOP-likes-its-chances-Davidson-County-Senate-race?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Middle TN voters upset over late registration cards (Tennessean/Wilson)Counties put blame on redistr icting Local election commissions are trying their best to issue new voregistration cards by the end of the month, but some voters arent pleased at how long it has taken to receithem. Congressional, state and local districts were redrawn this year after the 2010 census, and the elect

offices in Davidson, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson counties will mail new cards to voters that reflect achanges in their districts or precincts. Maps of the redrawn state districts, as well as some of the county districare available online, but some local voters without Internet access are still wondering which elections theyllvoting in. O ne of those voters is Davidson County resident Lenora Bell. She has been voting ever since sbecame eligible, which she said has been a very long time. She already has been receiving calls from peocampaigning for an open state Senate seat, but she still doesnt know whether that race will be on her ballotwanted that confirmed with the voter registration card so that I know what district Im in, Bell said. Bell doeshave Internet access and has used he r voter registration cards to know where to vote and what she is voting fohttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150043/Middle-TN-voters-upset-over-late-registration-cards?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond short of cash (Times Free-Press/Haman)

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond made his case to county commissioners Thursday that his departmneeds an extra $275,000 to finish the year in the black. He cited cost overruns in overtime, jail food costs, inmtransportation costs and fuel, as the reasons for his request. "We have been able to absorb about $400,000overruns," he told commissioners during a Thursday agenda-setting meeting. "We were not able to absorb tlast $275,000." But many commissioners questioned the need, noting that this is the second year in a rHammond has asked for permission to pull money from his reserves at the end of the fiscal year, which enJune 30. Last year, he received commissioners' approval to dip into his reserves by $325,000. The sherifreserve fund balance was about $1.3 million at the end of last fiscal year, County Finance Administrator LoWright said Thursday. In the meeting, Commissioner Joe Graham said he won't vote in next Wednesdacommission meeting to give the sheriff more money.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/chattanooga-times-free-sheriff-short-of-c ash/?local

Hamilton County budget includes ambulance fee hike (Times Free-Press/Haman)Hamilton County commissioners are now reviewing a $642.3 million budget proposal that includes a 3 percepay raise for employees and no property tax increase. But County Mayor Jim C oppinger's budget does includ45 percent hike in fees for anyone who uses the county's ambulance service. Coppinger presented the 20fiscal budget to commissioners Thursday. They have two weeks to analyze it before a scheduled vote on Ju28. The 2013 fiscal year begins July 1. The budget is up more than $16 million -- about 2.5 percent -- over tcurrent one. "Five million of this increase comes as a result of [property tax] reappraisals that will be comabout this year," Coppinger said. "The remaining $11 million will come as a result of the Hamilton CounDepartment of Education's budget, which receives no -- and I emphasize 'no' -- additional funding from tcounty government's portion." The $11 m illion includes additional state funding, money from property tax growand money from PILOT and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/budget-includes-ambulance-fee-hike/?local

Memphis Council member's proposal would add 1-cent tax on gasoline (CA/MakiA City Council m ember is proposing a referendum asking voters to levy a 1-cent tax on every gallon of gasolpurchased inside Memphis. Councilman Edmund Ford Jr. said that if approved by voters in November, tgasoline tax could bring in roughly $6 million for "public transportation" expenses, m ostly Memphis Area TranAuthority and road paving. "This would free up money for our other operating expenses," said Ford. The city hhelped sustain MATA with funds from its operating and capital improvement program budgets, and MAofficials have repeatedly asked city officials for a "dedicated funding source." In the current fiscal year, the cbudgeted $16.9 million for MATA out of the general fund. After experiencing several years of large budgshortfalls, Ford and other council members have been looking for new revenue-generating measures. Forecently proposed an increase in the hotel-motel tax that was voted down by the council.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/15/proposal-would-add-1-cent-tax-on-gasoline/
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150052/GOP-likes-its-chances-Davidson-County-Senate-race?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150052/GOP-likes-its-chances-Davidson-County-Senate-race?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150043/Middle-TN-voters-upset-over-late-registration-cards?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150043/Middle-TN-voters-upset-over-late-registration-cards?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/chattanooga-times-free-sheriff-short-of-cash/?localhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/budget-includes-ambulance-fee-hike/?localhttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/15/proposal-would-add-1-cent-tax-on-gasoline/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150052/GOP-likes-its-chances-Davidson-County-Senate-race?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150052/GOP-likes-its-chances-Davidson-County-Senate-race?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150043/Middle-TN-voters-upset-over-late-registration-cards?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/NEWS02/306150043/Middle-TN-voters-upset-over-late-registration-cards?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/chattanooga-times-free-sheriff-short-of-cash/?localhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/budget-includes-ambulance-fee-hike/?localhttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/15/proposal-would-add-1-cent-tax-on-gasoline/


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Childhood obesity forum seeks improved kids' health (Tennessean/Ruf)Panel hopes to reach youth as early as possible Former Sen. Bill Frist will be in Nashville today leading one iseries of national forums addressing childhood obesity. Health-care officials from across the Metro Nashvarea will gather at the Nashville Public Library to discuss the impact childhood obesity has on families abusinesses and possible solutions. Frist is working with first lady Michelle Obama in the Partnership foHealthier America. Other local panelists in the discussion are Dr. Shari Barkin, director of pediatric obes

research at Vanderbilt University; Dr. Bill Paul, director of Metro Public Health; and Bill Leedle, CEO of Frankbased health-care company Healthways. In the Metropolitan Nashville Public School system, 38 percent of kwere overweight or obese during the 2011-2012 year, a study revealed. We have not turned the curve obesity and childhood obesity, Dr. Paul said Thursday. Reaching kids who may be overweight or headed tway is vital. Losing fat is much more difficult as an adult, Vanderbilts Dr. Barkin said.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/DAVIDSON/306150030/Childhood-obesity-forum-seeks-improvekids-health?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Rutherford Co. Commission votes to appeal public notice ruling on mosque (DNJThe Rutherford County Commission voted 15-6 Thursday night to appeal a court ruling that voided approval omosque. I just cant imagine an appellate court would agree we should discriminate, Commissioner Trey Goosaid before the vote. County Attorney Jim Cope estimates that the legal fee cost to appeal will be in the $15,0

to $25,000 range. While waiting for the appeal to work its way through the courts, Chancellor Robert CorlewWednesday ruling banning the county from issuing a certificate of occupancy to the Islamic CenterMurfreesboro will stand unless its overturned or he dissolves it, Cope added. Commissioners took actionresponse to the recent court order from Corlew that made approval of the mosque void because the coungovernment failed to provide adequate public notice before approving the Islamic Center of Murfreesborconstruction plans to build a mosque on Veals Road off Bradyville Pike. The countys Regional PlannCommission, which voted to accept the ICMs long-term site plans for a 52,960-square-foot center, also voted1 Monday to appeal Corlews ruling.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/NEWS05/306150021/Rutherford-County-Commission-votes-appeal-publinotice-ruling-mosque?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1(SUB)

Cohen's d isclosure report shows assets of $5.08 million (C. Appeal/Sullivan)

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen could have as much as $5.08 m illion in assets, drew a state pension of $23,128, atraveled to Rwanda, Germany, Israel and Spain at someone else's expense last year, according to a disclosreport released today by the House Clerk's office. All members of Congress are required to file an anndescription of their assets, liabilities, outside positions on boards, compensated travel and other finaninformation each May 15. The reports do not include their annual $174,000 salaries as members. Among MSouth members, U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn., whose district will include even more of Shelby Counext year, reported $33,943 in income from row crop farming and paid-for trips to Israel and Los Angelesaddition, he and his wife, Lynn, own farm land worth between $500,000 and $1 million but have outstanddebts from the purchase of equipment of between $795,000 and $1.7 m illion. are only required to provide valuin vague ranges for their assets and liabilities, which explains the inexact figures. For the value of stocksbonds earning investment income from dividends, for example, the ranges are $15,000 to $50,000 or $50,001$100,000.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/14/cohens-disclosure-report-shows-assets-508-million/(SUB)

Michelle Obama due in Nashville June 28 (Tennessean/Smietana)First lady Michelle Obama is coming to Nashville on June 28 to speak at the general conference for the AfricMethodist Episcopal Church, the nations oldest African-American denomination. Shell be giving the keynaddress for the conference at the Gaylord Opryland hotel. Her husband, President Barack Obama, gavespeech at the AME conference in 2008 when he was a U.S. senator. We are extremely honored first laMichelle Obama will be sharing her thoughts at this quadrennial meeting, said Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenof the AMEs 13th Episcopal district, which is hosting the conference. Mrs. Obamas commitment to family the Mother-In-Chief is encouraging to wom en around the w orld, and her leadership in fighting childhood obeshas been embraced by many of our congregations in the United States. The AME has more than 3 millmembers.
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/DAVIDSON/306150030/Childhood-obesity-forum-seeks-improved-kids-health?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/DAVIDSON/306150030/Childhood-obesity-forum-seeks-improved-kids-health?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/NEWS05/306150021/Rutherford-County-Commission-votes-appeal-public-notice-ruling-mosque?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/NEWS05/306150021/Rutherford-County-Commission-votes-appeal-public-notice-ruling-mosque?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/14/cohens-disclosure-report-shows-assets-508-million/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/DAVIDSON/306150030/Childhood-obesity-forum-seeks-improved-kids-health?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/DAVIDSON/306150030/Childhood-obesity-forum-seeks-improved-kids-health?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/NEWS05/306150021/Rutherford-County-Commission-votes-appeal-public-notice-ruling-mosque?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/NEWS05/306150021/Rutherford-County-Commission-votes-appeal-public-notice-ruling-mosque?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/14/cohens-disclosure-report-shows-assets-508-million/


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http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120614/NEWS/306140060/Michelle-Obama-speak-Nashville?nclick_check=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Universities Feel the Heat Amid Cuts (Wall Street Journal)A panel of business and academic leaders warned funding cuts to higher education are hurting the glocompetitiveness of U.S. research universities, the latest sign of financial strain that is intensifying battles ov

school leadership and has led to several high-profile departures of university presidents. U.S. reseauniversities "are in grave danger of not only losing their place of global leadership but of serious erosionquality," the committee of 22 academic, business and nonprofit leaders warned in a 250-page report issuThursday. The report, commissioned by Congress, called for a combined effort among the schools, governmeand corporations to reverse the decline. Richard Vedder, director of the Center for College Affordability aProductivity and retired economics professor at Ohio U niversity, reviewed parts of the report Thursday and wskeptical. He said he has found no correlation between extensive university research and a nation's economprosperity.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303734204577466470850370002.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Illinois firm warms to TN as site for plant (Tennessean/Marsteller)

Manufacturer plans Robertson County facility; 100 jobs on tap A manufacturer of portable food service unbars and cooking ovens plans to open a plant near Portland, which could result in more than 100 new jobsRobertson County. Food Warming Equipment Co. Inc. announced Thursday that it recently closed on tpurchase of a 161,000-square-foot building on Highway 31 West. This expansion will help improve the quaand quantity of several Food W arming Equipment p roduct lines, support our existing customer base and promaspirations for future growth, said Curt Benson, the companys vice president of sales and marketing, instatement. The company, based in Crystal Lake, Ill., said it considered several states before choosTennessee.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/BUSINESS01/306140076/Illinois-firm-warms-TN-site-plant?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cp&nclick_ch eck=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Register worried about 'disastrous' school cuts by council members (CP/Garriso

Sensing Metro Council members might try to slice school funding, Director of Schools Jesse Regispreemptively relayed Thursday that the scenarios hes heard discussed would have severe consequences. Wunderstand some Metro Council members may propose additional school budget cuts of as much as $million, Register said Thursday. That w ould be disastrous. Under Mayor Karl Deans proposed budget aproperty tax increase, Metro N ashville Public Schools budget would be $720.4 million, a $46.5 increase over current fiscal year. Reducing that figure by $23 m illion essentially in half would still give the school dista $23.5 million bump, and thus a net increase. But it would be significantly less than the budget the nine-membschool board endorsed in April. And Register suggested major decisions would have to be considered, includoutsourcing some operations. Because most district expenses are related to employees, m ost of the proposbudget cuts affect people, he said. Our original budget invested in instruction. Our goal is to protect thinvestment and programs and services for our children.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/register-worried-about-disastrous-school-cuts-counci l-members

New Ooltewah Elementary School gains approval (Times Free-Press/Haman)A new Ooltewah Elementary School received final approval Thursday, but not before Hamilton Coucommissioners questioned school officials about any possible surprises in the deal. Hickory Construction frAlcoa, Tenn., can begin the school, located on Ooltewah-Georgetown Road, after commissioners unanimouapproved the company's $21.45 million bid. The Board of Education approved the selection earlier this weekHickory finishes the school before Hamilton County Schools' 2013 start date in August, it is eligible fo$545,000 bonus. Before the vote, Commissioner Joe Graham asked Assistant School Superintendent GWaters and S uperintendent Rick Sm ith if they'd fully presented the agreement. "Is there anything we're misshere that we're going to find out in the newspaper or the news?" Graham asked. "No sir," Smith said from trear of the room. Some commissioners are still angry that they only learned about a proposed three-way laswap that involved another elementary school site, the city of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Hous
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120614/NEWS/306140060/Michelle-Obama-speak-Nashville?nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120614/NEWS/306140060/Michelle-Obama-speak-Nashville?nclick_check=1http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303734204577466470850370002.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/BUSINESS01/306140076/Illinois-firm-warms-TN-site-plant?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cp&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/BUSINESS01/306140076/Illinois-firm-warms-TN-site-plant?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cp&nclick_check=1http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/register-worried-about-disastrous-school-cuts-council-membershttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120614/NEWS/306140060/Michelle-Obama-speak-Nashville?nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120614/NEWS/306140060/Michelle-Obama-speak-Nashville?nclick_check=1http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303734204577466470850370002.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/BUSINESS01/306140076/Illinois-firm-warms-TN-site-plant?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cp&nclick_check=1http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120615/BUSINESS01/306140076/Illinois-firm-warms-TN-site-plant?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cp&nclick_check=1http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/register-worried-about-disastrous-school-cuts-council-members


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Authority from a member of Chattanooga City Council and the Times Free P ress.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/ooltewah-elementary-school-gains-chattanooga-tenn/?local

School transition panel pushes to name Shelby County schools chief (CA/KelleyThe Transition Planning Commission on Thursday passed an addition to its transition plan, recommending selection of a superintendent for the 2013-14 school year no later than this fall. The panel thus added its voicethe ongoing debate over who should lead the new unified Memphis and Shelby County school district. T

superintendent selection statement, proposed by TPC member and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, wapproved during a daylong review of the transition plan's first draft, a document of m ore than 200 pages that go to the unified school board for its review on June 26. The draft was approved shortly after 6 p.m., elicitingstanding ovation for board chairman Barbara Prescott, who tearfully thanked consultants, staff members afellow com missioners for the work they've put in on the plan over the last several months. "It's just an incredifeeling," she said after the adjournment of the TPC's 91/2 -hour session. "We've worked really hard. I'm proudthis plan. I'm proud of everybody. It will be momentary relief because we've got so much more to do, to educthe community and present this to the boa rd. But I'm very proud of what we've accomplished."http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/14/school-transition-panel-pushes-name-county-schools/(SUB)

Schools Planning Commission Approves Merger First Draft (Memphis Daily New

With a unanimous voice vote Thursday, June 14, the schools consolidation planning commission approveddraft plan for the schools merger. The milestone moment for the group came at the end of a day-long meetthat started at 9 a.m. and went to 6 p.m. The plan for a decentralized school system includes nearly 2separate recommendations that now go to the countywide school board and state education officials. Tplanning commission will meet with the school board and state officials to see if there are any adjustments thneed to make in the plan before the school board and state make their decisions. Thursdays review did result in any overall changes to the basic structure of a countywide school system scheduled to start August2013. The merged school system would be decentralized with a set of six subregions and several paths to mschool autonomy that includes charter schools, state run Achievement School District schools and other nmodels for school structures to be run, encourage and developed in an Office of Innovation.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jun/15/schools-planning-commission-approves-merger-first-dra

Aitken Wins a Round on the TPC (Memphis Flyer)Make no mistake: John Aitken wants the job of superintendent of the Unified School D istrict. More than that,thinks he already has the job of superintendent of the district which is a year away from becoming. And, aresult of a decisive vote taken by the Transition Planning Comm ission on Thursday, the current superintendenthe soon-to-expire Shelby County Schools system is closer than ever before to having those beliefs confirmeMeeting at the county's Code Enforcement headquarters building at Shelby Farms, the TPC members debaon how and whether, in their official final report, they should insist on an expedited hiring of a superintendent.members of the 21-member advisory body a more than sufficient number would eventually vote foresolution by Shelby C ounty Mayor Mark Luttrell that a superintendent should be hired as soon as possible ano later than fall 2012. Although the resolution thereby became a part of the TPCs provisional final report (to formally released Friday), it is couched as a recommendation to the Unified School Board, which has tdefinitive say on matters regarding the new all-county district, scheduled to go into business in August 20when the merger of Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools takes place.http://www.memphisflyer.com/JacksonBaker/archives/2012/06/14/aitken-wins-a-round-on-the-tpc

Sullivan County Schools budget is still $3.9 million out of balance (Herald-CourieEven after making $2 million in cuts, the proposed 2012-13 budget at Sullivan County Schools is still $3.9 millout of balance. One possible avenue for the school district is to use surplus money to bring the budget closebalance. Its fiscally irresponsible to budget that much of your [reserves], Sullivan County Schools BusineManager Leslie Bonner said at a working session on the budget Thursday. The school district has $2.6 millavailable in reserves. Sullivan County Director of Schools Jubal Yennie also opposes using the reservesbalance the budget. Basically, its a shell game, he said. We are saying that we are meeting a budget, but are not. I certainly dont budget my household that way. Sullivan County has used surplus money to balance
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budget for years, which has created a situation where the county register of deeds recently said that the couis basically borderline bankrupt. The school district is scheduled to give a budget presentation to the SullivCounty Budget Committee on Monday.http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/jun/15/sullivan-county-schools-budget-still-39-million-ou-ar -1989454/

Schools director talks cuts (Johnson City Press)Officials with the W ashington County school system are once again taking a hard look at their proposed $

million budget for the 2012-13 school year. Facing a deficit of $4.2 million, Director of Schools Ron Dykes sathe Washington County Board of Education will have to seriously consider cutting non-mandated positions aprograms as they try to balance the budget. While cutting back will likely gain approval of next years budget frothe County Com mission, it will have come at quite a cost for county schools.Most of those areas are areas twe have cut before, but every time we cut those that means thats not additional equipment and material that not be updated or replaced ... so youre going to affect the curriculum when you do that, Dykes said Thursdayday after presenting the budget to the Budget Committee. The first step in cutting back will be eliminating anon-mandated positions board members added to the budget, such as the addition of 25 instructional assistatotaling $500,000.http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=100838#ixzz1xrIAhdsk

Schools' capital budget passed (Jackson Sun)The Jackson-Madison County School Board passed its capital budget with little fanfare Thursday evening,

board members had discussed the budgets disputed points prior to the meeting. The board convened at 6 p.when members took a moment of silence, recited the pledge of allegiance and then commenced with thbusiness. State Rep. Jimmy Eldridge spoke about issues in the state legislature regarding education, and DepSuperintendent Doris Battle announced that Lynne Shuttleworth, the recently retired Lincoln Elementprincipal, has won the Education Consum ers Foundation Tennessee Value-Added Assessment Award. She wone of 18 Tennessee teachers to win the award, Battle said. Deborah Phillips, regional director of the PhoeHomes of Tennessee foster care agency, requested that the school board dedicate some in-service teachtraining to members of her organization so they m ight speak on issues regarding children in foster care. Whecame time for the board to pass the capital budget, the only topic that received any notable discussion was uncompleted running track at Liberty Technology Magnet High School, which has six lanes instead of eight.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120615/NEWS01/306150013/Schools-capital-budget-passed?nclick_check=1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Normandy, Tims Ford fall feet below normal (Times Free-Press/Benton)Normandy Lake on the Duck River is so low, anglers fishing from the shoreline would be under about seven fof water if levels were normal, officials say. "It's real low. It's usually up to those rocks over there," angler MichJernigan said with a wave toward the rock-fortified bank about 150 feet behind him and his 7-year-old soWayne. The Beechgrove, Tenn., residents were w etting their lines in Normandy Lake on Tuesday, a few hundyards below the bridge on Lyndell Bell Road. Another 200 feet into the water, Dwayne Chissom and fellanglers Bob and Johnathon Ferrell, all from Cannon County, said they had no trouble navigating the lake's lowater, but they noted it's much lower than they're used to seeing it. "It's a lot lower than usual -- six feet at leaChissom said. Officials with TVA and the Duck River Development Agency say Chissom's about right -- sevfeet low, actually, though the reservoir has been lower at times. Officials said low water levels so far have had impact on drinking water, but recreation is suffering. Bob Ferrell said water levels mean anglers must fdifferent areas than their favorite hot spots.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/tennessee-normandy-tims-ford-fall-feet-be low-norm/

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http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/jun/15/sullivan-county-schools-budget-still-39-million-ou-ar-1989454/http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=100838#ixzz1xrIAhdskhttp://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=100838#ixzz1xrIAhdskhttp://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120615/NEWS01/306150013/Schools-capital-budget-passed?nclick_check=1http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120615/NEWS01/306150013/Schools-capital-budget-passed?nclick_check=1http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/tennessee-normandy-tims-ford-fall-feet-below-norm/http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/jun/15/sullivan-county-schools-budget-still-39-million-ou-ar-1989454/http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=100838#ixzz1xrIAhdskhttp://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120615/NEWS01/306150013/Schools-capital-budget-passed?nclick_check=1http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120615/NEWS01/306150013/Schools-capital-budget-passed?nclick_check=1http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/tennessee-normandy-tims-ford-fall-feet-below-norm/


11/12

OPINION

Pam Strickland: Evaluations needed but so are changes (Knoxville News-SentineSeven convoluted recommendations for change came out of the study of the new teacher evaluation systconducted by State Collaborative on Reforming Education, the think tank known as SCORE that Gov. Haslam asked to provide feedback on the evaluations because teachers were balking. It probably would habeen simpler had SCORE boiled down the recommendations to two things. First, work with teachers aprincipals on an attitude adjustment that evaluations are a normal part of employment. Second, do a complerework of the aspect of the evaluation that is based on student performance. For most of us, it's routine to evaluated at least once a year in our work. And it's not unusual for promotions and raises to be tied to thevaluation. Teachers have not had that experience in the past, and are being dragged into that wo rld kicking a

screaming, crying and stomping. Under the old system, teachers who had achieved tenure were evaluated twin a 10-year period. That's astonishing. Who had ever thought that was a good and reasonable idea?http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/pam-strickland/

Greg Johnson: No turning back on teacher evaluation reform (News-Sentinel)The most important sentence in a report on Tennessee's new teacher evaluation process is easy to miss. Wmedia reports focused on shortcomings and the kumbaya call for collaboration, teachers, principaadministrators, legislators and parents shouldn't have to search so hard for the bottom line of the findings by State Collaborative on Reforming Education. SCORE was crystal clear: "Tennessee cannot and should return to the old system or step back from implementation of the new system." Why? Stark reality explain"While Tennessee has shown early signs of success in preparing students for the rigors of postsecondeducation and the workforce, significant work remains to ensure policy changes create positive results for o

students," SCORE wrote. "National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data released in 20indicated that although there was no statistical change in the state's fourth and eighth grade reading and mascores from 2009, other states made improvements during this period that pushed Tennessee further downthe rankings." Based on fourth-grade test scores, Tennessee students ranked 46th in m ath proficiency and 4in reading. "Similarly, only 15 percent of students are considered college-ready across all four ACT collebenchmarks (English, reading, math, and science)," SCORE wrote.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/greg-johnson-no-turning-back-on-teacher-reform/

Free-Press Editorial: Fund what works: school vouchers (Times Free-Press)Here's a novel idea: On the question of funding a school voucher program and increasing funding Tennessee's pre-kindergarten program, Gov. Bill Haslam and state lawmakers should let demonstrated resube their guide. Vouchers, handled correctly, can be of great benefit to children who are trying to esca

disastrous public schools. Washington, D.C., established a voucher program in 2004 so that low-incostudents in badly performing public schools could attend private schools, at far lower cost than the district wspending per student in public schools. The effort was a success. Graduation rates rose for students usvouchers compared with their counterparts in public schools. Schools were safer, and parents reported bemore satisfied with their children's education. Black parents were especially fond of the program, possibecause their children otherwise were ap t to be stuck in the very worst schools in the district. Taking a cue fra successful program such as Washington's, Tennessee could develop an excellent voucher program. Thinare less clear about pre-kindergarten.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/fund-what-works-chattanooga-school-vouchers/?opinionfreepress

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http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/pam-strickland/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/greg-johnson-no-turning-back-on-teacher-reform/http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/fund-what-works-chattanooga-school-vouchers/?opinionfreepresshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/fund-what-works-chattanooga-school-vouchers/?opinionfreepresshttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/pam-strickland/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/greg-johnson-no-turning-back-on-teacher-reform/http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/fund-what-works-chattanooga-school-vouchers/?opinionfreepresshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/fund-what-works-chattanooga-school-vouchers/?opinionfreepress


12/12

Editorial: Key elected positions require more education (Daily News Journal)In a day when a high school diploma is needed to become a manager of m ost fast-food restaurants, it is time Tennessee to demand education and training for some of its most important elected offices. The fact that tGeneral Assembly is loathe to require educational qualifications for positions such as property assessor, coucommissioner, register of deeds, trustee and county clerk speaks volumes about the m ind-set of our Legislatand the entire state. None of those elected positions, which are set up in Tennessees Constitution, requirehigh school diploma or G ED, considered minimum training in the public or private sector. Rutherford Cou

Property Assessor Bill Boner rode into office four years ago on a rising Republican tide as a high schdropout. He held a contractors license and later earned a GED and completed some 450 hours of training,addition to earning administrator certification.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/OPINION01/306150001/EDITORIAL-Key-elected-positions-require-moreeducation?nclick_check =1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Editorial: Tennessee's problem solvers (Commercial Appeal)Jeb Bush has it right. The hard-line ideologues within the Republican Party would m ake it impossible for RonReagan to be an effective president today. Bush, brother to one president and son of another, spoke with racandor about polarizing politics in America. No longer governor of Florida, he stepped out of the comfortacocoon of the pa rty line and stated what is obvious to most Americans: "Washington today is hyper-partisan wpeople speaking off political talking points rather than working together to find common ground to address t

issues our country faces.'' A day later, Bush made sure that his comments were directed at both political partand the Congress. The popular ex-governor and member of what is close to a royal family in the RepublicParty said it like it is. How refreshing. Left unsaid was the fact that Republicans who dare to question even band pieces of the "don't tax, don't compromise" party line are becoming a rare breed.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/15/editorials-tennessees-problem-solvers/(SUBSCRIPTION)

Editorial: Teen employment drop has long-term ramifications (News-Sentinel)The oft-expressed obstacle to youngsters entering the labor market was that you couldn't get a job withoexperience and without a job you couldn't gain any experience. The answer to this was traditionally the summjob , something low-paid , often demanding not always chal lenging, but that at the end of the summer resultedthe all-important first reference from an employer: "The kid shows up on time, works hard and doesn't complaNo matter how humble, it was a first step on the career ladder. But summer jobs for teenagers, "once a rite

passage to adulthood," as the Associated Press put it, are disappearing. According to government figures aAP interviews, in 1978 the percentage of employed teens peaked at close to 60 percent and remained generaabove 50 percent until 2001. Since then, propelled by two recessions plus competition from unem ployed aduimmigrants and debt-saddled college grads, the employment rate for teens, 16 to 19, fell to 29.6 percent lsummer, the lowest since World War II. The outlook for this summer doesn't seem any brighter. And it's not lack of demand: more than 44 percent of teenagers who want summer jobs can't find them or can't find jobs tgive them enough hours.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/editorial/

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http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/OPINION01/306150001/EDITORIAL-Key-elected-positions-require-more-education?nclick_check=1http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/OPINION01/306150001/EDITORIAL-Key-elected-positions-require-more-education?nclick_check=1http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/15/editorials-tennessees-problem-solvers/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/editorial/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/editorial/http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/OPINION01/306150001/EDITORIAL-Key-elected-positions-require-more-education?nclick_check=1http://www.dnj.com/article/20120615/OPINION01/306150001/EDITORIAL-Key-elected-positions-require-more-education?nclick_check=1http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/15/editorials-tennessees-problem-solvers/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jun/15/editorial/

fri., june 15 news summary

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