The Greene County School Board celebrated students yesterday with perfect TCAP scores in the 2nd through 8th grade.
41 students were recognized during the school board meeting. The room was packed down the hall, filled with proud parents and teachers. Jennifer Teague presented the awards to students from Baileyton, Camp Creek, Chuckey, Doak, Mosheim, McDonald, Nolachuckey, Chuckey-Doak, South Greene, North Greene, and West Greene.
Susan Wilson requested to speak with the school board regarding an all-year music and art program for students in Nolachuckey and Camp Creek. Wilson expressed the need to provide more of these activities to students and explained the benefits that came with such a program. She feels too many kids are caught up with electronics these days.
Director of Schools David McLain said the county has come a long way with art, but he and the board agreed that there is always more that can be done. Board member Larry Bible questioned the application process for art and music teachers. The turnover rate is reportedly low, according to Dr. Bill Ripley. He said not many applications for the positions are received, maybe one but sometimes none.
McLain also mentioned that other schools, not just Nolachuckey and Camp Creek, could benefit from such a program. However, funding those positions in each school with the required credentials could reportedly cost up to half a million dollars. McLain added that the board would consider looking at the budget next year. Wilson said she would be back to speak with the board and follow up on the matter.
Director McLain gave the board an update and said the budget is looking good at the moment. Enrollment is close to last year. Last year there were 5,727 students. There were also an additional 40 hires this year.
McLain added they were blessed to be able to provide air conditioning in all the high school gyms, middle schools, and two elementary schools. CDMS started the new school year with eight new classrooms. The new wing is being used for 8th graders and Special Education classes. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 9th at 6 PM at the middle school for a tour of the new addition.
