Shelbyville, Tennessee · Saturday, November 7, 2009
[SeMissourian.com] Fair ~ 76°F  
High: 72°F ~ Low: 42°F
Schools and education

Harris Middle teacher is 'a ball of energy' (11/08/09)
Mandy Hill knew she wanted to be a teacher the first day she walked into kindergarten. "My teacher was Elaine Weaver -- I'll never forget her," she said. Hill, who teaches eighth-grade math at Harris Middle School was recognized recently by Nashville's WKRN Channel 2 and the Tennessee Lottery, who named her the Educator of the Week...
Student council members come to Bedford County for training sessions (11/08/09)
"Keep working, there's still time!" said Alexi Gordon. "Five, four, three, two, one ... time's up!" Ashleigh Sims and her partner Justin Strickler put their markers down, the last ones in the group to do so, using every minute of time allotted to complete their exercise...
Cascade goes to the 'dogs' (11/08/09)
Cascade Elementary School now allows dogs to roam its hallways. They serve as patrolmen, they read to children, eat lunch with them and generally provide a sense of security to the building. They even have a "top dog" there. But these dogs are not four-legged furry creatures. ...
Community opens new theater, 'Oz' with large cast (11/05/09)
The Smokestack Theater group of Community High School is kicking off its first year in a new building in a huge way. L. Frank Baum's classic "The Wizard of Oz" will be held Friday and Saturday night in the Community High School auditorium. "I wanted to do something to open up this new school building that was very popular and this seemed like a perfect fit," said director Anthony J. Davis...
County schools earn Cs and Ds (11/04/09)
Tennessee Department of Education released the annual report cards Tuesday for schools, school systems and the state as a whole, although state officials say a recalibration of the guidelines makes it impossible to compare this year's letter grades with previous years. The letter grades apply to schools with students in fourth through eighth grades and are meant to describe the success of a school or school system in providing value added....
TTCS may expand to Franklin County (10/30/09)
Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville is exploring the possibility of holding satellite classes at Franklin County High School in Winchester, if community leaders from Franklin County can find funding for the project, TTCS Director Ivan Jones confirmed on Thursday...
Tight funding prevented school system bonuses, says superintendent (10/28/09)
Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray told members of Bedford County Financial Management Committee Tuesday night that it would have been "fiscally irresponsible" to give school system employees the same $400 bonus received by other county employees, because of the school system's extremely tight fund balance...
Local helpers celebrate a granted wish (10/20/09)
When folks at Atmos Energy heard about Payton Templeton-White, 3, they knew she was special. So special, they wanted to make her dream of going to Disney World a reality through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee. What the people at Atmos didn't know at the time was they'd have a chance to celebrate with the special young lady again, months after her wish was granted...
School system makes the grade, but two schools on target list (10/16/09)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday night, continued its discussion of the adequate yearly progress (AYP) results for local schools for the last school year. School Superintendent Ed Gray made a presentation of school-by-school results...
Students enjoy more lunch choices (10/16/09)
Did you ever take your lunch to school? A lot of people did, especially when they knew they didn't like what the day's meal was going to be. School lunches 30, 20 or even 10 years ago weren't exactly going to be "Top Chef" meals. Those buying lunches had few choices -- they could either get a paper cup of applesauce to go with their hamburger-and-biscuit-dough pizza, two carrot sticks and green beans, or a hard oatmeal cookie that was guaranteed to chip a tooth unless you dunked it in milk first.. ...
Back to college: Major effort, but worth the trouble (10/11/09)
I am about halfway through my first semester back in college, and I'm enjoying most of it. It looks like I have an A in all of my classes except for one, and I have a B in that one. My hardest class this semester is astronomy. I have a B in it, although if I mess up on even one test, I'll be down to a C. This class requires me to read the chapter, go through the online lecture, answer study questions, take a timed test and do a lab. The hard part is the lab...
Womble named state's 'Principal of the Year' (10/09/09)
Eakin Primary Principal Janice Womble has been named Tennessee's Principal of the Year. State education officials recognized Womble, who topped about 135 other nominees across the state, in an awards banquet Monday night in Nashville. "To my knowledge, no principal in Bedford County has ever been named state Principal of the Year," said Ed Gray, Bedford County schools superintendent. ...
Pledge becomes issue at Webb candidate forum (10/08/09)
Webb School's Town Hall meeting, a debate featuring two of the three candidates for the 62nd district seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives, almost became a debate featuring one of the candidates. Democratic candidate Ty Cobb was already a no-show, and when moderator Hannah Little introduced the candidates, Republican Pat Marsh first, then Chris Brown, Brown addressed the crowd...
Students learn about Duck River's importance (10/07/09)
Despite dreary skies and threat of rain Tuesday, fifth graders from across the county paid a visit to the Duck River to learn its importance. Duck River Watershed Education Committee kicked off its fourth annual Duck RiverFest at the Greenway behind the Shelbyville power plant with various displays and activities...
Flu hits individual schools harder than system as a whole (09/29/09)
Although Bedford County schools' overall absenteeism rate is below the state guideline for a flu-related school shutdown, individual schools have shown spikes. The countywide absenteeism rate was 8.9 percent on Friday but East Side Elementary School had 23 percent of its 383 students absent that day...
Letters to the Editor, Sept. 27 (09/27/09)
To the Editor: I have had a very upsetting situation to happen recently. My great granddaughter, Rylei Hale, was put into developmental kindergarten at Community School by her mother, Amber Hale. She put her in Community School as we keep her during the week while her parents are at work at irregular hours and we live in the Community School district with the bus coming right by our house...
Cancer survivor Nita Carroll wins physical, emotional battle (09/27/09)
For some people, a cancer diagnosis reaches deep into one's soul and takes away life as a person once knew it. Not Nita Carroll. She had way too much to live for. "The night I found out I had breast cancer was the worst night of my life," said Nita, a mother, daughter, sister, wife and elementary school teacher...
Hardship likely to endure as economy recovers, say conference speakers (09/25/09)
MURFREESBORO -- Several speakers at the annual Middle Tennessee State University Economic Outlook Conference said key parts of the economy have stopped getting worse -- but that may still leave several years of hardship as the economy tries to climb out of the hole...
Students to gather at RiverFest (09/24/09)
Fifth grade students from all over Bedford County will be gathering by the Duck River in less than two weeks to learn about the importance of their water source. The fourth annual Duck RiverFest begins at the Duck River Greenway behind the Shelbyville power plant at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 6. In case of rain, the event will be held in the gym at the old Harris Middle School...
Schools' technology detailed at board meeting (09/20/09)
At the end of the 2008-2009 school year, Bedford County schools had 2,880 personal computers, with more added over the summer. Technology coordinator Joan Gray reported on the state of technology in local schools during Thursday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Education...
Imagine kids reading: book program keeps turning the pages (09/17/09)
Imagination Library board members read to students at East Side Elementary Wednesday in a quest to promote the importance of reading to young children. This week is Imagination Library Week in Tennessee. Imagination Library, started by entertainer Dolly Parton in 1996, mails students registered in the program new, age appropriate books from birth to age 5 at no cost to the family...
Local teacher wins national learning grant (09/17/09)
The National Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with The Weather Channel, has awarded local teacher Emily Wilson, along with 18 other high school teachers nationwide, with a grant designed to bring environmental awareness into the classroom, according to a press release issued by NEEF...
Wash those hands! School kids fight disease with good hygiene (09/15/09)
Bedford County kids are getting a head start on battling illness and the spread of germs. Dee Crabtree, registered nurse and director of Bedford County school nurses, is traveling the county teaching young children the importance of washing their hands -- and washing them properly...
Jerry J. Naron (09/12/09)
Jerry J. Naron, 65, of Shelbyville died Friday at Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel with Geoff Geisemann and the Rev. Donnie Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Willow Mount Cemetery...
Drug dogs find little of substance at Central (09/09/09)
With the keen noses of five K-9 officers at work, Shelbyville and Bedford County authorities, along with help from Rutherford County and the city of La Vergne, conducted a drug sweep of Shelbyville Central High School Tuesday morning. "We're going to run several dogs through here and see if we can't find any drugs this morning," Bedford County Sheriff Randall Boyce said...
Bedford County students won't watch Obama (09/06/09)
Most Bedford County students will not watch President Barack Obama's televised back-to-school speech live on Tuesday. In a statement issued late Friday to principals, administrators and the Times-Gazette, Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray cited the demands of the instructional schedule and the danger of politicizing the classroom...
BREAKING: Schools issue policy on Obama speech (09/04/09)
In a statement issued Friday evening to principals, administrators and the Times-Gazette, Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray said that most local classrooms will not watch President Obama's back-to-school speech live on Tuesday. Gray cited the demands of the instructional schedule and the danger of politicizing the classroom. ...
School ransacked but safe does its job (09/02/09)
An unsuccessful attempt was made to gain access to the safe at Thomas Magnet School, Tate Avenue, over the weekend, Shelbyville police said Tuesday. School officials said $50 was taken from the School Age Care Program office and three sets of keys to the building are missing, according to Officer Josh Leverette's report...
Energy-efficient lighting approved for two schools, discussed for others (08/25/09)
Bedford County Schools recently received grant funding for energy-efficient lighting at Central and Cascade high schools, but may consider installing such lighting at all county-wide schools, which a company says would pay for itself in less than five years...
Gray says new schools needed at Cascade, Liberty (08/23/09)
Ed Gray, as a member of Bedford County Financial Management Committee, knows that the county is at the limits of its borrowing capacity. But as Bedford County School Superintendent, he believes that the school system needs a new high school at Cascade and a new middle school at Liberty...
Parents voice objection to tuck-in rule (08/23/09)
Bedford County Board of Education heard Thursday night from parents upset about the rule requiring shirts to be tucked in, and school board chairman Barry Cooper said the comments would be taken under advisement; the school board didn't act on or discuss the issue on Thursday...
Tech Center classes help jobless (08/21/09)
The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville is offering some new classes this fall in response to the needs of the community during a weakened economy. Principles of job acquisition and financial planning are two free classes being offered. Blacksmithing is another new addition...
Swine flu cases at two county schools (08/18/09)
Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray confirmed this morning that two cases of the H1N1 flu, formerly known as Swine flu, have been identified in Bedford County Schools, one at Shelbyville Central High School and the other at Thomas Magnet School...
Motlow marks 40th year with family fun event (08/16/09)
When Motlow State Community College first opened its doors to students in the fall of 1969, only 550 were registered to attend. Forty years later, the school is expecting more than 4,300 students for its fall 2009 semester. The college is celebrating its 40th anniversary Saturday with a day of fun and free entertainment...
Magnet school transportation affects bus times for many (08/14/09)
Parents living in the outskirts of Shelbyville may be feeling the impact of the new magnet school in Bedford County, and they're not happy. Buses left about 25 minutes earlier than normal on the first couple of days of school, which began Monday, to accommodate children attending the magnet school, said Jimmy Williams, school transportation director. ...
Energy grants will light Cascade, Central (08/13/09)
Cascade High School will receive an $86,900 grant and Central High School an $83,625 grant from the Energy Efficient Schools Council Fund, announced State Rep. Les Winningham (D-Huntsville), who chairs the council. The $170,525 received by the two Bedford County schools is part of $1,376,625 awarded statewide. ...
First day of school starts smoothly (08/11/09)
The first day of school always brings with it a refreshing sense of renewal. It's a chance to get better grades, get more involved and meet new friends. Buses covered the county early Monday picking up thousands of kids for the first day of school. For many of those children that meant literally stepping foot into a brand new school...
Open house Friday for new Central students (08/05/09)
Shelbyville Central High School will host an open house for freshmen and new students Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Student council officers have been working to get prepared for the open house. "The student council will be conducting tours as well as handing out schedules so the students can go around with their schedule and visit their classes," said Miriam Pietkiewicz, council advisor. "Student council members will also be placed around the school to answer any questions."...
New Community High makes debut (08/04/09)
Almost every seat was filled in the auditorium of the new Community High School as its doors were opened to the public at an open house and ribbon cutting Sunday afternoon. The dedication ceremony opened with words of welcome by School Superintendent Ed Gray and Amy Martin, a Bedford County Board of Education member who represents the school's service area...
Literacy grant funds to fund media centers (08/02/09)
The Bedford County school system has received a federal literacy grant for $422,000, the largest out of three awarded schools in Tennessee, an official said Thursday. "This is a grant that is going to help us to move our elementary libraries to media centers," said Joan Gray, who coordinates technology for the school system...
Open houses set at county schools (07/31/09)
Bedford County Board of Education officials have set the date for two new school open houses in the days to come. A ribbon cutting for Community High School, 1140 Unionville-Deason Road, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday in its theater. A parent/student orientation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday...
Tuck 'em in, school board tells students (07/30/09)
As Ed Gray sifted through paperwork in his office Wednesday in preparation for a new school year -- a new year that includes several changes within the physical and administrative aspects of the county school system -- he reported some minor changes in the system-wide dress code...
MTSU to offer graduate degrees in Shelbyville (07/30/09)
Middle Tennessee State University announced Wednesday it will offer a full-degree program in Shelbyville for those interested in earning a Master of Education or Education Specialist degree. An enrollment meeting for the programs will be held Monday, Aug. 24, at 4 p.m. at the Bedford County Board of Education office...
County schools improve in NCLP testing (07/24/09)
Two Bedford County schools on high priority status according to federal No Child Left Behind standards have shown improvement this year, officials say. The county school system as a whole has also moved into the state's "improving" status, along with Harris Middle School and Shelbyville Central High School, according to a press release issued by the Tennessee Department of Education...
Pleasant weather benefits 'Stuff the School Bus' (07/19/09)
Saturday's perfect weather may have contributed to the success of the "Stuff the School Bus" day at Wal-Mart. The welcome relief from the recent blazing heat brought many shoppers out for the weekend and that probably meant more donations to help students in the county get ready for school, which begins in just a few short weeks...
Local educator says Apollo helped US engineering dominance (07/19/09)
On Monday, the world will celebrate the 40th anniversary of man's first steps on the moon, and Billy Hix of Shelbyville will be among those cheering. Hix, a professor of education technologies at Motlow State Community College, is also an educational consultant for NASA, helping to try to show educators better ways to teach science and engineering. He will join other NASA employees on Monday at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center for a celebration of Apollo 11's "one giant step for mankind."...
Shirt colors, enforcement are only changes in dress code (07/16/09)
The Bedford County Board of Education revisited the school dress code at its monthly meeting Tuesday. School officials had considered changing the current policy on hoodies. Teachers, after discussion, recommended retaining the policy, said School Superintendent Ed Gray...
Stuff the School Bus on Saturday (07/16/09)
When you run out to Walmart Saturday, grab a few extra items to throw in the shopping cart. Then, as you are walking out the door -- give them away. They don't have to be expensive things: a box of crayons, a book bag, even just a pack of notebook paper. ...
New Liberty principal takes unusual route (07/14/09)
Even though Liberty School's new principal, Mike Novak, is 29 years old, it doesn't mean he is lacking in experience. He has spent the last three years as assistant principal at Eakin Primary School and, before that, was an art teacher at the school...
Local schools to benefit from fresh veggie grant (07/10/09)
Four Bedford County schools have received funds from a federal grant to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to students throughout the school year, said Amanda Maynord Anderson, deputy director of communications for the Tennessee Department of Education...
Former Moore County school board chair arrested on child porn charges (07/08/09)
The former chairman of the Moore County Board of Education was arrested by federal officials last week on child pornography charges. David Camp, 44, of Stewart Hollow Road, Lynchburg, was taken into custody last Thursday by agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE]...
Coach caught in sex sting faces August hearing date (07/05/09)
Aug. 21 will be the day that a former teacher and baseball coach caught up in an Internet sex sting will either make a plea or have his case set for trial. Joshua Daniel Smith, of Eastman Street, Murfreesboro, appeared before Judge Lee Russell Thursday and was told that the August date will be the last time he will have any say in the disposition of his case...
Time again to 'Stuff the School Bus' (06/30/09)
It's never too soon to start thinking about school supplies. For some people, however, the added costs of paper, notebooks, pencils and more can be overwhelming -- especially in today's economy and with the many job losses in Bedford County. That's where the United Way's "Stuff the School Bus" program comes in. Volunteers, lead by chairman Connie Boutwell, gather new donated supplies, or purchase school supplies with donated money, and literally "stuff" a school bus...
Commissioners hope for budget passage Tuesday (06/28/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners will hold a budget meeting Tuesday night to consider last minute amendments to the current fiscal year's budget, and -- barring any problems -- to approve a new budget for the new fiscal year which begins Wednesday...
Filling the gap: summer food program serves and teaches (06/28/09)
For lots of children, summer means sports, friends, swimming, vacations and all things fun. But not every child in Bedford County is that lucky. While the lucky ones can't get enough homemade goodies provided by a parent who's able to stay home, some children are more worried about satisfying their hunger during the summer months than they are about typical youthful concerns, such as what movie they're going to see next...
State 4-Hers swarm Calsonic for annual horse show (06/26/09)
Anyone who has been in 4-H can tell you the Hs stand for "head, heart, hands and health," but if you ask the hundreds of young people down at the Calsonic Arena right now, there ought to be a fifth H. Horse. The Tennessee 4-H Horse Show is being held on the Celebration grounds, both in the arena and the Champions Arena just behind it. ...
A 'hairy' fairy tale (06/25/09)
Rapunzel is stuck in the tower again, and this time, she's got plenty of company on stage -- including a king, a queen, a prince, a princess, a wolf, a witch, an evil queen, a fairy godmother and Paprika, the Lost Spice Girl. This fairy tale flotsam and jetsam are the characters in "A Hairy Tale," the children's play that will be at the Fly Cultural Arts Center this weekend. It is cast with local children -- 23 of them -- from kindergarten through seventh grade...
School budget gets board approval (06/23/09)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday night to approve the school system budget for 2009-2010. The budget will now be submitted to the county's Financial Management Committee and ultimately the County Commission for approval. The general fund budget includes $49,685,766 in expenses; the child nutrition fund will spend $4,097,235; and the school-age care program will spend $491,122. No property tax increase is being requested...
Schools' dress code loosened slightly (06/21/09)
Bedford County Board of Education approved alterations to the student dress code Thursday night, eliminating color restrictions on shirts and strict guidelines requiring in-school suspension for repeated violations. Starting this fall, any solid-color shirt will be acceptable; in the school year just completed, each school had a specific list of acceptable colors...
'Fyestock' to benefit SCHS cheerleaders (06/18/09)
What combines summer weather, a lot of musical bands with differing styles playing in an outdoor venue, and fun times? Well, since there aren't any billionaire musicians headlining the night, you can tell it isn't Bonnaroo. But "Fyestock" has plenty to offer. ...
Above and beyond (06/14/09)
Kindergarten teacher Heather Conditt wasn't expecting any kind of award at Liberty School's Honor Day, just the joy of seeing her students rewarded for their hard work, but she was surprised by an award from the National Autism Society, naming her "Teacher of the Year."...
School budget ready for board vote (06/11/09)
Bedford County Board of Education reviewed a draft 2009-10 budget, which will be voted on next week during the board's regular monthly meeting, at a special called meeting Tuesday night. School Superintendent Ed Gray said the budget as proposed would not require any property tax increase or reduction in fund balances, even though the system is opening two new facilities this fall...
Community High work nears completion (06/07/09)
Construction on the new Community High School is nearing completion and the finishing touches will be done within 10 days, said Terry Hollingsworth, construction manager for American Constructors, Inc. On Thursday, Hollingsworth and his crew were finishing up paint and working on the school theater's seating, while other subcontractors worked on electrical work and tested out the school's fire alarm system...
Area students pay 'visit' to Guatemala (06/07/09)
Children in the Bedford County School Age Care Program rode a "chicken bus" into Guatemala this week. So, it wasn't exactly Guatemala, but it was a reasonable facsimile at Fairlane Church of Christ at what they are calling a learning center. "This is our first year doing it," said Iris Whitney, a member of the church who was in charge of designing the center. "It started in Dallas, but we got the idea from a church in Smyrna. This is the second learning center in Tennessee."...
Jobs still there for persistent teenagers (06/04/09)
As a result of a troubled economy, many workers across the nation have lost their jobs -- and the same holds true for Bedford County. The local unemployment rate has risen to double digits in recent months, figures that are nearly twice what they were at the beginning of last year...
Burchett reflects on Eagle Scout journey (06/03/09)
If it were easy to become an Eagle Scout, it wouldn't make the front page of the newspaper. Fewer than 5 percent of Scouts ever achieve the highest ranking, which requires hours of community service, dedication, sweat, blisters, and just plain work...
Middle Tennessee Education Center moves towards fall classes (05/28/09)
Middle Tennessee Education Center, the new Middle Tennessee State University/Motlow State Community College joint venture in Shelbyville, is continuing to move toward offering classes this fall. The facility is located in the Medical Arts Building on Dover Street, behind the old Bedford County Medical Center. Offices are already open, and the plan is to have classrooms set up and ready for use by September...
Four Shelbyville firefighters graduate (05/26/09)
Friday's graduation ceremonies at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy had several Shelbyville connections. Not only did four Shelbyville Fire Department firefighters graduate from the 10-week Recruit/Firefighter I program, but the ceremony was opened with presentation of colors by a SFD color guard, and Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce presented the fire academy's first ever "challenge coins" to the entire graduating class...
95 adult students graduate (05/26/09)
The Bedford County Adult Education program held its annual graduation ceremony on Monday, May 18, at First Baptist Church in Shelbyville. From July 1, 2008, to May 18, 2009, 95 students completed the requirements to earn a General Educational Development (GED) diploma. Forty-eight students participated in the graduation ceremony, which featured Barry Cooper, Chairman of the Bedford County Board of Education, as the commencement speaker...
Dress code changes approved by school board (05/24/09)
Bedford County School Board discussed changes to the school dress code for next year, and heard an update on Thomas Magnet School as highlights of Thursday night's meeting. Superintendant Ed Gray told the board that next year's budget was not yet ready for presentation, so a special meeting was called for 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at central office...
Letters to the Editor, May 21 (05/21/09)
To the editor: Something is needs to be done about graduations for Shelbyville Central High School. I personally thought going to the arena was a good idea because of the seating arrangement, but boy, was I wrong. There was a mother and father there who were trying to reserve two rows of seats...
'Fairest of the Fair' pageant offers scholarship (05/19/09)
The winner of the Miss Bedford County contest in this year's Fairest of the Fair pageant on July 18 will win much more than bragging rights. She will also take home a scholarship to continue her education. "This year, it has a $500 scholarship for the entrant who wins Miss Bedford County, that's the 16-21 category," said Jeri Lynn Smith, chair of the competition. ...
Community graduation interrupted by A/C unit failure (05/19/09)
Community High School's class of 2009 will be remembered as the last class of seniors to graduate from the 84-year-old Unionville site, but it will be remembered for another reason, too. "They'll be remembered as the ones who blew up the gym," said principal Robert Ralston with a chuckle during his introduction to the graduation ceremony Friday night...
SCHS senior faces Mideast ordeal (05/14/09)
What was first expected to be a two-week trip to Jordan to obtain a legal document and visit with family turned out to be a long, drawn-out ordeal for a Shelbyville Central High School student. Amer Sultan, an SCHS senior, was born in Jordan and moved to Tennessee in 2003 with his family...
Animal control needs livestock shelter (05/14/09)
Bedford County Animal Control has reported an increase in problems with large animals, such as horses and livestock, which leaves the agency in a bind when it comes to transportation and housing. BCAC Director Michael Gregory made his quarterly report during Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners. He said BCAC has no livestock trailer and no place to house livestock that can't be identified...
Students must show proof of residence (05/10/09)
Bedford County elementary schools are being rezoned this year and, because of this, all children entering grades kindergarten through fifth grade this fall will be required to show proof of residence, according to Betty Farrar, supervisor of elementary education...
Magnet school principal says vision of school will evolve (05/07/09)
Tim Harwell, who will be the principal of the new Thomas magnet elementary school when it opens this fall, says the school will be a work in progress -- starting out with the best ideas from other magnet schools in the area, but hopefully finding its own new ideas and perhaps becoming a model school in its own right...
New principals announced (05/05/09)
Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray has announced the principals for new or re-configured schools for the 2009-2010 school year. Tim Harwell, who is currently principal at Liberty School, has been named principal of Thomas Elementary School, which will serve starting this fall as a magnet school for high-achieving students in kindergarten through fifth grade...
Webb School hosts Diversity Day (05/03/09)
With students from countries such as Germany, Korea, England, China, India, and Vietnam -- just to name a few -- Webb School in Bell Buckle knows about diversity -- and the students themselves like to share what they know. Friday was Diversity Day at the school, offering visitors everything from Croatian meals to traditional Indian dances, and from urban rap performance poets to European folk dancers...
SCHS band announces program for symphony concert (05/01/09)
The Shelbyville Central High School band, under the direction of Kayne Gilliland, will perform "American Folk Rhapsody" by Clare Grundham and "Simple Gifts" by Fran Ticheli during its solo portion of the annual "Symphony at the Celebration" concert Tuesday at Calsonic Arena...
'The Birds That Stay' a look back at the 1960s (04/30/09)
The summer of 1969 was a time of change, discovery and chaos in a world that was seemingly coming apart at the seams. "The Vietnam War is raging; Dorothy Gale of Kansas (Judy Garland) dies of a drug overdose; three men walk across the face of the moon; Charles Manson and followers go on a 'Helter Skelter' killing spree; and the hippies dance naked at Woodstock," said Marla Jennings, director of Shelbyville Central High School's play...
Bondurant named interim headmaster at Webb (04/30/09)
The Webb School Board of Trustees has named Gordon Bondurant, of Charleston, S.C., to be interim head of school for the 2009-10 school year. Bondurant is a former head of school at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, and Darlington School in Georgia. ...
Bible takes center stage in Victory play (04/29/09)
Spring brings high school plays out in droves -- and audiences come out in droves to see them -- and Victory Baptist Academy is no exception. It won't be surprising to most people that, rather than the millionth rendition of "Guys and Dolls" or "Oklahoma," the private Christian school affiliated with Victory Baptist Church is doing a Bible-based play. What may surprise people is how that came about...
Hearing set for teacher caught in sex sting (04/29/09)
A preliminary hearing has been set for a former teacher and baseball coach who faces charges related to an Internet sex sting. Joshua Daniel Smith, of Eastman Street, Murfreesboro, will appear in court on May 29 for the hearing, when a judge will decide whether to bound him over to the Bedford County grand jury...
Smokestack Theater holds festival (04/28/09)
The Smokestack Theater group of Community High School held its 7th annual Theater Festival Saturday. This year, students from Cascade School and Forrest School came out to participate in the festivities. Those who attended experienced a day of theater related workshops as well as musical acts and dramatic skits put on by several Community High students...
MTSU, Motlow announce Shelbyville project (04/28/09)
The long-anticipated Middle Tennessee State University satellite campus in Shelbyville announced on Monday that it is now scheduling appointments with potential students -- and it is now being presented as a joint venture of MTSU and Motlow State Community College. The facility, located in the Medical Arts Building on Dover Street, is called Middle Tennessee Education Center, not "MTSU South," the informal name (with matching web site address) which had been used during planning stages. It will include classrooms as well as administrative and advising offices for both MTSU and Motlow....
Local schools to gain $37,000 for technology (04/26/09)
Bedford County Schools is scheduled to receive $37,341 in Title II-D technology funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), an economic stimulus package. Gov. Phil Bredesen and Commissioner of Education Dr. Timothy Webb announced statewide grants this week, saying they represent funding that will be available for districts to effectively integrate technology into the classroom...
Starting school: Breakfast Rotary gives Nepali children a new beginning (04/26/09)
The Shelbyville Breakfast Rotary Club is the 38th recipient of the Globe Club award this year. Rotary Clubs are honored with this award due to their international projects. Shelbyville's club received the award because of their work in Nepal. Bryan Nerren, a member of the club and pastor of International House of Prayer, was first alerted to the situation in Nepal several years ago after a revival at First Baptist Church in Shelbyville...
Eagle Scout flies to the top; latest from Cascade to advance (04/26/09)
When Brandon Perry received his Eagle Scout status recently, that was the easy part. The construction, fundraising, planning and recruiting to get his Eagle Scout project complete -- that was the hard part. But he did have help, and he didn't have to look far to find it...
Pulmonologist speaks at TTCS meeting (04/24/09)
Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville held its General and Craft Advisory Council meetings Thursday night, with recognition of those involved in renovating the TTCS lobby, presentation of the distinguished alumnus award, and a guest speaker, Dr. Frederic Seifer, who discussed taking a proactive approach to health care...
Safe driving stressed to teen motorists (04/19/09)
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are the leading cause of fatalities among teens in the United States, but a program by the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Department of Transportation is helping to bring those numbers down...
Zoning map modified to balance demographics (04/17/09)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Tuesday night, passed a revised map for the elementary school districts within or close to Shelbyville that will be used this fall. The new map is somewhat less checkerboarded than the original map, although two of the districts are still broken into non-contiguous pieces...
Special ed to benefit from stimulus funds (04/17/09)
Bedford County will receive $933,184 in IDEA special education grant funds during the coming fiscal year and $1,110,085 in Title I funding over the next two years for disadvantaged students through the federal stimulus package, but those funds come with tight restrictions on how they can be used...
Community holds honors banquet (04/16/09)
Community High School's National Honor Society held its Honors and Awards banquet Monday in the school's cafeteria. Parents and students were invited based on the student's academic achievement. New members of the National Honor Society were inducted, and stoles were given to the seniors who will be graduating in a few weeks...
Commission to consider budget amendments (04/12/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners will consider various county and school system budget amendments at the commission's regular monthly meeting on Tuesday. Budget amendments are used by a government to bring the budget in line with actual spending, accounting for unexpected revenues or expenses, as required by state auditors...
SCHS students fund wishes for foundation (04/12/09)
As he walked to the center of the gymnasium, Josh Kelley could see the tea cups that were made especially for him by the students. He could hear the famous Disney theme song, "When You Wish Upon a Star," playing in the background. He could feel the energy and support of the 2000 students who cheered and shouted for him...
Self-defense classes available for women (04/08/09)
Det. Carol Jean, of the Shelbyville Police Department, is bringing back periodic sexual assault and self-defense classes to the women of Bedford County. The first class will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at Shelbyville Recreation Center...
Once a teacher, always a teacher (04/08/09)
It's never too late to learn something new -- especially for someone who has been teaching new things to young students for decades. "I started painting about 10 years before I retired," said Myra Philpott, whose work is now on display at The Fly. The Arts Council will honor her Monday, April 13, at the monthly meeting, a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. to which everyone is invited. The Woman's Club will perform a play as part of the program...
Webb speaker tells thrilling tale of art recovery (04/03/09)
Forget Carnarvon and Tut's tomb. Never mind the men who found the Aztecs' golden masks or the ones who bring up doubloons and jewels from the long-dead ships of pirates and privateers. The greatest treasure hunt in recorded history began more than 60 years ago -- and hardly anyone knows about it...
Teacher-coach in court on exploitation charge (04/01/09)
A former teacher and baseball coach accused of propositioning a person he thought was a 13-year-old girl on the Internet made his first court appearance Tuesday. Joshua Daniel Smith, of Eastman Street, Murfreesboro, is to be represented by the public defender's office and will make his next court appearance on April 28...
Dictionaries define 'service' for noon Rotary (03/29/09)
In the past five years, Shelbyville's noon Rotary Club has delivered more than 3,000 dictionaries have been delivered to students throughout the county. On Thursday, 12 members of the club blitzed through every third grade classroom in the county -- dictionaries in hand. Nearly 600 students received dictionaries this year, said Barry Cooper, club member and noon Rotary's dictionary project organizer...
Webb headmaster to step down (03/29/09)
Albert Cauz has announced that he will leave his position as headmaster of The Webb School in Bell Buckle to accept a position at The Baldwin School in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the end of this school year. Cauz' departure was announced in an e-mail Friday by Phillip G. Coop, chair of the private preparatory school's Board of Trustees...
'Good grief!' Cascade offers popular musical (03/25/09)
Cascade High School in Wartrace will hold its first-ever musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," this weekend. The production features a young, energetic cast as the lovable Peanuts gang. Not only is this the first musical for Cascade, this is also the first time the theater department will be under the direction of Christina Fox, a new teacher at the school...
New vision revives BCAES (03/25/09)
A local organization that has worked for the benefit of exceptional students in Bedford County for decades is being revitalized -- and refocused. "We have a new vision, a new mission," said Leta Frame, the new president of the Bedford County Association for Exceptional Students. "We're no longer just for special education students."...
Strongman performance designed to motivate (03/24/09)
Strongman Mike "The Machine" Bruce told Harris Middle School students on Monday about his childhood of abuse, urging them to find a way out of their own personal struggles by making wise choices. Bruce performed Monday at Harris and at Central High School, and will perform tonight at Community High School and Wednesday night at Cascade High School. ...
Officer to take Taser shot at performance (03/22/09)
School Resource Officer Tim Fox has decided to suck up the pain and do a Taser demonstration at Cascade High School during the strong man performance he is organizing by Mike "The Machine" Bruce. The performance also includes a motivational speech. "I've been asking the students at Cascade for a while, 'If I got shot with a Taser and the money went to charity, would you come?'," he said. "The answer is always yes, so I've kind of backed myself into a corner here."...
Gray warns of tighter budget (03/20/09)
Although conservative revenue estimates have kept this year's school budget from going out of kilter in a bad economy, School Superintendent Ed Gray told Bedford County Board of Education Thursday night that the cost of opening two new facilities will require a close look at cuts in school spending...
'Steel Magnolias' on stage in Unionville (03/18/09)
The Community High School Smokestack Theatre Group is soon to give its performances of "Steel Magnolias," a dramatic comedy set in 1980s Louisiana. This is the second time "Steel Magnolias" has been featured at Community High School under the direction of Anthony Davis. While the new cast holds undeniable talent, Davis still holds a place in his heart for the original cast members...
Students consider futures at Career Day (03/15/09)
The Noon Rotary Club of Shelbyville held its 31st Career Day at Motlow State Community College Thursday. Approximately 560 sophomore students from Shelbyville Central, Cascade and Community high schools attended, according to club president Jim Allison...
CORRECTED: Student allegedly carries knife onto bus (03/12/09)
SEE FULL STORY FOR CORRECTION
SCHS, Motlow bands to play with Nashville Symphony (03/10/09)
The Central High School band and the Motlow College Jazz Ensemble have been confirmed as guest artists for the annual "Symphony at the Celebration" concert, featuring the Nashville Symphony, which will be held May 5 at Calsonic Arena on the Celebration grounds...
Educators walk through Gilliland history (03/06/09)
A little more than a decade ago, the rundown house at 803 Lipscomb St. was nothing more than, well, a rundown house. But the man who once lived in that house, the late James Gilliland, a self-taught stone mason, would no doubt be proud to see what's become of his former home...
Fun with reading is just what the doctor, Seuss, ordered (03/04/09)
One sock, two sock, red sock, blue sock, orange sock, green sock -- Wacky socks, shoes and jeans abounded at Eakin Primary School Tuesday in honor of Dr. Seuss' books "Fox in Socks" and "Foot Book." Dr. Seuss Week is observed every year the week of the author's birthday, which is March 2. Eakin was supposed to start the week Monday, but because of schools being closed due to a heavy snowfall, the festivities started on Tuesday...
Economy brings students to TTCS (03/03/09)
Uncertainty about the economy, and the closure of local factories, leads some to consider new training in search of a new job. Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville on Madison Street, faced with an influx of interest from students, is struggling to find classes for all of those who are interested, but TTCS director Ivan Jones hopes that stimulus package funds will be available to train more people...
'The Standards' to perform student and public concerts (03/03/09)
The musical group The Standards will perform at Thomas Intermediate School gym on Thursday, March 12. The group will perform twice: at 1 p.m. there will be a school performance and at 6 p.m. there will be an evening performance for the public. Admission to the event is free...
Investigation delays $23,000 owed school system (03/02/09)
Bedford County School System still hasn't received the $23,000 it is owed by a consulting firm, because the agency which administers the federal E-Rate grant program is investigating the firm and has tied up all of the various claims against it. As the Times-Gazette reported in April 2008, Montgomery, Ala.-based eRate Consulting Services LLC apparently deposited grant funds it had applied for on the county's behalf but did not pass them along to the county. ...
Magnet attracts questions (02/27/09)
Amanda O'Neal is one of many parents who have applied for their children to be enrolled into Thomas Magnet School, which is scheduled to open this fall for high achieving students from kindergarten through fifth grade. She and her husband's decision to attempt to enroll their son, Brady, who's currently in kindergarten at Southside, into the school came easy...
Reading the library's future (02/26/09)
About a dozen persons gathered Tuesday evening at Argie Cooper Public Library for a strategic planning meeting. The meeting focused on whether the library should move forward with its plans to build a new facility and on how to meet the needs of Bedford County's growing community through the current library...
Stimulus bill grants funds to county schools (02/24/09)
A news release from U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon's office estimates that Bedford County schools will receive $2.57 million to fund education for the disadvantaged and disabled under the stimulus bill signed last week, but local school officials are waiting to see what the exact numbers will be, and what restrictions there might be on how the money can be used...
Former SCHS principal, community leader Scott dies (02/23/09)
Retired educator James C. Scott, 92, of Shelbyville, died Saturday at his home following a brief illness. Scott was passionate about his career in education. "Mr. Scott was the epitome of all educators, with knowledge of all aspects of education," said Ed Gray, Bedford County schools superintendent, who worked with Scott for many years. ...
SCHS class of 1968 donates new seal (02/23/09)
"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." -- author unknown That passage is near and dear to Shelbyville Central High School's Class of 1968. The class has left a lasting impression at the school after purchasing a bronze seal memorial in memory of their deceased classmates...
School board sticks by upcoming ban on non-local students (02/22/09)
The Bedford County Board of Education revisited its policy Thursday night on whether students living outside the county should be allowed to attend county schools. If so, the board discussed whether those students should be charged tuition. Some students living outside the county receive waivers to attend county schools, but next year, according to the board's current policy, they won't be allowed in class...
Magnet rumors denied (02/20/09)
More than 40 people visited Bedford County's Board of Education meeting Thursday night, which was highlighted by a discussion about the county's future magnet school. "I believe we have a sold-out crowd tonight," said chairman Barry Cooper, as he welcomed student visitors to the meeting as well as a Boy Scout Troop that led the pledge at the opening of the meeting...
McPhee says MTSU will proceed with Shelbyville project (02/20/09)
Middle Tennessee State University president Sidney McPhee, speaking at the annual Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce banquet on Thursday, said Tennessee Board of Regents has given its approval for MTSU to begin offering classes in Shelbyville, working in partnership with Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville and with Motlow State Community College...
Frist to chair education initiative (02/19/09)
Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said on Wednesday that Tennessee has a reputation as a "backwater" in terms of its education system, and yet there are individual schools and school systems that are doing a great job. Frist said the idea of the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education, or Tennessee SCORE, is to promote dialogue about how to improve education in Tennessee, and to help school systems share "best practices" that might be applicable statewide.. ...
Bus driver's son takes control as mom falters (02/19/09)
A routine morning bus route turned into a frightening and potentially dangerous situation for driver Tonya Smithey, her son Hunter, and about 70 Community Elementary and High School students earlier this month. Tonya was nearly finished with her route when she began sweating, and feeling weak and light headed...
MTSU president to speak at Chamber banquet (02/16/09)
Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee will be the guest speaker at the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Blue Ribbon Circle building on the Celebration grounds...
SCHS to rock out with 'Eaglepalooza' (02/16/09)
Shelbyville Central High School's new auditorium will become a venue for rock fans Friday night as the Golden Eagle soccer team will sponsor a spin-off of the popular video game "Rock Band." The Eaglepalooza Music Extravaganza and Rock Band Contest will be formatted similar to the "American Idol" television show...
Central High students make wishes come true (02/06/09)
Shelbyville Central High School's Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraising campaign came to a close Tuesday evening with the crowning of Mr. Wishful 2009. In only its second year holding a Mr. Wishful competition, the SCHS Student Council raised $16,132.20, triple the amount from last year...
Extra school programs hit hard by budget cuts (01/26/09)
Bedford County Board of Education members heard Thursday that while Gov. Phil Bredesen is trying to protect basic school funding from the 20 percent cuts he's imposed on other state departments, drastic cuts are being made in other programs, such as career ladder and extended contract benefits for teachers...
Magnet school preparations continue (01/25/09)
Bedford County Board of Education heard an update on the magnet elementary school program Thursday night; applications for parents who wish to enroll their children at the school will be available starting Friday at the school system web site, www.bedfordk12tn.com. Betty Farrar, supervisor of elementary instruction, briefed school board members about the program's progress...
Realignment to force many student moves (01/23/09)
Bedford County Board of Education approved new elementary school districts for Shelbyville on Thursday in preparation for the largest migration of school population anyone can recall. "There's going to be a lot of kids moving," said school board chairman Barry Cooper...
Community colleges seek funds in tough times (01/11/09)
MOORE COUNTY -- In tough economic times, community colleges are often called upon to retrain displaced workers or as an alternative to more expensive four-year schools. But those same economic times can mean those colleges have fewer resources with which to work...
Pride, dedication fuels Community alumni group (01/09/09)
Eighty years ago, in 1929, the first class to attend all four years at Community High School, located in the prideful community of Unionville, graduated. "My mother and father-in-law graduated in the first class that went all four years at Community High School," said Ron Adcock, an alumnus of the school. "Thirty years later I graduated and 30 years after that the last of my three children graduated."...
Groundbreaking at Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial (01/06/09)
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Monday afternoon for the Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of Clarence "Pete" Phillips Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road....
Halftimers step out at Central High games (12/21/08)
There's a new group of students adding a whole lot of zest to Shelbyville Central High School basketball games. Well, not exactly new ... but it has been 25 years since the group has been active. Tryouts for the "Halftimers" were held in October. The group, comprised of about 30 students, entertains the crowd during basketball halftimes...
Magnet school enrollment criteria approved (12/18/08)
Bedford County Board of Education approved the enrollment criteria Tuesday night for a K-5 magnet school that will open next fall. The criteria were presented to the board by supervisor of elementary education Betty Farrar. Applications for the magnet school will become available at the Board of Education's central office in February, and will be accepted in March. Parents will be notified of student admissions in March...
Yes, they 'can': SCHS students donate to food drive (12/16/08)
Shelbyville Central High School students came through for Good Samaritan once again this year, collecting more than 33,000 items as a result of the school's annual Great Canned Food Drive. "I'm so proud to have a community full of young people who care," local Good Sam director Cathy Miller told a gymnasium full of students on Monday. "You are our main source and you are our biggest source ... I thank you from the bottom of my heart."...
Three named counselors of the year (12/09/08)
When Michele Mullaney returned to her office after giving a lesson to fourth graders about dealing with peer pressure, she had about 30 minutes to adjust to her next task, which would be teaching third graders about tolerance vs. prejudice. After that? Perhaps she'd help an eighth-grade student lay out his or her four-year academic plan...
'MTSU South' not mentioned at TBR meeting (12/08/08)
Although officials said in October that Middle Tennessee State University's proposed satellite in Shelbyville would be considered by the Tennessee Board of Regents this month, there was nothing mentioned about the project at last week's meeting. The project wasn't on the agenda and didn't come up for discussion Thursday, according to TBR spokeswoman Mary Morgan...
Schools change sex offender policy (11/24/08)
Bedford County Board of Education approved several revised policies, including one concerned with registered sex offenders, at its meeting Thursday night. The policy revisions had all been suggested by Tennessee School Boards Association to keep policies in line with state law...
Thomas selected as magnet school (11/21/08)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday night to make what is now Thomas Intermediate School a magnet school for grades K-5 beginning this fall. The board's motion directs the school system to ensure that admission criteria for the school are fair, impartial and objective. Betty Farrar, supervisor of elementary education, assured board members that would be the case. She said the local program will be modeled in part on Discovery School in Murfreesboro...
Proposed magnet school gains Gray's support (11/14/08)
Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray discussed the proposal for an elementary magnet school during a presentation Thursday at Shelbyville Rotary Club. Last month, Gray and other school officials made a proposal for a magnet school to Bedford County Board of Education. The opening next fall of Learning Way Elementary will require that bus routes and transportation districts be redrawn anyhow, giving a window of opportunity to open a magnet school at the same time...
County schools improve grades (11/13/08)
The Tennessee Department of Education released its annual comprehensive report cards on pre-K-12 education this week, and Bedford County has shown some improvement in academic achievement. However, the system as a whole, as reported in July, still shows some weaknesses according to the No Child Left Behind benchmarks, with only five out of the county's 11 schools in "good standing."...
Building new leaders: Harris hosts student councils (11/10/08)
Anyone walking into the Harris Middle School gymnasium Friday would have thought they were walking into a pep rally, as students cheered loudly while watching a few students -- brave souls -- dance in the center of the gym to "Eye of the Tiger." No one was being crowned homecoming queen. It wasn't a state championship basketball game or a pep rally...
Cascade High band marches to state crown (11/09/08)
Months and years of preparation all boiled down to Nov. 1, but David Lucich had all the confidence in the world for what 60 local high school students were about to take on. "I felt the kids were peaking just at the right time," said Lucich, director of the Cascade High School band...
East Side Angels go beyond call of cafeteria duty (10/30/08)
They've been called the East Side Angels. The five ladies who run East Side Primary School's cafeteria aren't considered angels because of one single act of heroism, but rather, for all the little things they do. "We have excellent food here, and besides that we have an excellent relationship with the cafeteria staff," said Sara Wood, East Side principal. "They go above and beyond, and are very good to the children."...
Student tutors learn while helping others (10/29/08)
Each day, during fourth period, there's something very unique and special taking place inside Ardis Rittenberry's Shelbyville Central High School classroom. No, students are not doing jumping jacks while Rittenberry teaches a lesson in honors geometry. Instead, advanced students are helping others to improve their academic scores through tutoring...
More tests on tap for students (10/28/08)
Bedford County students took their first assessment tests this month under the Discovery Education Assessment test format, Schools Superintendent Ed Gray said Monday. "This is a formative assessment test that gives more specific feedback," Gray said. The system failed to make state performance goals last year under the federal No Child Left Behind law. Additionally, two schools -- Harris Middle and Central High -- were placed on the state's high priority list...
'MTSU South' response pleases officials (10/24/08)
When Middle Tennessee State University launched its "MTSU South" web site earlier this month, Dr. Mike Boyle, dean of continuing education and distance learning at MTSU, hoped that an interest survey on the site would draw 200 to 300 responses. As of Thursday morning, 1,087 people had completed the survey, which asks what types of programs and classes participants would like to see at a proposed MTSU satellite campus in Shelbyville...
Adult education gives second chance at tools (10/21/08)
EDITOR'S NOTE -- As United Way of Bedford County conducts its fall fundraising campaign, the Times-Gazette is presenting a weekly spotlight on the local health and human service agencies it supports. An education is a necessary part of success -- but not everyone gets to finish their education on the traditional schedule...
School board endorses MTSU South satellite (10/19/08)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday to endorse the proposed MTSU South satellite campus in Shelbyville. Middle Tennessee State University and the county have developed a proposal under which MTSU would offer classes and support services in the Medical Arts Building on Dover Street, behind the old Bedford County Medical Center. The proposal must still be approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission...
Board looks at magnet school concept (10/17/08)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday night to investigate setting up a "magnet school" for high-achieving elementary school students, although some board members said they want to know more before they commit to the idea. Supervisor of Elementary Instruction Betty Farrar reported on the magnet school concept during the board meeting Thursday night...
MTSU officials seek input on proposal (10/12/08)
Initial classes offered at the proposed MTSU South satellite campus would include course work for a Master of Education degree, but Middle Tennessee State University officials want to know what other subjects might be of interest to potential students...
New cafeteria gives Central students time to eat (10/05/08)
Shelbyville Central High School's $20.8 million school renovation and expansion project came to a close at the beginning of this school year with the unveiling of the school's new -- and very much improved -- school cafeteria. "The old cafeteria was way too small," said Don Embry, school principal. "We only had two serving lines; now we have six."...
County's fifth graders to gather by the river (10/05/08)
Fifth graders from around the county will be headed to the Duck River Tuesday for an informative day -- the 4th annual Duck RiverFest. The yearly event, which will begin at the Duck River Greenway behind the Shelbyville power plant at 8:30 a.m., is put on by the Duck River Watershed Committee, according to Amy Shoemaker of the group's education committee...
MTSU considers Shelbyville satellite (09/25/08)
Middle Tennessee State University is seeking community input and support as it conducts a needs assessment which could result in a satellite campus in Shelbyville. If the idea is approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents and Tennessee Higher Education Commission, classes would meet in the original, single-story portion of the Medical Arts Building, known as Medical Arts Building I, behind the old Bedford County Medical Center...
Subgroups hurt schools under NCLB (09/23/08)
School Superintendent Ed Gray said that students with disabilities, who are not meeting goals under the federal No Child Left Behind law, are one reason two Bedford County schools were placed on the state's high priority list in July and why the school system as a whole has failed to make performance goals...
School board looks at building program (09/21/08)
Bedford County Board of Education met Thursday evening at the Shelbyville Central High School library, following a reception for new teachers, to discuss a hefty agenda that was highlighted by building program updates and school test scores. Prior to addressing those issues, the meeting opened with the board unanimously re-electing Barry Cooper to serve another term as board chairman. Ron Adcock was nominated and also elected unanimously to serve as vice-chair...
Bobo returns to class as homebound teacher (08/28/08)
Former Liberty School teacher Dawn Bobo has returned to work in the Bedford County school system after being suspended last year for carrying a firearm to school. The veteran teacher was placed on pre-trial diversion in February and sentenced to 11 months, 29 days of probation, had to forfeit the weapon, and pay fines and court costs. If all terms of the pre-trial diversion are met, the Class "A" misdemeanor charge will be expunged from her record...
Dyslexic children have new source for help (08/26/08)
A former East Side Elementary pre-school teacher is returning to Bedford County, after leaving the district in 1989, to work with children with reading disabilities or those who need extra tutoring in math and reading. "I am from Shelbyville and have always wanted to give back to my community," Pat Cromwell Schaefer said. "I felt a calling from God to work with children who need more."...
Bedford school board discusses construction (08/24/08)
Tom Grott, of American Constructors, gave updates on the Shelbyville Central High School, Learning Way Elementary and Community High School building programs at Thursday evening's Bedford County Board of Education meeting. Grott reported that Bedford County Utility District, which supplies water in Unionville, could not provide enough water pressure, year round, to make Community's sprinkler system work effectively...
School board addresses dress code (08/22/08)
Supervisor of Student Services Terry Looper met with the Bedford County Board of Education Thursday night to update them on the new student dress code, which went into effect for students grade six and above on Aug. 8. "We feel like it's going good," Looper said. School board members who've visited the schools immediately jumped on board to say they think students look much better...
TTCS truck driving program driven to succeed (08/12/08)
Although it has been around since 1996, the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville's truck driving curriculum may be the best-kept secret in Shelbyville, according to instructor David Hart. "A lot of people don't even know we're here," he said. Hart said he's amazed that some local and area residents pay anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 for a three-week training program at privately-owned trucking schools, when TTCS's 7 1/2-week program costs in the neighborhood of $1,250 -- and a lottery-funded scholarship can knock $500 off even that amount.. ...
Goodbye summer, hello school (08/08/08)
Today marked the official end of summer for Bedford County students. As one door closed, however, another opened, and parents, students, teachers and principals alike were ready for the first day of school this morning. "We have a lot of different ones this morning from different schools," said Reita Vaughn, Southside principal. "And we're glad to have them."...
Unofficial Bedford County primary results (08/07/08)
These results do not include paper ballots. Primary election results, in PDF format General election results, in PDF format...
BREAKING NEWS: Parker retains School Board seat (08/07/08)
Incumbent Dixie Parker has retained her seat on Bedford County Board of Education, defeating challenger Robert Allison in the only contested local race in Thursday's general election. Parker drew 398 votes to Allison's 213 in election machine totals, with only paper ballot totals yet to be announced...
Fairlane Christian School to close (08/05/08)
Fairlane Christian School, a child care program operated by Fairlane Church of Christ for 28 years, has announced that it will close at the end of August. The program provided care during the school year for preschool-age children and after-school or summer programs for children as old as 12...
Two county schools on state 'high priority list' (08/03/08)
A Tennessee Department of Education annual progress report has placed two Bedford County schools on its "high priority list" for failing to meet performance standards under the federal No Child Left Behind guidelines for the 2007-2008 school year. The report, released July 28, cited Harris Middle School and Shelbyville Central High School, along with 132 other Tennessee schools, for failing to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) for two years in a row...
Community band members brave heat at camp (08/01/08)
The hot and humid weather that followed Wednesday's rain storm in Unionville didn't stop Stephen Givens from gaining the attention of the 50-plus musically inclined students who stood below him. "Keep (your flute) held up right," the spirited director joked with one student. "As you can see, the paper is here taking pictures, and you don't want everyone to see you like that, do you?"...
Parent requests school peanut ban (07/29/08)
A parent asked Bedford County Board of Education Thursday night to remove anything containing peanuts and tree nuts from school menus, including food for student field trips. "My son has severe food allergies," said the parent, who requested her name not be used to protect her child's identity. "In the school setting, his greatest risk is when the entire school is eating anything with peanuts and tree nuts. Peanuts leave an unseen, unfelt residue that cannot be seen by the naked eye...
Lesson in caring: Citizens 'stuff the bus' (07/28/08)
The parking lot at Wal-Mart was packed to capacity Saturday and in the aisles with the school supplies, it was elbow-to-elbow with shoppers. The shelves thinned and the shopping carts filled, but not all those school supplies made it home....
Board discusses school buildings (07/25/08)
Building update discussions for the Shelbyville Central High School, Learning Way Elementary and Community High School projects dominated the Bedford County Board of Education meeting Thursday night. Tom Grott, of American Constructors, reported Central will be issued its certificate of occupancy as early as Monday, about 12 days shy of the first day of school. ...
Artist paints 20-foot Patriot at Liberty (07/14/08)
Students at Liberty School will have a new face greeting them at the doors when they start classes again Aug. 8. A really, really big face. Local artist Clint Clarneau has painted the school mascot, the Patriot, about 20 feet tall on the wall over the main foyer...
No more T-shirts: Dress code begins (07/01/08)
Some are for it, some are against it, and some just don't care. But no matter what your opinion is, Aug. 8 is just around the corner, and that means one thing: School Dress Code. "I really don't like the idea of it at all," said Kenny Smith, 15, a student at Shelbyville Central High School. "But it seems kind of pointless to me because all they're really doing is making us change shirts."...
Motlow escapes state budget cuts (06/24/08)
Motlow State Community College is the only college or university in the Tennessee Board of Regents system without any low-producing programs being considered for elimination, which Motlow president MaryLou Apple says is the result of constant fine-tuning...
School board passes 2008-09 budget (06/20/08)
The Bedford County Board of Education passed its budget for the 2008-09 school year at its regular meeting last night, with total expenditures expected to increase by more than $4 million. Last year's estimated expenditures totaled $43.3, million and the projected total for the upcoming school year is $47.6 million. ...
Community gym named for Brothers (06/20/08)
The Bedford County Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday night to name the Community High School gym after county commission member Roger K. Brothers, a lifelong citizen of Bedford County. Brothers is one of two county commissioners representing the district where the school is located...
Money added for Community project (06/12/08)
In a 15-0 vote, Bedford County Board of Commissioners passed a $700,000 addition to the $4 million outlay note to cover the higher-than-expected cost of building a new Community High School. The money will come from the school budget and will be repaid from funds that will be received from the state for increased student enrollment...
Accreditation rules threaten adult high school (06/11/08)
Until now, Bedford County adults without a high school diploma had two options: Prepare for and take the GED (general educational development) test, or sign up for Adult High School. The Adult High School was intended for those adults who are only a few credits short of graduation and who prefer a high school diploma to a GED certificate. Although a GED is intended to represent the equivalent of a high school diploma, there are some potential employers who are said to prefer a diploma to a GED...
School Board expects tight budget year (06/10/08)
Bedford County Board of Education reviewed preliminary budget figures Monday evening, and the school system -- like other government agencies -- is bracing for a drop in sales tax revenue and sharply higher energy costs in the new fiscal year. "It's a pinch," said member Ron Adcock...
Student selected to attend national law forum (06/09/08)
Carolina Mejia wants to study law in college, and she plans on getting a head start in that pursuit this fall. Carolina, daughter of Carlos and Nolvia Mejia of Shelbyville, will be a senior this year at Central High School. She has been selected to attend The National Youth Leadership Forum on Law (NYLFL) in Washington, D.C. in November. The NYLFL is a six-day program for high-achieving high school students who are considering a career in the field of law...
City to look at power board appointment options (06/04/08)
Shelbyville's city council will receive several alternative suggestions on how to appoint members to the Power, Water and Sewer Board after several years of confusion over the proper method. Councilman Randy Vernon made the suggestion following controversy over the election of members during the past year...
Youth leadership program enhances skills (05/28/08)
Youth Leadership Bedford, like its parent group, Leadership Bedford, seeks to develop and enhance leadership skills, specifically those of high school juniors. "This youth group was outstanding," said Tonya Davis, a member of the Leadership Bedford board of directors. "The had strong communication, interacted well, and had great decision making. They are strong potential leaders."...
Tracy pleased at school funding bill passage (05/27/08)
State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) said last week that he was pleased that money was included in the newly-passed lottery excess fund implementation plan to address capital improvement needs for K-12 schools. The bill sends $90 to $100 million in the excess funds for an Energy Efficient Schools Program that will allow for capital improvements that benefit energy efficiency...
Retiring teachers honored (05/17/08)
Bedford County School System honored 11 retiring employees during a reception Thursday night prior to Bedford County Board of Education's regular monthly meeting. The employees represented a total 346 years of combined service....
School lunch prices jump to $2 (05/19/08)
School lunch prices will rise in the 2008-09 school year, according to action taken Thursday night by Bedford County Board of Education. Nutrition supervisor Janet Clarkson presented a proposed price list, which was approved by the board. Food prices have been rising in recent months...
Friends of Scouting lend their support (05/19/08)
Life Scout Bronson Friedman stood at the podium and told the audience he had been hoodwinked into joining the Boy Scouts. "I was tricked," he said. "I was told I would have fun. "I was really being trained to be a leader." Friedman spoke at a Friends of Scouting breakfast held Thursday morning at Richard's Cafeteria in Shelbyville...
Community High School to cost $16.5M (05/16/08)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday night, accepted a guaranteed maximum price of $16,489,445 for the new Community High School, plus a separate contract for water and sewer work at the site for $275,000. That puts the project $700,000 over its estimated cost. ...
Cascade follows Central for Calsonic Arena graduation (05/13/08)
Graduates of Central High School and Cascade High School will have something in common this weekend: they'll be walking across the same stage, though not at the same time. Last year, Central moved its graduation exercises to Calsonic Arena on the Celebration grounds, and this year, Cascade followed suit...
Teen pregnancy problems discussed (05/06/08)
Bedford County Health Department is joining other areas Wednesday in recognizing the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. The health observance was established in 2002 to focus the attention of teens on the importance of avoiding pregnancy, parenthood and other serious consequences of sex...
Fire Academy to hold graduation Friday (05/05/08)
Recruits from Shelbyville Fire Department will be standing tall Friday as they officially complete their training at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road. State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie A. Newman will deliver the commencement address to the recruit firefighter class at the Academy at 9 a.m....
Groundbreaking for Learning Way Elementary (04/30/08)
A big bang at the Fire Academy (04/25/08)
If you think you hear explosions around Bedford County next week, there isn't anything to be worried about. "Post blast training" is to be conducted at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) on Unionville-Deason Road by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) next week for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in preparation for possible deployment...
VIDEO: Tyler gets his wish, SCHS gets a concert (04/23/08)
Leukemia patient Tyler Craig was surprised by the Make-A-Wish foundation Wednesday morning during an assembly at Central High School, where students had raised $6,500 to help grant his wish. Tyler was surprised with a trip to Hawaii, and a concert by RCA Nashville recording artist Chris Young...
Schools are owed $23,000 by Alabama firm (04/22/08)
Bedford County schools are owed $23,000 by a consulting firm, eRate Consulting Services LLC, which appears to have deposited grant funds meant for the county. Several other school systems are owed even more, according to press reports. Reports in the Citrus County (Fla.) Chronicle state that the Citrus County School District is owed $263,000 by eRate...
Hold the air horns, school board says (04/21/08)
Save the air horns, cheers and screaming for after the graduation ceremony -- or you may not get to see it at all. That was the general feeling from Bedford County Board of Education members at their meeting Thursday night after Superintendent Ed Gray announced commencement dates and times...
Rising gas costs impact schools budget (04/19/08)
The rising cost of gasoline has already had an impact in Bedford County Schools. "We've used 100 percent of the gas (funds budgeted)," said Robert Daniel, chief financial officer for Bedford County. "But we budgeted for an increase, so we aren't as bad off as some other counties."...
Schools don't like spam, board members told (04/18/08)
Bedord County Board of Education chairman Barry Cooper has a warning for employees of the school system when it comes to their e-mail. "Don't send it, unless you don't mind just anybody reading it." The comment came after a policy governing e-mails -- and providing that they be archived -- was brought before the board for approval at the Thursday night meeting...
Allison seeks School Board seat (04/16/08)
Robert A. Allison, 37, has announced that he is a candidate for a first district seat on Bedford County Board of Education in the August general election. Allison grew up on a farm near Bell Buckle. After attending Cascade Elementary School from 1976 until 1983, he graduated from The Webb School in 1989, the University of Virginia in 1992 and Georgetown University Law School in 1997...
Parker seeks re-election (04/09/08)
Dixie Parker has announced that she will run for re-election to the Bedford County School Board in District 1. Parker, a Bedford County native, has lived in Bell Buckle all her life. She is a 1963 graduate of Bell Buckle High School, completed LPN training through the Bedford County school system in 1967 and later attended Middle Tennessee State University...
MTSU satellite discussions continue (03/21/08)
During a meeting Thursday of county employees, County Mayor Eugene Ray said discussions are continuing with Middle Tennessee State University over the possibility of MTSU holding satellite classes in the old Central High School / Harris Middle School building on Elm Street...
Vets may get lottery-funded scholarships (03/21/08)
Tennessee General Assembly's lottery subcommittee looking at proposals for disbursing excess lottery funds, chaired by Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), has recommended several bills for passage to the full committee. According to Tracy, there is $460 million in the lottery reserve account, of which $50 million must be kept in savings under current law...
Dates of sales tax holiday changed (03/17/08)
The Tennessee Department of Revenue announced the change of the special spring Sales Tax Holiday dates to Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27. This one-time holiday will offer three full days of tax savings to shoppers on clothing, school and art supplies and computers...
Beef recall has impact on school budget (03/15/08)
The recent and widely-publicized beef recall has had an impact on the local school system budget, although it's hoped that eventually, the school system will be reimbursed for its costs. An increase in food costs and an increase in student population required a $502,500 amendment to the school's child nutrition budget, which was approved Thursday night by Bedford County Board of Education. ...
New elementary school construction expected soon (03/14/08)
American Constructrors is already "pushing dirt" at the site of the new Learning Way Elementary School and expects to be doing footing work at the site by the end of the month. That was the report from American Constructors' Tom Grott at Thursday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Education...
New Motlow library to be dedicated (03/12/08)
Tracy bill gives retired teachers more voice (03/12/08)
State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) gained the approval of the state Senate this week for legislation he sponsored to give retired teachers more power on the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) Board of Trustees. The bill designates the retired teacher member as a voting member of the board. Currently, there is a retired teacher who serves on the Board, but that position is not a voting member...
Shelbyville Soccer Supporters continue fund-raising (03/11/08)
Plans for the laying of a brick pathway leading to the Shelbyville Central High School soccer field are back on again. The progress of the project was delayed due to the construction at the school, but the Shelbyville Soccer Supporters (SSS), a group of soccer parents and friends from the community, are ready to get the project completed...
Tracy pushes MTSU building project (03/08/08)
The Senate Education Committee has unanimously adopted a motion by State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) that would set seven capital building projects listed by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission as a priority of that committee. Actually building the projects depends on state funds becoming available; the projects would be considered in the order of which is most in need of improvements. ...
Academic banquet held (03/05/08)
Motlow nursing grads beat the averages (03/05/08)
Motlow State Community College nursing graduates last year did measurably better than the state and national average on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses, according to Marian Stewart, interim director of nursing at the college...
Students take action (03/01/08)
OPINION: School board member defends dress code vote (02/27/08)
Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, had been set as our D-Day, the day of decision. Months of planning had led up to the day. Countless hours of discussion had occupied the lives of many people. Financial costs had been weighed. Consultation with others who had already made the decision was processed. More than one sleepless night had followed the days of debate. The final decision would have major implications for thousands, for years to come. A lot of people give advice; a few make decisions...
Officer: Gangs active in county (02/23/08)
The dress code vote might have been the most anticipated item on Thursday night's Bedford County Board of Education agenda, but it certainly wasn't the only important item discussed in the nearly three-hour long meeting at Harris Middle School's Library...
Dress code passes unanimously (02/22/08)
The Bedford County Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday night to pass the third, and final, drafted proposal of a school dress code. Amendments were made allowing more shirt colors and longer shirts before the final vote. The dress code will go into effect at the beginning of next school year...
School board will consider dress code Thursday (02/19/08)
Bedford County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting 7 p.m. Thursday in the Harris Middle School library -- but public interest in the meeting may be anything but regular. That's because of agenda item III.D., labeled "School Dress Code."...
Students hear about life consequences (02/18/08)
Young people sat silently and on the edge of their Calsonic Arena seats on Valentine's Night as Barb Wise shared the heart-wrenching story of her journey from a diagnosis of HIV at age 27 -- to navigating the consequences of living with a terminal illness -- to being happily married for the past 14 years...
Motlow reports record spring enrollment (02/18/08)
Enrollment at Motlow College, which was named one of the fastest-growing colleges in the U.S. by Community College Week, continues its upward path and this spring surpassed 4,000 students for the first time in the college's history, according to Dr. MaryLou Apple, president of the college...
Barrett oversees SRO program (02/15/08)
There were only six road deputies when Tony Barrett started working with the Bedford County Sheriff's Department in 1978. Barrett, then 24, and the other five deputies, along with the sheriff and a warrant officer, made up the complete force. "When I was 28 years old I was made chief deputy, and I imagine I was the youngest chief deputy around," Barrett said. ...
Last attire forum brings civility, dialogue (02/13/08)
The last of four public forums held on proposed changes to Bedford County school dress code regulations featured two elements which had sometimes been in short supply at the previous forums: civility, and dialogue. Tuesday night's forum, held at Harris Middle School, was the last scheduled forum before Bedford County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on school attire later this month...
Turner cornerstone to be opened Feb. 24 (02/12/08)
The cornerstone from the historic Turner College will be opened 1 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Woodfork Chapel AME Church. The event, being held in honor of Black History Month, is open to the public. "We have no idea what's inside," said Lynn Hulan of Musgrave Pencil Company, which owns the site...
Last SSA forum scheduled Tuesday (02/11/08)
The last of the scheduled public forums on school attire -- and the first since revisions were made to the proposed policy -- is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Harris Middle School. Bedford County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the issue later this month...
Community FFA chapter on national TV (02/08/08)
The Community High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter will be showcased this weekend on "This Week in AgriBusiness", a weekly, one-hour television agri-news program broadcast on RFD-TV. Two of the country's most well-known farm broadcasters, Max Armstrong and Orion Samuelson, are hosts...
Cascade student wins scholarship (02/01/08)
Cascade Elementary School student Jessica Woodard has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship as the Tennessee state winner of the annual Bonnie Plant Farm Third Grade Cabbage Program. Woodard grew a cabbage plant that weighed more than 22 pounds as a part of a third grade science project last spring sponsored by Bonnie Plants of Union Springs, Ala...
School Board softens SSA proposal (02/01/08)
Bedford County Board of Education has revised its working document on Standardized School Attire; the most notable changes, though not the only ones, would be allowing plain blue jeans and applying the dress code only to grades 6 and up. The board has also tried to tweak the "tucked in" requirement...
School board will revise attire proposal (01/28/08)
Bedford County Board of Education will hold a called meeting 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the school system offices on Madison Street to approve a second working draft of a school dress code. In addition, the final public forum on school attire has been changed from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12 because several school board members had schedule conflicts. The forum will still be held at 6 p.m. at Harris Middle School...
Motlow is fast-growing, says magazine (01/25/08)
Motlow College is one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation for its size, according to a recent report by Community College Week. Motlow ranks 13th among the publication's list of the top 50 colleges with enrollments from 2,500 to 4,999 students...
School calendar for 2008-2009 is set (01/19/08)
Bedford County Board of Education approved a calendar for the 2008-2009 school year and heard reports on current building projects during its meeting Thursday night at Community High School. Students will report for an abbreviated day on Aug. 8, a Friday. According to School Superintendent Ed Gray, the start date was pushed to the end of that week to allow as much time as possible for completion of renovations to Central High School...
SSA opponents dominate third forum (01/18/08)
The third of four public forums on Standardized School Attire drew heavy criticism of the proposal, which is often described as more than a dress code but less than a uniform. "It is not right to tell anyone what to wear," said Connie Hasty, one of the speakers...
Pre-trial diversion possible for Bobo (01/18/08)
The attorney for a veteran teacher charged with carrying a gun on school property last month said Thursday that he is in the process of working out a pre-trial diversion in the case. Attorney John Norton, who is representing Dawn Bobo, the Liberty School teacher facing the weapons charge, said that a tentative agreement had been reached between his office and prosecutors in the case...
Continuance granted in Bobo case (01/17/08)
Another continuance has been granted in the case of a Liberty School teacher accused of carrying a gun on school property last month. Veteran teacher Dawn Bobo will appear Feb. 6 in Bedford County General Sessions Court before Judge Charles Rich. Court typically begins at 9 a.m...
Tracy likes governor's new stance on lottery funds (01/14/08)
State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) said in a news release Friday that he is pleased that Gov. Phil Bredesen is moving toward a more direct method of distributing lottery excess funds for K-12 school construction and capital outlay. Tracy was the prime sponsor of legislation in the Senate last year creating a system of grants for schools for K-12 construction from excess lottery funds. ...
Motlow enrollment shows increase (01/14/08)
Motlow College credit enrollment for the spring term is up 6.08 percent, with 3,543 students enrolled for classes after on-site registration, said MaryLou Apple, president of the college. Classes begin on Monday at all Motlow College sites, with registration continuing through Jan. 20...
Bobo case continued one week (01/10/08)
A one-week continuance was granted Wednesday in the case of a Liberty School teacher accused of carrying a gun on school property last month. Veteran teacher Dawn Bobo is now scheduled to appear Jan. 16 in Bedford County General Sessions Court. Court typically begins at 9 a.m...
Community note gets commission approval (01/09/08)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted 17-0 Tuesday night to approve a capital outlay note of up to $4 million, to be added to money already approved for the construction of a new Community High School. The county school system will repay the county from its capital outlay line item...
SSA forum set for Jan. 17 (01/08/08)
The next scheduled forum on Standardized School Attire (SSA) will be Jan. 17 at 5:45 at Community High School, prior to the meeting of Bedford County Board of Education at 7 p.m. at the school. This will be the third of four scheduled public forums on the controversial issue. The first was held in November at Liberty School, while the second was last month at Cascade. Anyone may attend any of the forums, regardless of where they live or which school their children attend...
State schools touted as "bargain" (01/05/08)
METRO MOORE COUNTY -- Tennessee's colleges, universities and technology centers are "still the best bargain" in higher education, said Fran Marcum of the Tennessee Board of Regents, and yet Tennessee is still "one of the most under-educated states."...
SCHS prepares to use new expansion (01/03/08)
Everyone at Shelbyville Central High School has been living in and around a construction site for the first part of the 2007-2008 school year as the school undergoes a renovation and expansion. Pictures for the football team and the yearbook capitalized on the construction zone for "photo ops," with team members standing on piles of dirt with heavy equipment in the background, and students wearing SCHS jerseys and hard hats. This has been a memorable year for the student body at SCHS...
Transition is hard to grasp for Somalians (12/27/07)
Imagine you and your family suddenly being deposited into a totally alien society, with a completely different language spoken and customs so foreign that some might be considered offensive. Yet the only way one can adapt is to learn the native tongue and ways of the people who already live there...
Local services adapt to serve Somalis (12/24/07)
With thousands of refugees moving to the Middle Tennessee area from various countries, including Somalia, local communities suddenly find themselves having to provide services for the newcomers. Holly Johnson is director of Catholic Charities of Tennessee, which handles much of the resettlement tasks for Somalis. She told the T-G that she was not aware of Shelbyville's large Somali population....
School's cost to be cut $400K (12/22/07)
American Constructors, the construction management firm for the planned new elementary school on Learning Way, proposed a guaranteed maximum price higher than local officials were willing to pay, so the school will be redesigned to cut costs. In addition, the School Board and the county's Financial Management Committee have approved a plan by which the school system can put money into the building program to fund a capital outlay note of up to $4 million towards the current building program, in part because it looks like a new Community High School will also cost more than originally planned.. ...
Parents at second forum oppose SSA (12/21/07)
"We are opposed!" was the consensus of parents who spoke at a public forum on Standardized School Attire (SSA) Thursday evening at Cascade High School, prior to the regular monthly meeting of Bedford County Board of Education. Unlike a public hearing last month at Liberty School, where opinions were heard both in favor of and against SSA, all of Thursday night's public speakers were opposed to the plan, which is often described as being more than a dress code but less than a uniform...
New draft policy available (12/19/07)
The Times-Gazette's SSA Information Central page, http://www.t-g.com/topic/ssa/, now includes a link to the latest revised draft proposal for a school dress code....
No air for Southside -- yet (12/18/07)
School superintendent Ed Gray attended Southside Primary School's PTO meeting Monday night to address Standardized School Attire issues, but parents and teachers had others things on their minds they wanted to discuss. Following about an hour-long discussion about the pros and cons of SSA, Gray changed topics, acknowledging he knew several people were there to talk about air conditioning problems at Southside...
Teacher charged with gun in school (12/17/07)
A Liberty School teacher has been charged with possessing a gun on school property. Investigators said Dawn Bobo arrived at school one day last week and, after entering the building, verbally exclaimed that she had accidentally brought the gun inside...
Second school attire forum set this week (12/17/07)
The next scheduled forum on Standardized School Attire (SSA) will be Thursday at 5:45 at Cascade High School, prior to the meeting of Bedford County Board of Education at 7 p.m. at the school. This will be the second of four scheduled public forums on the contentious issue; the first was held last month at Liberty School. Anyone may attend any of the forums, regardless of where they live or where their children attend...
MTSU grad honored (12/15/07)
Tracey Donnette Hargrove Caldwell of Shelbyville, a 1988 graduate of Central High School, was a member of the MTSU chapter of Tau Sigma, the honor society for transfer students, as well as a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing National Honor Society, the MTSU Student Nurses' Association and Tennessee Association of Student Nurses. ...
Threat shutters Forrest schools (12/15/07)
CHAPEL HILL -- Forrest Schools' classes were suspended Friday and two home basketball games with Community High School are postponed until next year because of a threatening note, Marshall County schools' officials said. "There was a bomb threat in the note," said Nancy Aldridge, interim director of schools. The note -- presumably written by a boy, although Aldridge wasn't specific -- was found in a bathroom at Forrest High and taken to the school office...
TTCS offers credit to high school students (12/14/07)
Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville will begin in January to offer a new program called the Articulation Fair. High school juniors and seniors can earn articulated advanced credit in courses offered at TTCS through knowledge-based testing and/or hands-on skills competency tests...
Homestead planned at Ag Center (12/12/07)
A new association is being planned with the goal of building a pioneer-style log home and outbuildings as a museum on the southwest corner of the Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center site. Organizers have the blessing of the Ag Center's board and of Bedford County Board of Commissioners. ...
Watson named 'Counselor of the Year' (12/11/07)
Tracy Watson, Cascade Elementary School's guidance counselor, has been named Elementary School Counselor of the Year by the Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA). She has been Cascade's counselor for eight years. Watson wasn't aware that she had been nominated until the award was announced at the TCA State Conference...
Bredesen: BEP funding may be slowed by economy (12/10/07)
NASHVILLE (AP) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen says full implementation of the state's retooled education funding formula may take longer than expected because of a tightening economy, but he still plans to put new funds into it. The governor said he initially intended for improvements to the Basic Education Program to be in place within three years. A key provision of the overhaul changes how the state calculates local governments' ability to fund their share of the formula...
New bids unlikely to delay opening of school (11/17/07)
Site work and utilities for the new elementary school on Learning Way will have to be re-bid because the bids didn't have enough information to allow for a direct comparison, but the re-bid shouldn't have much impact on getting the school open by the fall of 2009...
Feelings run high at first SSA forum (11/16/07)
The first of several planned public forums on the issue of Standardized School Attire brought out strong opinions on both sides. School board members also indicated that they might be willing to soften some portions of the current draft proposal, such as allowing young children to wear blue jeans, since they stand up better to playground abuse...
County recalculates tax revenue for schools (11/15/07)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved a number of minor housekeeping issues during their meeting on Tuesday night: The state requires that a county spend at least as much on schools each year as it spent the year before, in order to prevent counties from using increases in state funding as an excuse to drop their local funding. ...
SSA forum to be held at Liberty (11/12/07)
The first in a series of planned public forums on Standardized School Attire (SSA) will be held Thursday at 5:45 p.m. at Liberty School, prior to Thursday night's regular monthly meeting of Bedford County Board of Education. But at least one citizen is angry about the timing, claiming that -- because Liberty's basketball team has an away game that night -- participation will be limited...
Historic school building enters new phase (11/12/07)
A historic Elm Street structure has been receiving a facelift over the past few months and the public will get a chance this week to see what has been done. The building once housed Bedford County Training School, Shelbyville's school for African-Americans in the years before desegregation, which took place from 1965-67. It was later Harris Middle School. Now, it has been renovated into an office complex; the large gymnasium is in the process of restoration as well...
Veterans' education bill backed by Cobb (11/09/07)
Citing the inability of the G.I. Bill to meet the rising costs of a college education, the Tennessee House and Senate Democratic Caucus on Monday introduced the "Helping Heroes Act of 2008," a scholarship funded by lottery proceeds that will provide a maximum of $8,000 in higher education assistance to Tennessee veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan...
SSA poll shows divisions (11/05/07)
In a non-scientific poll on the Times-Gazette web site, participants were deeply divided over the issue of Standardized School Attire (SSA), with just under half favoring the draft proposal now being circulated. Here is how the results break down. There were 368 votes cast in the poll:...
Some want later start for schools (11/05/07)
MEMPHIS (AP) -- Some parents are building support for legislation that would ban Tennessee public schools from opening earlier than the week before Labor Day after a summer of sweltering classrooms and heat-exhausted athletes. But they face opposition from most of the statewide education organizations, which want to retain flexibility for local school boards to set their own school calendars...
Community presents 'The Crucible' (11/02/07)
Community High School's Smokestack Theatre Group will present its production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the school auditorium, and next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10, at 7 p.m. "The Crucible" is a 1953 play by Arthur Miller describing events that occurred during the Salem witch trials. ...
CORRECTED: State school report cards released (11/02/07)
The State of Tennessee released its annual report cards on every school and school system in the state at 8 a.m. today; the cards can be accessed at www.state.tn.us/education/reportcard. The state had already reported back in August the names of some schools in need of improvement. ...
TACIR revises school needs figure (11/02/07)
Revised figures from a state agency regarding infrastructure state that Bedford County schools have a need of $78.9 million, nearly half the amount reported earlier this week. The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) corrected the numbers Thursday after inquiries from the T-G revealed that the state agency had released data that was in error...
Local officials puzzled by inaccurate state figures (11/01/07)
Bedford County officials say they were mystified by figures released this week by a state agency regarding local infrastructure. That's because the numbers, released Monday by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), were found to be in error when the T-G began asking local officials about them...
Tracy, TDOT praised for quick work on road (10/29/07)
Traffic and safety problems in front of Cascade School should be drastically reduced due to the addition of a new lane leading onto the grounds. And Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray says it's all thanks to the efforts of State Sen. Jim Tracy and officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), who rushed the project through...
Schools brief parents on staph (10/29/07)
Bedford County schools are educating parents about steps to take to prevent an infection of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), also known as staph, following recent cases reported in Tennessee schools. Schools around the county have been hit with the drug-resistant bacterium, with recent infections in this state involving a Dickson County High School student and at a Rutherford County kindergarten...
Leadership class chooses two projects (10/26/07)
Leadership Bedford recently selected two community projects to pursue this year. The 12-member class of 2007-2008 chose the county's new pre-kindergarten program as the first project they'll focus on, and that will be followed up with the implementation of a mentoring program for middle school students...
Draft SSA policy available (10/22/07)
On Oct. 18, Bedford County Board of Education established the first draft of a Standardized School Attire policy, as a basis for discussion and public input. This is not the final policy, only a starting point. School board members hope to seek public input, make any necessary revisions and vote on a final policy in February...
French students visit Bell Buckle (10/20/07)
Approximately 30 French exchange students spent their last day in Bell Buckle Friday, touring the shops and getting a keepsake from the village as they headed back home this weekend. For the past two weeks, the students from the city of Strasbourg have been participating the exchange with Webb School, with many of the kids staying with local students and their families during their time here...
School work, planning advance (10/20/07)
The expansion and renovation of Central High School is still on schedule, Tom Grott of American Constructors told Bedford County Board of Education Thursday night. The next landmark for the project will be the opening of the newly-expanded gym lobby and restrooms in time for basketball season, and Grott said that portion of the project is in “very good†shape...
Sidewalks at Harris to be funded by state grant (10/19/07)
Harris Middle School has been awarded $150,500 in Safe Routes to School funds. The funds will be used to construct approximately 4,000 linear feet of sidewalk in the vicinity of the school. Funds will also be used to provide an educational program focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety and promotional activities to encourage walking and biking as a safe and healthy initiative...
New policy on cell phone use in schools (10/19/07)
On the one hand, cell phones are a way for teens and pre-teens to keep in touch with their parents. For example, students and parents can call each other if there’s a change in after-school plans. On the other hand, they can be disruptive if used during school hours, and can even be used to cheat on exams, with one student text-messaging answers to another on the sly...
Draft school attire policy issued (10/19/07)
Bedford County Board of Education has taken the first steps towards adopting Standardized School Attire, by releasing a draft policy which will serve as a basis of debate and discussion between now and February, when the board hopes to adopt a final policy...
Cobb participates in educational program (10/15/07)
State Rep. Curt Cobb recently participated in the America's Legislators Back to School Program, which is designed to educate students about the legislative process and build links between the schools and the legislatures. "Last year the Tennessee Legislature passed a budget which included nearly $185 million in funding for school systems in Bedford, Lincoln, and Rutherford Counties. ...
OPINION: Don't do more than is needed (10/13/07)
After traveling with local school board members to the Chattanooga area last spring and to Nashville this week, I feel sure that they will adopt Standardized School Attire (SSA), which is usually described as being more than a dress code but less than a uniform...
Library observes 'Teen Read Week' (10/13/07)
A variety of Teen Read Week activities will be held next week at Argie Cooper Public Library on South Main Street: Pumpkin Carving Contest: Bring in carved pumpkins starting Monday and ending Oct. 19. They will be displayed, and first, second and third place winners will be announced at the Teen Book Club meeting on Oct. 20. This contest is for ages 13-18, although the library will also have a pre-teen pumpkin carving contest (for ages 9-12) running at the same time (see below)...
Webb, town, county officials try to slow traffic (10/11/07)
In August 1981, 13-year-old Lisa Bennett was crossing Highway 82 in front of Webb School in Bell Buckle to visit her mother, who works at the boarding school. Lisa never made it. She was struck by a car and died of her injuries the next day. The school, the Town of Bell Buckle and county law enforcement want to prevent a reoccurrence...
Metro personnel laud new school attire (10/10/07)
NASHVILLE -- Teachers and administrators at three Metro schools told Bedford County school representatives on Tuesday that implementation of Standardized School Attire (SSA) has gone smoothly, and claimed it is making a noticeable impact on student attitude and behavior...
Motlow names new library (10/06/07)
The new library at Motlow State Community College will be named after university supporter Jim Clayton and former president Dr. A. Frank Glass, according to current Motlow president Dr. MaryLou Apple. Tennessee Board of Regents, which oversees Motlow, approved the name at its September meeting, and a ceremony to christen the library is in the planning stages...
TDOT studying turn lanes (10/01/07)
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has begun a feasibility study to see if turn lanes can be constructed at Cascade Elementary. Parents and area residents expressed concern last week to the Times-Gazette about the traffic situation in front of the school, which they say becomes dangerous with vehicles parked on both sides of State Highway 269, also known as Wartrace / Bell Buckle Road...
Housing market may fall more (09/29/07)
MURFREESBORO -- "I believe the bottom of the housing downturn could be quite a ways off," said the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Dennis Lockhart, during Middle Tennessee State University's annual Economic Outlook Conference on Friday...
Social networking offers fun but also risk (09/29/07)
WINCHESTER -- Barb Neligan of Education Networks of America, an Internet and network service provider for schools, told southern Middle Tennessee school board members Thursday that it's critical for adults to understand online social networking and the ways in which children and teenagers use it...
School traffic causes problems at Cascade (09/26/07)
"It's chaotic!" That's how one parent describes the traffic situation at Cascade Elementary, where cars are parked on both sides of the narrow two-lane state highway every afternoon. But until the Bedford County School System gets help from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), there isn't much they can do about it...
Local online courses recognized nationally (09/25/07)
Bedford County Schools' use of online courses has been profiled by the Arlington, Va.-based Center for Public Education in a story on its web site. Bedford County is one of only eight counties in the state participating in a pilot program called e4TN, which offers makeup work for students who need credits to graduate...
School plans revised to save money (09/21/07)
Bedford County school officials have made changes in the plans for two upcoming schools in hopes of saving money. The changes were discussed Thursday night at the monthly meeting of Bedford County Board of Education. The new elementary school planned for Learning Way has been reduced by eight classrooms, which would reduce its capacity from 750 students to 550. ...
Speakers urge citizens to protect Constitution (09/18/07)
MOORE COUNTY -- Three Motlow State Community College instructors marked the 220th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution on Monday, with one saying it is under attack and another saying that a new constitutional convention proposed in the 1980s would have been a good idea...
Clayton Foundation gives Motlow $500,000 (09/18/07)
Jim and Kay Clayton announced this week a $500,000 grant to the Motlow College Foundation from The Clayton Family Foundation, according to Dr. MaryLou Apple, president of the college. The Clayton Family Foundation was established by the Claytons in 1992...
Imagination Library recognized this week (09/17/07)
Reading opens windows of opportunity for children and this week, Tennesseans celebrate that chance to travel around the world through books as the second Imagination Library Week begins. Gov. Phil Bredesen dedicated this week as Imagination Library Week, kicking off a celebration of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.The week will be packed with events aimed at bolstering enrollment of the program as well as fund-raising activities in nearly all 95 counties including reading events at the Argie Cooper Library where guest readers will share stories with children of all ages.. ...
'Liberty Pole' will educate as it entertains (09/10/07)
The Times-Gazette begins publishing "The Liberty Pole," a 16-chapter serial story by Jackie French Koller with illustrations by Josh Mills, on page 7 of today's print edition. The serial will be published each Monday. The serial is made possible by the Tennessee Press Association Foundation...
Electrical outage closes Cascade (09/10/07)
An electrical outage, the cause of which is still unknown, cancelled classes at Cascade High School today, although Cascade Elementary School next door was unaffected and remains open on its normal schedule. Power was disrupted to the high school Sunday afternoon, according to School Superintendent Ed Gray, and the decision was made about 7 p.m. Sunday to cancel classes for today...
Smith to aid Books From Birth Foundation (09/08/07)
Tamra Smith of Shelbyville knows first-hand the importance of reading and the art's influence on impressive young lives. Now, through the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS), Smith, an attorney and Disability Claims Director with DHS, will have an opportunity to put that experience to work as she teams with the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation (GBBF) to expand the libraries of more than 2,400 child care agencies serving low income infants, toddlers and preschoolers across the state.. ...
United Way campaign to kick off Tuesday (09/06/07)
United Way of Bedford County will hold a campaign kickoff breakfast Tuesday morning to mark the ceremonial start of the fall fund-raising campaign. The breakfast will begin 7:30 a.m. at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds, with a brief program at 7:50. Representatives of two United Way-supported agencies will speak, and the fund-raising goal for this fall's campaign will be announced...
Motlow enrollment leads TBR system in growth (09/05/07)
Fall enrollment at Motlow State Community College is up 7.10 percent on the fifth day of classes and represents the highest enrollment increase among Tennessee Board of Regents colleges and universities, according to Dr. MaryLou Apple, president of the college. Final fall enrollment numbers will be released by TBR next week...
Kimbro honored for service to Motlow (08/29/07)
Kay Kimbro of Normandy, who was hired as Motlow State Community College's second employee, marked 35 years with the college this year and was recognized during an award ceremony on the Moore County campus. Kimbro was hired in 1969 second only to Motlow's first president, Dr. ...
School booster groups must register (08/15/07)
A new state law requires that organizations such as PTOs, booster clubs and alumni associations which use a school's name, mascot or logo to raise funds will need to enter a written agreement with the school system and provide the school system with complete financial records on request...
SCHS work still on schedule (08/15/07)
Tom Grott of American Constructors said the summer was a productive one for the renovation and expansion of Central High School. "We've had a very good summer," Grott told Bedford County Board of Education on Monday, describing the SCHS project as on schedule...
Board hears HMS, SCHS issues (08/14/07)
It was announced last week that Harris Middle School is on the state's school improvement list after failing to meet its adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals for two years. But Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray, reporting to the Board of Education Monday night, also said that Central High School is on the state's target list after failing to meet its goals for one year, and that Thomas Intermediate School missed the target list by one student...
Vaughn is new Southside principal (08/10/07)
Reita Vaughn is back where she started her education more than 40 years ago, only this time she's Southside Primary School's new principal. "It doesn't happen very often that you get to go back to where you once started," Vaughn said. "It seemed like an impossibility that I would come back to where it all began."...
IRS ends confusion over teacher tax issue (08/09/07)
Moving to clear up confusion about a recent tax law change, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reassured teachers and other school employees that new deferred-compensation rules will not affect the way their pay is taxed during the upcoming school year...
Cascade High's new principal finds job a natural fit (08/09/07)
Cascade High School is the ideal fit for new principal Sharon Edwards. She has been the principal next door at Cascade Elementary School for the last 10 years. The sophomores at the high school were kindergarten students under Edwards, and the juniors and seniors, she had as first and second graders. She has watched so many of the students at the high school grow up...
Lynchburg event features musical variety (08/09/07)
The final planning stages are underway for the Moore County Band Boosters-sponsored Concert in the Park to be held on Aug. 25 at the Wiseman Park in Lynchburg. Diane Crowell, booster club vice president, has played a fundamental role in organizing and routing the vendors and bands that will perform on the day...
Fisher takes the reins at Cascade Elementary (08/08/07)
"I have always wanted to be a teacher," said Cascade Elementary School's new principal, Martha Fisher. "I used to play school all the time when I was little. I'd set my dolls up in chairs, and set up my chalkboard, and I would be the teacher. Teaching is something I've always wanted to do."...
Construction causes heat at SCHS (08/08/07)
Removal of dropped ceilings at Central High School as part of a construction project has had an unintended side effect during this week's heat wave, as some students returning to class were faced with unusually warm temperatures. SCHS Principal Don Embry said that work is continuing to address the problem and that students and faculty have not complained...
Harris is on school improvement list (08/07/07)
Harris Middle School has made the state's list of schools needing improvement, announced Monday, after failing to meet its adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals for two years. Harris Middle includes grades 6, 7 and 8. The school moved into a new facility on Learning Way in 2005. It was given a status of "School Improvement 1," which means it has failed to meet its AYP goals for two years. It must meet the goals for two years in order to come off School Improvement 1 status...
McCullough is new Thomas School principal (08/07/07)
Being a role-model matters to Dee McCullough, particularly now that he is the new principal at Thomas Intermediate School. "You've got to be a role-model as a teacher, especially in today's society," McCullough said. "There are so many kids in our school that come from broken homes, and they need not only a good male role-model, but they need us to be a good positive influence."...
Poll: Celebration school closing approved (08/04/07)
By a margin of more than 7 in favor for every 3 opposed, participants in a non-scientific Times-Gazette web site poll favor the current practice of closing county schools during the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Here is how the poll was presented:...
Finance panel OKs school budget (08/01/07)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee recommended passage of the county school budget and the Bedford County Nursing Home budget Tuesday night, meaning that all of the county's budgets and tax rates are ready for final approval Aug. 14 by Bedford County Board of Commissioners...
Sales tax holiday this weekend (08/01/07)
With school opening soon, parents are going to be headed to the stores for this year's clothes and supplies. But the best time to do your shopping will be this weekend, when Tennesseans will have their second annual Sales Tax Holiday. It begins Friday at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday at 11:59 p.m...
House approves funding for MTSU programs (07/31/07)
The U.S. House of Representatives approved federal funding to help Middle Tennessee State University boost its science education and aerospace efforts by completing its new observatory and conducting research to better train air traffic controllers and pilots, announced U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon...
American Constructors hired for new school projects (07/28/07)
Bedford County Board of Education has awarded American Constructors the contract to serve as construction manager for a new Community High School and for the new elementary school which will be located on Learning Way. The new elementary school has no official name yet, although it is frequently referred to as "Central Elementary" for the sake of convenience...
School budget stays within same tax rate (07/28/07)
Bedford County Board of Education approved a $42.6 million general purpose school system budget Thursday night within the current county property tax rate. The school budget will go to the County Financial Management Committee on Tuesday night and then to the full county commission in August. Combined with the budgets and tax rates approved so far, the school budget would not require any increase in the overall county property tax rate for 2007-2008...
Elkins celebrates 50 years at Webb (07/28/07)
In March 1957, Dorothy Elkins was asked to help out for a couple weeks in the office at Webb School. Fifty years later she is still there, that two weeks turning into half a century of service. "My good friend Sybil Steiner called me from Webb and asked me if I could come in and help out with some filing and typing for a couple of weeks," Elkins said. ...
County schools will continue drug testing (07/27/07)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday night to continue random drug testing for students engaged in extracurricular activities, only with minor changes to the permission form which parents and students sign at the beginning of the school year...
New elementary school approved by planners (07/27/07)
A site plan review for a new elementary school on Learning Way was approved Thursday by the Shelbyville Planning Commission, while two other items of interest were delayed until August. The school is to be located at the intersection of Learning Way and Madison Street on 3.22 acres. The property is currently zoned I-1 [light industrial]. It has no official name yet, although it is widely referred to as "Central Elementary School" for the sake of convenience...
Officers trained in school safety (07/24/07)
Tennessee Highway Patrol, Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, and the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force recently joined forces to sponsor school safety training for law enforcement officers from three counties. Deputies from the Bedford County, Lincoln County, and Moore County Sheriff's Departments, police officers from the Shelbyville and Wartrace Police Departments, Drug Task Force agents, and Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers participated in a two-day class on how to respond to an active gunman in a school incident. ...
State sales tax holiday Aug. 3-5 (07/19/07)
With school days fast approaching, shoppers budgeting for the expense will rejoice over the expanded sales tax holiday approved by the General Assembly. The tax-free weekend will take place Aug. 3-5 for back-to-school shopping. The General Assembly expanded the sales tax holiday this past session to include art supplies such as clay and glazes; acrylic, tempera and oil paints; paintbrushes for artwork; sketch and drawing pads; and watercolors...
Yoes among Principal of Year finalists (07/14/07)
Jeff Yoes of Community High School has been chosen as a finalist for the Tennessee Department of Education 2007-08 Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards. The winner and each of the finalists will receive awards provided by ENA at an awards banquet during the 2007 LEAD conference...
First Pre-K planning meeting held (06/28/07)
In accordance with Gov. Phil Bredesen's plan to see Pre-K programs started across Tennessee, the Bedford County Community Pre-K Advisory Council (CPAC) held its first planning meeting this week to start a program within the Bedford County School System...
Teacher salaries could require tax hike (06/27/07)
Unless money were saved elsewhere in the county's budget, it would take an increase of four cents per $100 assessed value on the county property tax rate to fund the proposed school system budget, which includes money for higher teacher salaries. A proposed draft budget was handed out to school board members during a called meeting Tuesday at the school system central offices on Madison Street. ...
'Stuff the School Bus' charity drive set (06/26/07)
School may be out right now, but that doesn't mean you can't "Stuff the School Bus" in the meantime. "Stuff the School Bus" is a new initiative for the 2007 school year. United Way of Bedford County is partnering with Wal-Mart and the Bedford County School system to collect and distribute school supplies to needy children in the county...
School's out, but SCHS work is ongoing (06/26/07)
American Constructors Inc. and its sub-contractors are making good progress and are generally ahead of schedule on the expansion and renovation of Central High School -- but there's a lot of work to be done to get the existing SCHS building back into shape before school starts in early August...
Alternative school -- by any other name -- holds promise (06/23/07)
Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray told school board members on Thursday that moving the alternative school program -- which he would like to rename -- into the Harris Middle School annex would enable new programs like credit recovery to help students graduate...
Officials say higher teacher salaries needed (06/22/07)
Bedford County school officials will ask for an increase in teacher salaries and insurance benefits for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, but that won't close the gap between Bedford County and some of the neighbors to whom it is losing experienced teachers...
Familiar bidders compete for school construction (06/22/07)
Bedford County Board of Education has two bids for construction management services for a new elementary school on Learning Way in Shelbyville and a replacement building for Community High School in Unionville. Both bids are from companies which are already working for the school system:...
Alternative school gains committee backing (06/20/07)
Bedford County School System has repeated its request to use the old Harris Middle School annex as an alternative school, and the county commission's courthouse and county property committee has recommended that the request be granted. School Superintendent Ed Gray told the committee on Tuesday that there are state funds available for at-risk education. Currently, the alternative school operates out of four portable classrooms on the campus of Central High School...
Discussions proceed on MTSU project (06/19/07)
The first preliminary meeting about the possibility of Middle Tennessee State University opening an extension campus in the old Harris Middle School building on Elm Street was a positive one, according to County Mayor Eugene Ray. Ray said he is pleased with the response of MTSU officials to the project so far...
Metro dress code gets clean bill of health (06/15/07)
Metro Nashville Public Schools received an opinion this week from the Metro legal department affirming the legality of standardized school attire (SSA) as it is being implemented there. Bedford County Board of Education has discussed the idea of implementing such a program here, and school board members traveled to the Chattanooga area last month to visit two schools where SSA is in place. They will no doubt pay attention to how the program is implemented in Metro as it begins this fall...
Hosts needed for exchange students (06/06/07)
Students from across the globe are awaiting word of their 2007-2008 school year placement through World Heritage, a public benefit program that locates host parents for exchange students. Based in Colorado, the program is officially designated as an exchange visitor program by the U.S. Department of State. It is fully listed with Council of Standards on International Educational Travel...
Library's summer reading program resumes (06/06/07)
Open a book and go places across the world. Fight pirates, sail the seas, ride horses in the West or climb mountains in Alaska while searching for gold. Whatever the adventure, Argie Cooper Public Library is ready to read this summer. Youth Services Librarian Margaret Reed has lined the weekly programs for summer reading with adventure, designed to encourage children to find fascinating activities in books...
Sophomore's passion for music takes him far (05/30/07)
Brandon Compton says that playing tuba in the Community High School band is his passion, and that passion has helped him to excel in his music. Compton was named first chair tuba player for the All-State Wind Band this spring. "This is a high honor for Brandon," said Stephen Givens, Community band director. "And it's rare for a sophomore to become first chair. All-State Band is like an All-State sports team, it's the best of the best."...
School budget on hold pending funding changes (05/21/07)
Although School Superintendent Ed Gray had a draft copy of a 2007-2008 budget laying on his desk Thursday, he didn't present it to Bedford County Board of Education that night, telling the board that it's better to wait and see what the state is going to do with education funding before locking in a budget which would have to be changed later...
New elementary school will require new districts (05/18/07)
When a new elementary school is built on Learning Way in the next few years, new district lines will have to be drawn, and School Superintendent Ed Gray said that districts for each of Shelbyville's elementary schools will need to be strictly enforced, even if that doesn't sit well with some parents...
Despite the rain, the horses came (05/12/07)
Despite the much-needed rain that fell in Bedford County on Friday night, Central High School Band members and boosters were whistling "Dixie" with the outcome of the walking horse show they sponsored at Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center...
P-16 Council holds first meeting (05/11/07)
Bedford County P-16 Council, which will attempt to network all levels of education with economic and community development efforts, held an organizational meeting this morning at the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville. TTCS director Ivan Jones chaired the meeting...
Principal says standardized attire changes attitudes (05/11/07)
CLEVELAND -- Chuck Rockholt, principal of Cleveland High School in this East Tennessee city, says he can tell a difference in the atmosphere in his school on the "dress-down" days when students are permitted to wear blue jeans. "There is a different feel to the building," he said...
Some children's words can hurt (05/10/07)
Art Linkletter once hosted a popular television show entitled, "Kids Say the Darndest Things!" Regardless of the year, kids are still saying things, some of which shouldn't be aired in public, and much of which causes emotional and social distress. According to Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray, children are children...
Chattanooga principal praises standardized attire (05/10/07)
HARRISON -- The principals of two Chattanooga-area high schools that have adopted standardized school attire (SSA) told a Bedford County delegation on Tuesday that common sense and flexibility is a key to making the program work....
Wal-Mart DC names Pennington 'Teacher of the Year' (05/09/07)
Jeff Pennington, a fifth grade teacher at Community Elementary School, was named the local Teacher of the Year by the Shelbyville Wal-Mart Distribution Center 6062. The award, which was given as a part of Wal-Mart's 12th annual Teacher of the Year program, was presented Tuesday in honor of National Teacher's Appreciation Day on May 8...
After 44 years, teacher still loves her job (05/09/07)
After 44 years in the classroom, Southside Primary School teacher Nancy Barnett still loves teaching first grade. "I've taught first grade almost my whole career," Barnett said. "I taught 6th grade for half a year, and I've had the opportunity to be in administration (having received a master's degree in administration, supervision, and curriculum development) but I love teaching first grade. ...
County borrows $44M over 30 years (05/09/07)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee voted Tuesday night to use a fixed-rate 30-year bond issue to borrow the $44 million in school construction funds approved last month by Bedford County Board of Commissioners. The money will fund renovation and expansion of Central High School, which is already underway, as well as construction of a new elementary school on Learning Way in Shelbyville and a new building for Community High School which will allow Community's middle school and elementary grades to expand into the current high school facility.. ...
Substitute sees teaching from a new angle (05/08/07)
In one of my all-time favorite movies, "Sullivan's Travels," the main character learns that he can't truly know what it's like to be poor just by pretending to be a poor person. Similarly, it's impossible to know what it's like to be a teacher from one day as a substitute -- especially when your curriculum is mostly made up of talking about your job and your international travel experiences...
Gray excited about BEP's boost for schools (05/08/07)
School Board Superintendent Ed Gray said Monday he was elated with the proposed changes to the Basic Education 2.0 (BEP), a plan announced by Gov. Phil Bredesen last week. "I'm still walking n cloud 9," Gray said. "It's almost too good to be true. The plan would channel just over $3 million into Bedford County's educational program. ...
County schools to gain $3M (05/05/07)
Sen. Jim Tracy, member of the Senate Education Committee, said Friday Bedford countians can expect to see approximately $3 million added to the county's education budget under the proposed funding changes announced by Gov. Phil Bredesen on Thursday through the restructuring of the Basic Education Plan (BEP ) 2.0...
Bredesen outlines school proposals (05/04/07)
Calling on the need to find accountability and sustainability in education standards, Gov. Phil Bredesen outlined his new funding program for schools Thursday. The proposal, which the governor called Basic Education Plan (BEP) 2.0, will, if approved by the General Assembly, funnel into county coffers substantially large amounts of money to aid education programs for the proposed 40-cent tax increase on tobacco products...
Tennessee reacts to VT tragedy (04/30/07)
NASHVILLE -- Responding to President Bush's request for analysis of what U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper calls America's worst mass murder, Gov. Phil Bredesen on Saturday hosted workshops on issues raised by the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech. "Mental illness has not received ... ...
Ray suggests old school building for MTSU branch (04/25/07)
County Mayor Eugene Ray has suggested to Middle Tennessee State University that the former Harris Middle School building on Elm Street be used as an extension campus, and MTSU President Sidney McPhee is interested enough to discuss the proposal further, according to Ray...
Bricks pave way to soccer field upgrades (04/21/07)
Just like the road leading to the Wizard of Oz, the pathway leading to the Shelbyville Central High School soccer field will soon be paved with bricks. SCHS soccer coach Neal Gordon wants to sell at least 2,000 bricks with names and sentiments engraved on them that will lead the way from the parking lot into the school's soccer field. ...
Brick project supports soccer upgrades (04/21/07)
Just like the road leading to the Wizard of Oz, the pathway leading to the Shelbyville Central High School soccer field will soon be paved with bricks. SCHS soccer coach Neal Gordon wants to sell at least 2,000 bricks with names and sentiments engraved on them that will lead the way from the parking lot into the school's soccer field. ...
Construction schedules for schools studied (04/20/07)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday night, considered construction schedules for a new elementary school on Learning Way and for a replacement building for Community High School, with both to open in time for the 2009-2010 school year...
Global warming tour hits MTSU (04/18/07)
MURFREESBORO -- Activist and filmmaker Laurie David and musician Sheryl Crow brought their "Stop Global Warming College Tour" to Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday with a concert and multi-media presentation for students at Murphy Center. David, co-founder of Stopglobalwarming.org with Sen. John McCain and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was one of the producers of Al Gore's film "An Inconvenient Truth."...
Lieutenant governor supports Tracy plan (04/16/07)
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey told the Times-Gazette during a visit to Shelbyville on Saturday that he supports state Sen. Jim Tracy's bill which would designate $100 million in excess lottery funds to help local school systems with their capital projects...
Sales tax holiday returns this month (04/12/07)
Tennessee will have a sales tax holiday beginning at 12:01 a.m. April 27 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. April 29. The holiday will be similar to the back-to-school holiday held last August; the items which will be tax-exempt were chosen to benefit families with school-age children, but even those families or individuals without children can realize some savings...
Bullying on the increase (04/12/07)
For many students across the country, being on the school playground is anything but a time for playful fun. School bullies have turned the traditional carefree recreation area into a source of constant dread. Bullying is on the rise. Although there are programs implemented to prevent school and playground threats, about 75 percent of students admit to being involved with bullying in some capacity...
Daniel hired as county budget director (04/11/07)
Robert Daniel, who has been the business manager for the county school system, was approved by Bedford County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night to be the county's new budget director. Daniel will officially change jobs on April 15 -- but for the time being, he and his staff will continue to work out of the school system central offices on Madison Street. ...
County will borrow $44M for schools (04/11/07)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted 16-1-1 Tuesday night to approve borrowing $44 million toward renovation and expansion of Central High School, construction of a new elementary school on Learning Way south of Harris Middle School, and construction of a new building for Community High School...
Ex-teacher fired after conviction (03/31/07)
A former substitute teacher for Bedford County has had his employment terminated by the Rutherford County School System. Last week, 29-year old Nalin White of Bell Buckle surrendered his teacher's license after entering a no contest plea to three counts of soliciting a minor in Rutherford County...
County may borrow $44M for school projects (03/28/07)
Instead of borrowing $20.8 million for the expansion of Central High School, Bedford County may try to lock in current favorable interest rates by borrowing up to $44 million -- enough to fund the SCHS project plus a new Community High School and a new elementary school in Shelbyville....
Shelbyville to host TASC convention (03/27/07)
Student leaders from across the state will converge on Bedford County this weekend as Shelbyville Central High School's Student Council hosts the Tennessee Association of Student Councils (TASC) Convention Thursday through Saturday. The theme for the three-day event is "Leadership - Is It In You?"...
Teacher resigns after sex charges (03/21/07)
A former substitute teacher for Bedford County surrendered his teacher's license Tuesday after entering a no contest plea to three counts of soliciting a minor in Rutherford County. According to the Murfreesboro Post, 29-year old Nalin White of Bell Buckle entered the pleas to soliciting a 15-year-old student for sex May 3, 2006, at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro where he taught geography...
Dress code may be in students' futures (03/17/07)
Bedford County Board of Education members will travel to Chattanooga this spring to research the idea of a standardized dress code for middle and high school students. The issue was discussed during the board's monthly meeting on Thursday night. A "uniform dress code," as it is referred to, is something less than an official school uniform but considerably stricter than existing dress codes. ...
New lights approved for Community fields (03/17/07)
Bedford County Board of Education approved a $169,100 bid Thursday night for athletic field lighting and for restrooms at the athletic fields at Community High School. The bid, from Haynes Service Company, was not only the low bid but was significantly lower than the other two bidders. School Superintendent Ed Gray said that the owners of the firm were boosters of Unionville athletics and were basically providing the job at their own cost...
Motlow, TSU may offer criminal justice program (03/16/07)
Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College are considering a program which would allow students to earn a four-year degree in criminal justice from TSU with all classes meeting on the Motlow campus in Moore County. The schools will hold an informational meeting Tuesday afternoon at Motlow and officials say they need at least 20 students to make the program happen...
Board wants high school, not elementary, at Unionville (03/16/07)
Bedford County Board of Education has revised its 10-year master plan to include a new high school, instead of a new elementary school, in the Unionville area. Unionville's current Community School complex includes connected buildings, built at various times, housing grades K through 12. ...
Commission approves SCHS expansion (03/14/07)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved the $20.8 million expansion and renovation of Shelbyville Central High School on Tuesday night. The vote was unanimous among the 17 commissioners in attendance; commissioner Roger Brothers was unable to attend due to illness. ...
Riding for those who died (03/13/07)
The school resource officer at Harris Middle School is raising money for her bike ride this spring with the Police Unity Tour in Virginia to Washington, D.C., because she remembers a fellow officer killed in the line of duty. Bedford County Sheriff's Deputy Kim Moses Brown was a campus police officer at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, patrolling on a bicycle during the overnight shift when she met Kay Rogers, a motorcycle officer with the Murfreesboro Police Department...
Motlow rises fastest in TBR system (03/08/07)
Motlow State Community College had the highest percentage increase for its enrollment this spring of any college in the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system, said Greer Alsup, director of admissions and records. Motlow's 13.74 percent increase also set a record for the college...
Committee backs SCHS expansion (03/07/07)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee gave its recommendation Tuesday night to the $20.8 million expansion and renovation of Central High School. "I think we're behind now, and ... we've got to move on," said Commissioner J.D. "Bo" Wilson. But committee members said the project could mean a tight year or two for the county, and stressed that new revenue will be needed for future school building projects...
Tracy honored by TSBA (03/05/07)
State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) received the Tennessee School Board Association's (TSBA) 2007 Legislative Award last week at the annual TSBA legislative breakfast. "Sen. Tracy has established himself as a key leader on education issues," said Amy Martin, president-elect of TSBA and a member of Bedford County Board of Education. Tracy was formerly one of Martin's colleagues on the school board, but resigned in order to devote his full attention to his state Senate seat...
Leaders take time to be readers of rhyme (03/03/07)
Like other students and teachers across the nation on Friday, Bedford County readers as well as leaders took time to read a rhyme and listen in a session with books by Dr. Seuss that are in use here, there and everywhere. Big and small and tall people took time from their daily duties to celebrate Dr. Seuss' 100th birthday, the 50th anniversary of his well-loved book "The Cat in the Hat," and to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Education Association's Read Across America Week...
Finance committee will wait a week on SCHS bid (02/28/07)
Members of Bedford County Financial Management Committee, meeting Tuesday night, decided they wanted another week to consider the request for $20.8 million for renovation and expansion of Shelbyville Central High School. The committee will hold a special called meeting next Tuesday at 5 p.m. ...
SCHS price tag is $20.8 million (02/21/07)
An expanded and renovated Shelbyville Central High School will cost $20.8 million, according to figures revealed at Tuesday night's special called meeting of Bedford County Board of Education. American Constructors Inc. announced its guaranteed maximum price for the SCHS project, $20.1 million, during the meeting. ...
SCHS bid expected Tuesday (02/16/07)
Bedford County Board of Education will have to wait until Tuesday to find out the guaranteed maximum price (G-MAX) for the expansion and renovation of Central High School. School board chairman Barry Cooper told the board Thursday night that it just wasn't possible for American Constructors, the school system's construction management firm, to get all the figures together in time for Thursday's regular monthly meeting. ...
Teachers try to fend off foul language (02/10/07)
Language that once was considered unacceptable around "women and children" is apparently the norm in most school hallways today. Some blame the proliferation of obscenities spouted today to what's seen and heard on TV and in the movies, although producers and directors claim they are simply reflecting what's going in real life...
Speaker: Black students hurt by policies of past (02/08/07)
MURFREESBORO -- The policies of the past still create an unequal situation for black students, says a Vanderbilt University professor who challenges black teens during a summer program to see themselves as scholars. Dr. Gilman Whiting was the keynote speaker for Tuesday's Unity Luncheon, a part of the African-American History Month observance at Middle Tennessee State University. ...
Feeling the wrath of Katrina (02/01/07)
As a witness of Hurricane Katrina's wrath, New Orleans resident Dr. Douglas Brinkley shared stories of that storm, political failures and heroic rescues with Webb School students earlier this week. Brinkley has recorded those experiences in a new book, "The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast."...
Author preparing book on Eaglettes (01/30/07)
Twelve state championships and numerous runner-up titles earned by the Shelbyville Central High School Golden Eaglettes basketball team have captured the interest of Jackson author Gene Pearce. "It's an incredible story; there's enough information to write two books," Pearce said of the Eaglettes' celebrated record...
SCHS site plan gets city nod (01/26/07)
Approval was given Thursday by the Shelbyville Planning Commission for the site plan for work to be done on areas of Shelbyville Central High School. The additions will total 96,538 square feet, containing a new two-story classroom and office building, which are to be placed between the existing building and the gymnasium, becoming the building's new front entrance, facing Learning Way and the Harris Middle School campus...
School calendar approved (01/22/07)
Bedford County Board of Education approved a 2007-2008 school calendar on Thursday night; they considered approving a 2008-2009 calendar at the same time but decided to wait a while before doing so. School will start for students with an abbreviated day on Aug. 6, 2007. School Superintendent Ed Gray said the date was chosen as a result of feedback from parents, who prefer that school start on a Monday. As normal, schools will be closed during the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration...
Planners to review SCHS site plan (01/18/07)
Next Thursday, the Shelbyville Planning Commission will consider the site plan request for work to be done on parts of Shelbyville Central High School. The additions will total 96,538 square feet, containing a new two-story classroom and office building, which is to be placed between the existing building and the gymnasium, becoming the building's new front entrance, facing Learning Way and the Harris Middle School campus...
Ex-coach charged with statutory rape (01/17/07)
A former Moore County elementary physical education teacher is facing charges of statutory rape after being indicted by the Franklin County grand jury. William Samuel Haynes, 31, of 312 Chesapeake Dr., Tullahoma, was indicted on one count of statutory rape of a girl under the age of 18, according to the indictments issued by the grand jury. ...
Planning continues for new Christian school (01/13/07)
There will be a meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Duck River Electric Membership Corporation auditorium on Madison Street for anyone interested in starting Crossroads Christian Academy, a new private non-denominational Christian elementary school in Bedford County...
Fire destroys building but memories remain (01/10/07)
The flames that destroyed the old portion of the former Bedford County Training School/Harris High School building on Elm Street early Monday took more than a building. Carried with them were rooms which held many memories for former students. But those memories -- and the lessons learned and friendships formed within those fallen walls -- survive...
Lottery grant funds after-school programs (01/08/07)
Unclaimed lottery prize money is helping fund after-school programs in Bedford County and across the state, as Gov. Phil Bredesen announced $21.2 million in grants this week under the Lottery Education After-School Program, or LEAP. Bedford County will receive $86,500 in LEAP funds during this fiscal year. School board members passed an amendment last month to incorporate the LEAP funding into the budget...
Helping hand planned for college dropouts (01/06/07)
MOTLOW COLLEGE -- More than 60,000 Tennesseans have dropped out of college since the 1990s within just 30 credit hours of earning their associate's or bachelor's degrees. "For some reason, life happened," said David Gregory, vice-chancellor of Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), during a legislative briefing Friday at Motlow State Community College...
Extension campus proposed for old HMS (12/20/06)
A non-profit foundation has proposed marketing the vacant Harris Middle School / Central High School facility on Elm Street as an extension campus for a major state university. Glen Tilton of Brentwood-based Community Initiative appeared Tuesday night before Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee. ...
Schools getting Microsoft money (12/20/06)
Bedford County Schools will be getting $119,364.68 in software vouchers as a result of a settlement in a lawsuit against Microsoft Corporation. In all, the Tennessee Department of Education will distribute $15,315,586.25 to local school systems. The recently settled class action suit alleged Microsoft used unlawful trade practices to maintain a monopoly and overcharge Tennessee consumers...
Schools may fight gangs with dress code (12/16/06)
Bedford County schools will consider a standardized county-wide dress code due to the increasing presence of gangs in the county, School Superintendent Ed Gray told school board members Thursday night. Bedford County Board of Education will hear presentations on the topic beginning next month...
Siren will warn of chlorine leak (12/08/06)
A new siren on Eagle Boulevard will notify surrounding facilities -- including several schools -- in the event of a chlorine leak from Aleris, the aluminum recycling plant just north of Central High School. The new siren will be tested each Wednesday at noon beginning next week, according to Scott Johnson of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency. This particular siren will be used only in case of a hazardous materials leak, not for weather or any other type of emergency...
School board asks again for Harris annex (11/18/06)
Bedford County Board of Education is trying again to ask the county for the old Harris Middle School annex building, saying it would allow improvements to the county's alternative school program. Currently, the alternative school program operates out of five portable classrooms on the Central High School campus. There were 36 students in it as of Wednesday, according to Supervisor of Support Services Terry Saylor. ...
School system pleased with new state report cards (11/10/06)
Bedford County school system officials are crowing about the new School System Report Cards released today by the state, noting virtually across-the-board improvement, both in academic achievement and "value added" performance, by local schools over the past two years. Central High School and Thomas Intermediate School, which were on the state's "target list" several years ago, learned in August that they had met their adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals for two years straight, taking them off the list....
Student apologizes for father's actions (11/03/06)
A Community High School student has set down a burden he says had weighed heavy on his heart since last year, when his father accused the school's vice principal of child abuse during the boy's paddling. "He said he was going to sue the school and I was, like, 'No, let's don't,' because I knew what the bruise was from, but he said, 'We'll get money out of this,'" said Samuel Lee "Leroy" Manus, 15, son of Freddy Manus, an inmate at Rutherford County Jail...
New radios help schools stay safe (10/30/06)
A new federal program is placing weather alert radios in public schools. But schools already had a means of receiving weather alerts, and local reception of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio signal is spotty, so the new system seems to be, at best, a possible backup in times of emergency...
Home schooling brings faith back into education (10/27/06)
When one pulls into the driveway of the Calderwood home outside of Normandy, the first thought is likely, "Why aren't all these kids in school?" Well, they are. The eight Calderwood children are all educated right at home. The traditional school chairs are sitting against the wall in the dining room, books can be seen scattered around the home, yet the house is neat ... mainly because all the kids have chores and responsibilities which they carry out...
Construction method for SCHS chosen (10/27/06)
Bedford County Board of Education selected "construction management at risk" Thursday night as the method for contracting for the expansion of Central High School. The board held a special called meeting Thursday night. When the special meeting was announced last week, school board members hoped they would be able to also consider a proposed construction management at risk contract from American Constructors, the firm which performed that role on the recent Harris Middle School project...
Finance panel takes up centralized budgeting (10/25/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee began discussing the possibility of a centralized county financial management system on Tuesday, and will meet again 5 p.m. Nov. 2 in hopes of deciding on a recommendation to the full commission...
Mural brightens school cafeteria (10/23/06)
Community Elementary School cafeteria workers were tired of the "moon glow" yellow walls in their serving area, so they did something about it. Community High School's art teacher, Teresa Barnes, was consulted and she enlisted the assistance of a friend, Shannon Hart, and a mural was painted with-in nine hours last Monday. So on Tuesday, students had something new to see in the cafeteria...
SCHS expansion moving forward (10/20/06)
Bedford County Board of Education is moving ahead with preparations for the expansion of Shelbyville Central High School and will hold a special called meeting 5 p.m. Oct. 26 to consider what construction method to use. The school system already has a proposed contract in hand from American Constructors, which built the new Harris Middle School, for a construction management program similar to the one used for HMS. ...
Transplant recipient honored (10/14/06)
On the same week that a Shelbyville man, David Orr, left for Duke University to wait for a double lung transplant, The Webb School in Bell Buckle recognized one of its instructors who suffered from the same disease as Orr and who received his life-saving transplant in 2005...
Commissioners approve construction tax (10/11/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners, meeting Tuesday night, approved on first reading a tax on new residential construction that they thought they approved months ago. Several counties had asked the state legislature in recent years for permission to enact a tax on new residential construction in order to pay for the costs it creates, such as the burden placed on the local school system. ...
McLean gives $1M to MTSU (10/10/06)
Shelbyville native Bob McLean has committed $1 million to the Middle Tennessee State University Foundation to enhance both academics and athletics at the state's largest undergraduate university. McLean, a 1972 graduate of the university, presented the check to MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee during Friday evening's football game between the MTSU Blue Raiders and the Louisville Cardinals at Nashville's LP Field...
Child safety day planned (10/06/06)
United Way of Bedford County, with a grant from the Jostens Foundation, will hold a Child Safety Day Oct. 28 at H.V. Griffin Park. Children will be fingerprinted by local law enforcement officers, giving parents a record which could come in handy in case of a kidnapping or child custody dispute. ...
Providence Christian looks at opening here (10/05/06)
Providence Christian Academy, a Murfreesboro-based private school, is looking at the possibility of opening a satellite campus in Shelbyville, and will hold an informational meeting Tuesday night for parents and anyone else in the community with an interest in the project...
Boys suspended for bringing gun to school (10/03/06)
Two Harris Middle School boys were suspended Monday for having a gun at school on Sept. 11, and while the decision was made yesterday, it was not prompted by national events, according to Bedford County's school superintendent. A man opened fire on a dozen girls in a one-room Amish schoolhouse Monday, killing five and seriously wounding five others before committing suicide 55 miles west of Philadelphia, Penn. ...
Beloved teacher keeps the faith (09/29/06)
"You make out of your job, and your life, what you put into it," said Evelyn Jackson. Some people in Jackson's condition -- sidelined by congestive heart failure, with fingertips lost to gout -- would wallow in self-pity. But Jackson credits her faith with keeping her out of that hole...
Collection of impact fee delayed (09/27/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved an adequate facilities tax on new residential construction at its June and July meetings, but there are a few more details to be addressed before the tax can actually be collected, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of the commission's budget and finance committee...
RiverFest will be held Tuesday (09/27/06)
Fifth grade students from around Bedford County will gather at The Fly Arts Center for the Duck River Watershed Committee's second RiverFest next Tuesday. The Watershed Committee was created last year by the City of Shelbyville, and has set out to educate all the people of Bedford County, specifically through the board of education to youth on the importance of the Duck River to the county and to all the watersheds running into the river...
Contract awarded for Cascade Elementary expansion (09/22/06)
Bedford County Board of Education awarded a contract Thursday night for expansion of Cascade Elementary School to Sain Construction of Manchester, and discussed plans for expansion of Central High School and for a new elementary school in Shelbyville...
Gun-bearing student put on probation (09/19/06)
A Harris Middle School student has told Bedford County's Juvenile Court judge that he took a gun to school on Sept. 11 and on Monday he accepted state probation among other requirements for the act which would have been a felony had the boy been an adult...
Church and state issues stir debate (09/19/06)
MOORE COUNTY -- At the intersection of faith and government lies controversy. As three Motlow State Community College professors discussed the Bill of Rights for a program on Monday in honor of Constitution Day, they noted the ways in which, for better or worse, the relationship between church and state as defined by the First Amendment has changed over the years...
Gun found at Harris Middle School (09/16/06)
A Harris Middle School student allegedly took a pistol into the building Monday, Sept. 11 and will return Monday to Bedford County Juvenile Court after he and a companion made initial appearances Wednesday. Sheriff Randall Boyce and Capt. Tony Barrett, who leads the sheriff's department's school resource officers, confirmed much of the information from a Shelbyville resident who named the boys...
Imagination Library rolls on (09/16/06)
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, said to be spreading like wildfire across the country, is raging in Bedford County, according to Joyce Boggs, who, along with Tera Overcast Davis, coordinates the local program through Argie Cooper Public Library...
Tougher classes needed, school board told (09/15/06)
MANCHESTER -- Many of today's jobs which don't require a college education still require the same type of rigorous high school classes which are normally though of as preparation for college, said Dr. Gary Nixon, executive director of Tennessee Board of Education, during a Tennessee School Boards Association regional meeting Thursday night at Westwood Elementary School...
Students, driver hurt in bus crash (09/13/06)
Five Bedford County students were shaken up and a school bus driver more seriously injured after an accident early Tuesday morning on Brinkley Road in Moore County. "Two students were taken to the hospital as a precaution," transportation supervisor David Parker of the Bedford County School System said this morning. "The parents came to the scene and picked up their children. All five were checked and were fine."...
Gray is a finalist for state award (09/07/06)
Joan Gray of the Bedford County School System is one of nine finalists for educational Supervisor of the Year in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Education announced nine candidates from across the state Tuesday for the Supervisor of the Year and the Principal of the Year awards...
Wreck-prone road widened (08/28/06)
UNIONVILLE -- The road reconstruction project, including the replacement of storm water drainage pipes, is poetic justice for the president of Wright Paving Co. "There have been several wrecks here," Tommy Wright said Friday while his crew, men from B&W Excavating and employees of the Tennessee Department of Transportation worked on U.S. 41-A...
Cascade grad helps alma mater expand (08/21/06)
Construction contractors who want to build the 10-classroom addition at Cascade Elementary School are to submit bids for the project by 2 p.m. Sept. 12. "The main goal is to make sure the addition is open and ready by the next school year," according to Jason Spence, the architect's project coordinator who provided some details about the addition on Friday...
Martin nominated for state schools post (08/18/06)
Bedford County's Board of Education on Thursday nominated its vice chairwoman to be the president-elect of the Tennessee School Boards Association. Amy Martin is in Orlando, Fla., now at a meeting of the TSBA which will have another meeting in November when her nomination will be considered...
Community School to get turn lane (08/15/06)
It's something that folks in Unionville have been waiting on for over 10 years and by the beginning of next month, they'll have it. Work is to begin later this month on a turn lane in front of Community School to cut back on traffic tie-ups and safety issues on U.S. 41-A North...
Community School to get turn lane (08/15/06)
It's something that folks in Unionville have been waiting on for over 10 years and by the beginning of next month, they'll have it. Work is to begin later this month on a turn lane in front of Community School to cut back on traffic tie-ups and safety issues on U.S. 41-A North...
County's child abuse, discipline rates high (08/14/06)
Bedford County has the worst rate of child abuse and school suspensions in the south central region of the state, according to data released by the Tennessee Commission of Children and Youth. The data comes from the report "KIDS COUNT: The State of the Child in Tennessee 2005," which is partially funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The data covers the years 2001-03, according to the report...
County's state funding totals $63.2M (08/03/06)
State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) has received the annual budget data containing state funding broken down by county and has announced that during the new state fiscal year that began July 1, Bedford County is now projected to receive approximately $63.2 million of state appropriations. Also, Bedford County will receive a portion of the $9.3 billion of federal funds included in Tennessee's $26.4 billion budget as adopted by the 104th General Assembly...
Principal's accuser now in jail (08/02/06)
What goes around, comes around, or so it appears for a Bedford County man who's wanted in circuit court here. He's the same man who accused the vice principal of Community High School of child abuse when his son was paddled last year following a school bus incident. State and county investigations have cleared the vice principal...
Committees disagree over old HMS annex (07/27/06)
Two committees from Bedford County Board of Commissioners are taking different positions on whether the school system should be allowed to keep the former Harris Middle School annex. The commission's budget and finance committee had previously recommended that the school system be allowed to keep only the annex, which it would like to use for the alternative school program. ...
Cascade Elementary expansion nears (07/14/06)
Bids on the expansion of Cascade Elementary School could be ready to let by September, with school officials hoping site work can begin in late September or early October. But the 10 new classrooms being added to the school will merely replace 10 existing portables, according to discussion at Thursday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Education. ...
Sales tax holiday will help back-to-school shoppers (07/14/06)
As parents look ahead to the school year, a new state sales tax holiday may help make it slightly less expensive to buy clothing, school supplies and even some computers. From 12:01 a.m. Aug. 4 through 11:59 p.m. Aug. 6, there will be no sales tax charged for qualifying clothing, school supplies and computers sold in Tennessee. The holiday is intended to help families during their back-to-school preparations, according to Gov. Phil Bredesen...
Forsee seeks re-election to school board (07/14/06)
Glenn Forsee has announced his candidacy for re-election to a ninth district seat on Bedford County Board of Education in the Aug. 3. general election. Forsee was appointed in June 2005 to fill the unexpired term of Jim Tracy. Forsee has been pastor of First Assembly of God for 21 years. ...
Finance panel hears school request (07/12/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee heard a page-by-page breakdown of the proposed school system budget Tuesday night. That leaves only a few more budget requests for the committee to hear before it begins working on its budget and tax rate recommendations...
Student admits Internet harrassment (07/07/06)
The Liberty School student who allegedly threatened his student government president by name over the Internet acknowledged responsibility this week for alleged harassment and was put on probation, according to his attorney and the girl's mother. Bedford County Juvenile Court Judge Charles Rich considered the boy's case during a hearing conducted Wednesday morning in the jury room of Bedford County Courthouse, where the boy was represented by attorney Ray Fraley of Fayetteville, the mother reported.. ...
Schools may keep old Harris annex after all (06/28/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee has recommended tempering the commission's all-or-nothing stance on the sale of the former Harris Middle School property, saying the county might be willing to let the school system keep the old HMS annex for use as an alternative school...
Bids to be sought on Elm and Union properties (06/27/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and property committee has recommended that the county take bids on the old Harris Middle School property and on four lots on Union Street, even though commissioners aren't in complete agreement about whether to sell either site...
School expansion to be expanded (06/22/06)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Tuesday night to increase the size of the planned expansion of Cascade Elementary School from eight classrooms to 10 after hearing from its architect that the project will still fall within the budget approved by the county commission...
UT president says Space Institute poised for growth (06/14/06)
ARNOLD AFB -- University of Tennessee President John Petersen, introducing new University of Tennessee Space Institute Chief Operating Officer Don Daniel, said UTSI is poised for greatness after a transformational change which is refocusing the facility on two key areas of research...
Tracy bill gives grants to teachers (06/12/06)
State Sen. Jim Tracy was the lead sponsor of an education bill this year which is designed to encourage teachers to obtain advanced degrees or certification in math and science and then to teach in schools. The bill broke through the bottleneck of bills and passed both houses unanimously the next to last day of the legislative session...
Teacher accused of asking student about sex (06/09/06)
A former substitute teacher for Bedford County has been charged in Rutherford County with three counts of soliciting a minor for sexual contact. The Daily News Journal reported Friday that Nalin White, who resides in Bell Buckle, is facing felony charges for sexual conversations with a student at the school, authorities claim...
Bredesen, Tracy address Girls State (06/01/06)
MURFREESBORO -- A disadvantage to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, enforcement of the state's Sex Offender Registry Law, and so-called "sin taxes" to fund schools were some of the topics Bedford County girls discussed with their state senator during a Girls State event Wednesday...
Schools prepare for the worst (05/31/06)
Bedford County schools have had disaster preparedness plans in place for some time, but -- in a process which began last year -- those plans are being rewritten and closely reviewed to make sure that schools are as prepared for disaster as possible...
New Community High School proposed, but challenged (05/27/06)
Some Bedford County Board of Education members believe that classroom needs in the Community School area might best be served by building a new high school instead of the planned new elementary school, but that would be more expensive -- and other members say the current, $80 million school building program is already more than the county can afford...
Motlow breaks ground on new library (05/23/06)
MOORE COUNTY -- Motlow State Community College broke ground Monday morning for a new 31,000-square-foot library which university officials said will combine the best in traditional library services with the latest in new technology. Dr. Art Walker, who will retire at the end of June as Motlow's president, said the library is "the cornerstone of student learning" at any college and that the new Motlow facility will serve that function well...
Adult education helps Tomlin toward a career (05/17/06)
Miranda Tomlin felt her life had reached a dead end. It was Christmas time seven years ago, and taking care of four kids in a trailer with holes in the floor seemed to be all she had to look forward to. That is, until the words of a visitor changed the way she thought, setting her on the path of finishing her education, and more...
Teacher quits after dating 18-year-old student (05/16/06)
On May 11, the Times-Gazette reported that Community High School head football coach Bart Fann had submitted his resignation and would leave the school staff immediately. Fann stated in his official resignation that he was resigning to further his education and enhance his teaching credentials...
Teacher who lives in Bell Buckle suspended over allegations (05/12/06)
A former substitute teacher for Bedford County has been suspended without pay by the Rutherford County school system after a student accused him of asking her about sex between teachers and students. The Daily News Journal reported Friday that Nalin White, who resides in Bell Buckle, has not been accused of touching the 15-year-old freshman. The 28-year-old White is a second-year geography teacher at Siegel High School...
Commission allocates $3.2M for school plans (05/10/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to allocate $3.2 million for plans for expansion of Central High School and Cascade Elementary School, a replacement elementary school in Unionville and a new elementary school next door to Harris Middle School in Shelbyville...
Apple named to head Motlow College (05/03/06)
Dr. Mary Lou Apple, vice-president for academic affairs at Walters State Community College in Morristown, was named Wednesday morning by Tennessee Board of Regents to become the fifth president of Motlow State Community College, succeeding Dr. Art Walker, who will retire June 30. The board met by teleconference, and key Motlow officials including Walker and all three former Motlow presidents were listening in from the Motlow campus in Moore County....
School financing 'tough, but doable,' says consultant (04/26/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee voted Tuesday night to recommend that the county spend up to $3.2 million for plans, specifications and construction documents for the first phase of a proposed school building program, including expansion of Central High School...
Armed students sentenced (04/25/06)
The older of two boys who allegedly brought a gun to Community High School in Unionville last week was placed into custody of the state Department of Child Services during a Juvenile Court hearing Thursday. The boy, 15, will be placed into a juvenile facility at DCS discretion...
School board buys new SCHS chiller (04/25/06)
Bedford County Board of Education voted at a special called meeting Thursday night to accept a $93,582 bid from Automated Energy Control for purchase of a new replacement chiller for Central High School. The board also decided to notify Tennessee Risk Management Trust that the school system intends to shop around for its worker's compensation and property / casualty insurance coverage rather than take an automatic renewal...
Community clarinetist selected All-State (04/21/06)
Community High School clarinet player Andrew Leverette been selected as second chair clarinet player for the All-State Honor Band, one of first All-State musicians from Bedford County in several years, according to his band director, Stephen Givens...
Students claimed to have two bullets (04/21/06)
Two Community High students accused of bringing a gun to the school and making threats Wednesday appeared in Juvenile Court before Judge Charles Rich on Thursday morning. The boys, ages 15 and 13, are each charged with possession of a gun on school property, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a weapon, sources said...
Community students take gun to school (04/20/06)
Two Community High School students are in juvenile detention today following an incident in which a firearm was brought to school and stored in a locker, with one student reportedly claiming it was to be used against a teacher. "We had a disciplinary matter to occur," Community High Principal Robert Ralston said this morning. "The matter has been turned over to the Bedford County Sheriff's Department."...
Latino student protest not authorized (04/19/06)
Latino community and St. William Catholic Church leaders say they have nothing to do with a threatened walkout Thursday by Latino students at Central High School. Principal Don Embry, meanwhile, says the effort to organize the protest was largely the work of one student, who he said has withdrawn her proposal after speaking with school officials. Embry says he does not expect any problems on Thursday...
TASC convention to be held here (04/19/06)
Central High School will welcome 500-700 middle school and high school students and adult advisors from across the state March 29-31, 2007, as it plays host to the Tennessee Association of Student Councils convention. The students will stay for two nights in homes throughout the city, while about 100 adults will stay in hotel rooms, according to a presentation Tuesday night to the Bedford County Board of Education. ...
Rotary grant helps adults learn English (04/12/06)
New software purchased by Shelbyville Breakfast Rotary Club and a grant from Rotary International District 6780 is enabling English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes at the Adult Learning Center. Natives of Mexico, China, El Salvador, Somalia, Laos, Japan and Guatemala are taking the courses; many of the students are women who want to be able to help their children with school homework and converse with their teachers...
Internet no threat to library, say stats (04/04/06)
Are libraries becoming less relevant in the age of the Internet? No, says Argie Cooper Public Library director Pat Hastings, pointing to the 101,722 items checked out by her facility in the 2004-2005 fiscal year. "Last year was our highest circulation of books and materials," said Hastings...
Community paddling wasn't child abuse, says state (04/04/06)
No child abuse was found by a state investigation into the paddling of a Community High School boy late last year, according to a recent statement from the Department of Children's Services. Freddy and Tracy Manus of Virgil Crowell Road, Unionville, complained in late October, alleging that their 14-year-old son, Samuel, was paddled and suffered a bruise. A doctor in Smyrna said it was a result of child abuse...
Internet threat case continued (03/29/06)
A juvenile who was charged with making a threat against a classmate over the Internet has had his case continued. No new court date was given for the case. The attorney for the 15-year-old, who attends Liberty School, had a conflict and could not be present in Bedford County Juvenile Court on Monday...
School board approves random drug testing policy (03/24/06)
Bedford County Board of Education passed a random drug testing policy Thursday night which will cover all students participating in extracurricular activities -- not just athletics but clubs, band, cheerleading and the like. The policy standardizes random drug testing policies system-wide and expands the program to non-athletic activities...
Cascade presents legal drama (03/24/06)
The spring drama production of "Jury Room," under the leadership of Jan Hall, will be presented by the Cascade High School drama department tonight at 7. Admission is $3. The play revolves around a jury attempting to determine the guilt or innocence of a young lady, Julie Fletcher, who stands accused of murdering her rich uncle, Adrian Fletcher...
Power, fuel costs concern school board (03/18/06)
In a budget study session last week, Bedford County Board of Education directed the school system's finance and accounting manager, Robert Daniel, to adjust the first draft of a proposed school system budget for fiscal 2006-2007. Details of the study session were provided to the Times-Gazette on Friday...
Commission approves school portables (03/16/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to purchase 12 portable classroom buildings (a total of 24 classrooms) at a cost of $720,000, and to fund the purchase on a five-year capital outlay note. The vote came after considerable discussion of why the county would want to borrow the money when there were sufficient funds in the debt service fund balance which could be used for the project. ...
Taylor promoted to Harris position; SCHS seeks new coach (03/10/06)
Whit Taylor, who had been Central High School's football coach and a physical education teacher, has been named assistant principal of Harris Middle School, effective today. The decision was made Thursday, according to School Superintendent Ed Gray...
School lunch prices to rise (03/02/06)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting last Thursday night, approved an increase in school breakfast and lunch prices for the 2006-2007 school year. The new prices won't take effect until the start of the new school year. Most prices are rising by 10 cents per meal...
Committee considers portables, fire trucks, schools (03/01/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee voted Tuesday night to spend $720,000 on new portable classrooms for the county school system and asked for financing options for nearly $3 million in new fire trucks -- and discussed the much-larger expenses looming for a school building program...
Governors eye box lunches for students (02/28/06)
WASHINGTON -- School lunches were criticized at the National Governors Association winter meetings ending Tuesday and Gov. Phil Bredesen said he noticed that and may have more to say about them. Speaking of the governors' conference, President Bush lauded Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance enrollment, which confused so many seniors in Shelbyville that some called the police about offers at their doorsteps, complaining about "salesmen" when they were being asked about changing to a different government-funded insurance plan.. ...
School board votes to ask for portables (02/24/06)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday night to ask the county for $720,000 for 12 portable classroom buildings, each containing two classrooms, for a total of 24 classrooms. Nine of the portables are needed for student population growth, while the other three are to replace deteriorating units already in use...
Accident victim was TTCS student (02/24/06)
The woman whose car crashed into the back of a Bedford County school bus Thursday morning near Deason was identified later in the day as Danyelle L. Sumrall, 18, of Haynes Drive in Murfreesboro. Sumrall, a nursing student at Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville, died a few minutes after the crash while pinned in her car, investigators said. She had been en route to the school...
Victim identified in bus-car wreck (02/23/06)
Updated 1 p.m. A Bedford County school bus driver's actions are being credited with possibly saving the lives of her passengers following a grinding, fatal crash this morning in Deason....
Alleged threat removed from web site (02/23/06)
An Internet threat against a student at Liberty School has been removed from a Website of another juvenile who is currently under house arrest for allegedly posting the statement. But other comments directed at the targeted student still remain on the site as of this morning...
School locked down when suspects seen nearby (02/22/06)
Officers briefly put Eakin Primary School on partial lockdown around midday Tuesday while searching for two men suspected in a "gas driveoff" from a convenience store. The men were spotted getting out of a car on Lucas Road near the school, police said. One was arrested in a wooded area a few hundred yards from Eakin...
Student accused of death threats (02/21/06)
A Liberty School student is under house arrest after he allegedly made death threats against two other students on the Internet, according to county officials and relatives of several students at the K-8 school. "There was no threat," according to the mother of a boy who's apparently named in a petition to the Bedford County Juvenile Court asking that he be declared a delinquent because of threats he allegedly wrote on a Web page...
Local youth attend Coretta Scott King funeral (02/21/06)
Wanting her sons to experience a piece of American history, Donna Phillips of Bell Buckle made arrangements to take her sons, Dylan and Dustin, to Atlanta for the funeral services of civil rights icon Coretta Scott King. When Dylan, a Cascade High School freshman, told two friends he was going to the funeral, they asked to go along. With the approval of their parents, Tyler Woods and Tevin Lanier, also Cascade freshmen, joined the Phillips family and headed south on Feb. 6...
Commission says there's not enough money for new schools (02/15/06)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners heard the school board's proposal for $21 million in new construction Tuesday night but said it would take an unlikely increase of 40 or 50 cents (per $100 assessed value) on the county property tax rate to fund it...
Walker honored by State Senate (02/14/06)
NASHVILLE -- The Tennessee Senate passed a resolution Monday honoring Dr. Art Walker on the occasion of his retirement as president of Motlow State Community College. "I am deeply honored," said Walker as he stood in the well of the Senate chambers. "This is truly a great honor for me." He joked that when he was called to the "well," it brought back memories of his childhood, when going to the well had quite a different meaning...
State, county try to reduce dropout rates (02/13/06)
State-mandated changes to high school curriculum in Tennessee are intended to reach out to all types of students -- giving advanced students more chances to excel and trying to keep at-risk students from dropping out. Bedford County Board of Education held its annual planning retreat Feb. 3-4 at Bottle Hollow Lodge, discussing state-mandated five year plans for making progress in education. Gov. Phil Bredesen's plan for redesigning the high school program was one of the key items on the agenda...
Pietkiewicz named HMS principal (02/08/06)
Bill Pietkiewicz, who had previously been principal of Liberty School, has been named principal of Harris Middle School, according to Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray; Pietkiewicz began his new duties at HMS today. Pietkiewicz follows Terry Saylor, who left HMS to take a position in the school system's central office on Jan. 17. Saylor is now superintendent of student services, replacing Hal Skelton, who is currently on a six-month leave due to a family member's illness...
CDC forms child obesity task force (02/06/06)
Over nine million children and teens between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight, a percentage the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports has tripled since 1980. In an effort to bring awareness and options for children of Bedford County and the other 12 counties in the South Central region of Tennessee, the Community Development Center has organized a childhood obesity task force...
Helping children focus on the positive (01/31/06)
Children will be treated with song and story by Bedford County native Lindy Judd at Argie Cooper Public Library 10 a.m. Wednesday. "What Went Right Today?" is Judd's and friend Joan Buznick's collaborative effort to strengthen families by talking about positive things even during times of hardship and trouble...
School closing procedures explained (01/27/06)
At 4 a.m. on days when ice, snow or flooding threatens to disrupt travel, School Superintendent Ed Gray, Transportation Supervisor David Parker and three mechanics from the county school bus garage divide and conquer, each traveling to a different area of the county to check on road conditions...
City, county hold summit (01/25/06)
Shelbyville and Bedford County officials met Tuesday night to try to clear the air over disagreements regarding taxation. Both governments claim to have severe fiscal needs, and Shelbyville officials have hinted in recent weeks at possible court action to nullify a 30-year-old agreement for dividing up sales tax revenue...
Flooding closes roads and schools (01/23/06)
Heavy rains and flooded roads closed schools today and blocked roads, especially in the western half of the county. Local National Weather Service reporter Roy Reed reported 3.51 inches of rain in Shelbyville in the past 24 hours. In the northern end of the county, farmer Bobby Vannatta recorded 1.7 inches at 4 p.m. Sunday and another 2.5 inches overnight, for a total of 4.2 inches...
Activity fund audit earns high grades (01/21/06)
Classes, clubs and athletic teams at Bedford County Schools raised $1.9 million during the 2004-2005 fiscal year, and a new audit of those funds reveals that they were generally well-documented and managed. The audit was an "unqualified opinion," the most favorable type of report, and although there were some audit findings, school system officials say they were generally minor, easily-corrected problems...
City, county to meet over tax disputes (01/21/06)
City and county officials will meet Tuesday to discuss the current flap over a 31-year-old sales tax agreement and "double taxation," a matter that was the subject of litigation between the city and county in the 1990s. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce...
School board seeks $21.5M for buildings (01/20/06)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Tuesday night to formally request the first $21.5 million towards a 10-year school building program. The initial expense would include expansion of Central High School and Cascade Elementary School, new athletic facilities at Community and Cascade high schools, and planning and design funds for new elementary schools in Shelbyville and Unionville...
Nearly 100 register for Imagination Library (01/19/06)
Nearly 100 Bedford County children have been registered for the Imagination Library, according to officials at the kick-off conducted Wednesday in the Argie Cooper Public Library. And the youngest person registered was the unborn son of Jennifer McGee, 29, an X-ray technician at Bedford County Medical Center who says she's already reading to her son, Tucker, who's due April 3...
Regents chief will speak to Chamber (01/18/06)
Dr. Charles Manning, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, will be guest speaker at this year's Shelbyville/Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. The banquet will be held 6 p.m. Feb. 6 at Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds. Tickets are $30 each or $240 for a table for eight...
Fast Track program helps people choose teaching (01/17/06)
NASHVILLE (AP) -- New educators coming out of Tennessee's "fast track" teacher-certification program are having no trouble finding jobs. Teach Tennessee, a pilot program created by Gov. Phil Bredesen, allows mid-career professionals to bypass traditional training and get into the classroom much quicker...
Imagination Library is ready to roll (01/16/06)
With less than 48 hours to go now before registration starts for Bedford County's Imagination Library, the Argie Cooper Public Library has had its computers updated, its used book sale earn money and, figuratively speaking, its red carpet ready to roll...
Helen Marsh retires from historical post (01/06/06)
When those tracking down their family history show up in Bedford County looking for information, one of the places people usually end up is in the history room of the Argie Cooper Public Library and talking to Helen Marsh. But those days are coming to an end because Marsh, who is also the county archivist, is retiring from her work at the library after 23 years of service...
Imagination Library signups to begin soon (01/04/06)
Registration of children for the Imagination Library will probably start in two weeks, according to an announcement from the head librarian at the Argie Cooper Public Library on the first day of the institution's used book sale. "It's tentatively set for the 18th," Librarian Pat Hastings said Tuesday about a program that links a dream from country music star Dolly Parton and a foundation formed by Gov. Phil Bredesen. "The only thing that would hold it up is the brochures."...
Official suggests state fund all local schools (12/29/05)
State Comptroller John Morgan wants the state to take on all funding of public schools in an effort to improve Tennessee's low graduation rates. Morgan is proposing that public school funding be raised from $5,108 per student to $7,218 with only school construction costs left to local governments. School districts would still operate schools and be accountable for their performance...
School board announces 2006-2007 calendar (12/19/05)
Bedford County Board of Education approved a calendar for the 2006-2007 school year on Thursday night, with Aug. 4 set as the first day of school for students. Spring break 2007 will be April 2-6, and the last day of school will be May 23, 2007. In other discussion Thursday night:...
The need is clear, but funding is elusive (12/17/05)
Former school superintendent Mike Bone told school board members Thursday night that county commissioners clearly understand the need for new school construction. "I think their dilemma is how to go about that," Bone told Bedford County Board of Education during its monthly meeting, held this month at Thomas Intermediate School...
Drama and dessert for the holidays (12/16/05)
A great weekend evening of entertainment can be found today and Saturday as the Central High School Drama Club, under the leadership of Marla Jennings, presents three one-act plays that commemorate the fun, the magic and the true meaning of Christmas...
Grant will fund online learning (12/08/05)
A $100,000 state grant will bring online learning to local students -- the first use will be for students who need to make up course work in order to graduate, but as the program expands it could provide specialized advanced classes for which it would be impractical to hire a new teacher...
Rotarians to hear about book program (12/08/05)
The president of the Governor's Books From Birth Foundation is scheduled to be in Shelbyville today as a business and civic club luncheon speaker in the American Legion Center. Lady Jackson's discussion with the Noon Rotary Club is to be about the Imagination Library, a program started by country music super star Dolly Parton in her hometown, Sevierville, according to Margie Maddux, spokeswoman for the foundation...
Imagination Library is a good investment (12/07/05)
What could be more basic to the success of the enterprise that's represented by the thing that's in front of you at this very moment than the ability to read? Sight comes to mind, but the point here is that this business of newspapering relies on the public's ability to read and, for at least that reason, this is an endorsement of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation...
TTCS honors Holden (12/02/05)
A dedication ceremony will be held 2 p.m. Sunday to honor the service of a former Tennessee Technology Center director, R. E. "Bobby" Holden. The dedication service will include the naming of the Administrative Office Complex after the former administrator...
Landers' dream: library passes 100K circulation (11/26/05)
Argie Cooper Public Library passed the 100,000 mark in circulation for the fiscal year which ended June 30; library director Pat Hastings said that milestone was a dream of the late Lytle "Jug" Landers. "I wish Jug Landers could know that the library has reached the hundred thousand figure in circulation of materials," said Hastings in an e-mail earlier this month. ...
Civic leader Ferguson dies (11/19/05)
Former county commissioner and school board member Roy "Sonny" Ferguson Sr., who died Friday at 77, is being remembered as a champion of education and an ambassador for his home town of Wartrace. "He was a very dedicated commissioner, and a very hard worker, committed to education," said County Commission Chairman Eugene Ray on Saturday. "We have lost a dedicated person."...
Paddling opponent addresses school board (11/18/05)
BELL BUCKLE -- Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday evening at Cascade Elementary School, heard a brief presentation from Tom Johnson of Tennesseans for Non-Violent Discipline urging the school system to disallow corporal punishment. No action was taken...
Martin named to all-state school board (11/18/05)
Bedford County Board of Education member Amy Martin has been named to the Tennessee School Boards Association's "All Tennessee School Board," which annually recognizes Tennessee school board members who exhibit outstanding boardsmanship qualities. Only six to seven school board members are recognized each year...
Imagination Library closer to reality (11/17/05)
Nearly two thirds of the money needed to meet a local goal for the Imagination Library has been raised a month and a half before the deadline, according to the head librarian at Argie Cooper Public Library. However, Pat Hastings was clear that the program to provide a book per month for children younger than age 5 is to be a long-term project and much more money will be needed as more children are enrolled...
Walker to retire as Motlow president (11/15/05)
Dr. Art Walker has announced his retirement as president of Motlow State Community College effective June 30 of next year. Walker had been with Motlow for 18 years and had been its president since January 2003. He was the school's fourth president. In his announcement to the campus community, Walker cited as his reason for resigning his desire to devote more time to his family. He said he will remain fully committed to the business and welfare of the college through his retirement date...
School violence can be a small-town problem (11/11/05)
Small-town residents sometimes think that school violence can't happen to them, but small towns are actually more prone to school violence because troubled students may be more likely to feel isolated and lack a support or peer group, according to a program held Thursday night by Bedford County 911 Communications Center...
Paddling investigation by DHS continues (11/10/05)
As a Community High School vice principal says the sheriff's investigation found no child abuse from corporal punishment administered by him, a state spokesman reports the Department of Children's Services is "still investigating" the paddling. "We're aware of the situation," DCS spokesman Rob Johnson said Wednesday afternoon. "We are investigating, our Special Investigative Unit is. Our investigations can stretch a couple of weeks. Our SIU is precisely for this kind of situation."...
Imagination Library work continues (11/10/05)
As a steering committee for development of an Imagination Library in Bedford County was to meet this afternoon, one of the panel's leaders announced their goals are being met. The committee hopes to raise $12,000 by year's end. "So far, we've met all our goals" toward establishing the program that's to provide one book a month to children enrolled in the program until they're five years old, committee member Tera Davis said Tuesday...
Parent complains after child sickened by cleaning products (11/05/05)
A Thomas Intermediate School student's mother has complained that her son was put on "latrine duty" and is suffering "chemical bronchitis" as a result of discipline for an incident at the school. Kimme' Jennings of Shapard Drive complained to Bedford County Schools Superintendent Ed Gray and to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on behalf of her 11-year-old son, A.J...
(11/04/05)
Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray said he is generally pleased with the county's performance on the 2005 state school report card released this week, which showed improvement in a number of areas. "I think our teachers worked harder," he said. "I think our teachers worked smarter, but they also worked with every child."...
To paddle or not to paddle? (11/04/05)
Corporal punishment hasn't been used at Cascade High School for more than a decade, according to the principal. Meanwhile, paddling "has its place" at Shelbyville Central High School, the principal said this week, but he doesn't do it and the only instances of paddling there have been in the vocational part of the school...
Williams responds to paddling issue (11/04/05)
Community School assistant principal Keith Williams has denied that the injuries reported by a 14-year-old student were a direct result of the paddling Williams administered Oct. 19, saying "the true source of the injury will be determined and revealed in time."...
Corporal punishment foes may visit school board (11/01/05)
A national organization working to end the use of corporal punishment in schools may have two representatives at the next meeting of the Bedford County Board of Education because of an allegation of child abuse by paddling at Community High School. Meanwhile, Cara Gruszecki-Smalley, an attorney with the Norton Law Firm of Shelbyville, says she's investigating the Oct. 19 paddling of Samuel Manus, 14, son of Freddy and Tracy Manus of Virgil Crowell Road, by Assistant Principal Keith Williams...
Child's paddling upsets family (10/28/05)
A Unionville mother and father are complaining about the paddling of their 14-year-old son, allegedly by Community High School's assistant principal, and they've taken their concerns to the superintendent of schools, the sheriff's department and have released their boy's medical records showing bruises and swelling at his tailbone...
Imagination Library moves closer (10/27/05)
About 20 children, their mothers, aunts and grandmothers enjoyed story time at the Argie cooper public library where the children's librarian read books out loud and later told of some progress toward developing the Imagination Library inspired by Dolly Parton...
(10/21/05)
Strike up the band! Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday night to allocate a total of $60,000 for instructional expenses related to local band programs -- $20,000 for each of the county's three high school band programs (each of which is also tied in with a middle school)...
Committee endorses Imagination Library (10/19/05)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee, meeting Tuesday night, added its recommendation to the proposal for Bedford County to participate in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The program provides free books to preschool children, one book per month. ...
School board to meet at Eakin, other schools (10/18/05)
Bedford County Board of Education is taking its act on the road. After the completion of the sparkling new Harris Middle School, the board -- which normally meets at the school system's central office on Madison Street -- held its meeting last month in the new school's library. This led to an idea: why not move the board meetings around to each of the schools or school campuses in the county, and use this as an opportunity to get public input on education?...
Thomas School students attend trial (10/13/05)
About 35 students from Thomas Intermediate School attended part of a Bedford County Circuit Court trial on Wednesday and during a recess, Judge Lee Russell took time to become what amounted to a substitute teacher. Students listened attentively as fourth and fifth grade teacher Pam Galbreth and other faculty from the school monitored the children. Such a field trip is taken every two years. The school and courthouse are within walking distance...
SCHS band is an award-winner (10/12/05)
Shelbyville Central High School Marching Band was named the Grand Champion at the Cheatham County Marching Invitational held in Ashland City. Under the direction of Andrew Lynn, the group earned the contest's Sweepstakes trophy for having the highest composite score out of the nine bands in the competition...
Retired teachers may see more benefits (10/08/05)
Bedford County's retired teachers were briefed by State Sen. Jim Tracy Wednesday on issues concerning education and other matters before the state legislature. One item the retired teachers are interested in is Senate Bill 381, which deals with pension and retirement benefits and an increase in the state paid portions for active and retired educators. ...
Officials look for ways to fund building program (10/05/05)
School system officials spent two hours laying out the need and rationale for a 10-year school building program during a joint meeting Tuesday night between the school board and county commissioners. At the end of it all, commissioners said they fully understand the need for new classrooms; the problem is how to pay for them, especially since voters rejected a county wheel tax earlier this year...
Parton's program brings books to children (10/05/05)
A librarian and a social counselor have teamed up to get books in homes for children in Bedford County. "I contacted the Dollywood Foundation to see how we could get this started here," said Tera Davis, who runs the HUGS (Help Us Grow Successfully) Program at the Bedford County Health Department...
County to schools: keep old HMS until January (09/27/05)
Bedford County Schools had planned to turn the former Harris Middle School over to the county at the end of October, but the county commission's courthouse and property committee has asked the school system to hold on to the property until January while the county tries to get a better idea of its future plans...
Schools want old HMS annex but not gym (09/24/05)
Bedford County Board of Education will ask for permission to keep the old Harris Middle School annex to use for adult high school and alternative school, but by the end of October will be ready to turn the main HMS building and the gymnasium over to the county...
10-year, $76 million school building program proposed (09/23/05)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday night to send a 10-year, $76 million master school building plan to the county commission. The plan was presented to the school board by former school superintendent Mike Bone, who had been working for months on it along with current superintendent Ed Gray. The plan will first go to the commission's budget and finance committee, although at some point school board members would like to have a joint study session with the full commission...
State Senate studies steroids (09/19/05)
The Tennessee Titans' strength coach and a Supreme Court justice's son are to testify Tuesday at a state Senate subcommittee hearing on how to keep student athletes from using steroids. State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) says he doesn't know if local students use the illegal strength enhancing drugs, but was interested in leading the committee because of his coaching career and he anticipates more attendance tomorrow than the dozen people who showed up for his first hearing...
Cornersville blast injures 14 students (09/17/05)
CORNERSVILLE (AP) -- An explosion in the cafeteria at Cornersville High School on Friday morning injured two workers and at least 14 students, officials said. One person was seriously hurt, but most others had only minor injuries. The explosion happened about 9:30 a.m. while maintenance work was being done on a water heater, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spokesman Bob Hopkins said...
Gas prices won't stop field trips (09/08/05)
Despite the higher price of fuel, Bedford County schools won't cancel field trips for students, Superintendent Ed Gray said Wednesday. "We don't have as many field trips in the fall, but what we have we feel are essential, Gray said, noting a trip to Nashville for a show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center...
School enrollment up by more than 300 (09/08/05)
Bedford County schools have 319 more students this year compared to enrollment figures collected during this time last year, according to reports from the system's central office on Madison Street. Given a two-year-old cost average provided by the state, the increase in enrollment will cost Bedford County $1.8 million more each year. That's based on a per pupil expenditure of $5,507 calculated by the state for the 2003-05 school year...
Preparing for service while still in school (08/27/05)
When the Times-Gazette did a story a week or so ago about Eric Wright, who took basic training in between his junior and senior years of high school, we said he was probably the only student in Bedford County taking advantage of the program...
School board may sub for teachers (08/20/05)
Each member of the Bedford County School Board ought to substitute for randomly selected teachers this year to show their appreciation for their work. That suggestion from School Board member Dixie Parker was accepted by consensus among board members when they met Thursday night at the system's central office...
Turn lanes sought for Community School (08/18/05)
Parents, teachers, students, bus drivers and other staff at Community School know how bad traffic is on U.S. 41-A when classes are opening or letting out. Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray wants them to know that steps are being taken toward relieving the congestion...
Rising fuel costs hit schools' budget (08/17/05)
Bedford County's school board has $209,000 in its budget for fuel, but has no choice on the price it's going to pay even though the one set of bids it received seems favorable. The price only looks good because the county doesn't pay taxes and so when School Superintendent Ed Gray saw a TV news report from Georgia where a school system uses chicken fat to make diesel fuel last longer, he thought about calling Tyson Foods...
Schools kick off a new year (08/16/05)
Bedford County schools opened Monday for the 2005-06 school year, a time when two schools appear headed away from a watch list imposed by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The first step from the list was announced by the Tennessee Department of Education two weeks ago when results of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) tests were released, complete with thousands of statistics...
New Harris Middle School opens (08/15/05)
At the groundbreaking for Harris Middle School 14 months ago, Principal Terry Saylor thought to himself, "It's about time." Sunday, at the dedication for the new building, Saylor was happy to say, "It is finally time." Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray, Saylor and Bedford County School Board members in attendance cut the ribbon at the new school on Eagle Boulevard Sunday afternoon...
Harris kicks off new era Sunday (08/13/05)
Sometimes perception is everything and today Harris Middle School can claim the best of both worlds, according to Bedford County Schools Superintendent Ed Gray. Gray will cut the ribbon to officially open Harris Middle School at 2:30 p.m. today on the new campus along Eagle Boulevard. His predecessor, Mike Bone, will preside over opening ceremonies expected by Principal Terry Saylor to attract a crowd of nearly 4,500...
School bus routes may be redone (08/12/05)
Bedford County's school buses are ready for the beginning of the new school year Monday morning. But this year's school bus stops could be relocated next year with a computer program that's hungry for more data. Implementation of the program has been delayed for a couple of years, according to David Parker, transportation supervisor for county schools, who said principals and/or others at the schools need to provide student address information...
Open houses precede school openings (08/10/05)
Bedford County schools reopen Monday for the 2005-06 school year. Schools are announcing events and open houses so parents can meet teachers. They're set for: Thursday * Cascade Elementary for parents of kindergarten students at 6 p.m. in the gym...
State pays firm $4.2 million for NCLB help (08/06/05)
Tennessee has renewed a contract for a not-for-profit corporation based in West Virginia to provide services to educators as they strive to meet challenges posed by the federal No Child Left Behind law. "It has, to AEL," Kim Karesh, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Department of Education, said of the contract to pay AEL some $4.2 million, much of which will be salaries to exemplary educators such as one who worked here last year...
County schools' progress confirmed by state (08/02/05)
NASHVILLE -- State officials confirmed on Monday what Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray said two weeks ago: Students' test score results have moved the county's rating away from a stigma applied by the federal No Child Left Behind program...
Schools hope for no tax increase -- this year (08/01/05)
Bedford County School System is attempting to go without a property tax increase this year, although it remains to be seen whether the state will approve the proposed 2005-2006 budget under its "maintenance of effort" (MOE) guidelines. However, school superintendent Ed Gray told Bedford County Board of Education on Thursday night that the school system has been able to hold the line on budgets in recent years only by drawing down on its fund balances, and that well has just about run dry, meaning some sort of new revenue will probably be needed next year.. ...
Cost and control: who pays for streets? (07/29/05)
Streets in front of two different schools -- Community School and the new Harris Middle School -- were a topic of discussion at Thursday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Education. The school system has received only one bid, from Wright Paving, for widening U.S. ...
Free lunch application streamlined (07/21/05)
Parents of families eligible for free or reduced price school meals will have a little less paperwork to fill out this year, according to Janet King Clarkson, child nutrition supervisor for the Bedford County school system. An estimated 40 to 45 percent of Bedford County's school children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under a state formula based on family income and the number of people in the household. ...
All schools pass AYP (07/12/05)
All of Bedford County's schools have passed their Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards from the state, including the four that failed to meet the standards a year ago. "To say that we're enthused about that is an understatement," said School Superintendent Ed Gray, who learned about the AYP results on Friday...
Teaching youth about Duck River (07/08/05)
Shelbyville's City Council was asked to create a Duck River Watershed Education Committee during its study session Tuesday. Wayne Bomar addressed the council on the matter, requesting that the city consider creating the committee, which would be similar to the one addressing the Greenway...
Higher test scores expected at SCHS (07/08/05)
Bedford County Schools Superintendent Ed Gray predicts that Shelbyville Central High School will be taking a step away from a watch list imposed by the federal No Child Left Behind law. SCHS and Thomas Intermediate School failed to meet federal benchmarks for a second consecutive year because of the results of their students' tests at the end of the 2003-04 school year and were put into a school improvement program...
(06/29/05)
The fifth version of the proposed county school budget, approved Tuesday by Bedford County Board of Education, does not call for a property tax increase -- but that doesn't mean it won't require one. There are several things that could go wrong with the budget, according to outgoing School Superintendent Mike Bone and school system business manager Robert Daniel...
Teaching the teachers: a science experiment (06/27/05)
Rocket fuel is being made from cornstarch at Bedford County Schools' central office this week. That's just one example of how three dozen teachers are learning how to teach science in a way that will fascinate, educate and prepare students for an annual test required by the state...
Latinos bridge the cultural gap (06/25/05)
Bedford Bridge Builders, a program of educational seminars aimed at the local Latino community, began Wednesday with an Education Day chaired by the Rev. Stephen Caine. The programming included information about the county school system, the Adult Learning Center and the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville...
GED grads overcame obstacles (06/21/05)
For some people, getting a GED takes only a few months. Others might take a few years, depending on their circumstances. But one thing is certain: Getting a GED is a worthwhile ambition. The GED -- General Educational Development -- diploma was created in 1942 during World War II. Originally, it was meant to allow veterans of that conflict to get a credential equivalent to a high school diploma quickly so they could go to college, but was later made available to all adults...
Gray employment contract approved (06/15/05)
After a lavish retirement reception Tuesday evening for retiring Bedford County School Superintendent Mike Bone, the county board of education unanimously voted to hire Assistant Superintendent Ed Gray as his successor. Gray's contract was written by an official with the Tennessee Association of School Superintendents which calls for a four-year contract that has no self-renewing, evergreen clause. It was, however, amended by the board vote...
Educators, school board tour new HMS (06/15/05)
A couple of dozen educators on Tuesday night toured the new Harris Middle School under construction near Shelbyville High School, which is being expanded. "I'd have liked to go to a school like this," said Julia Campbell, director of vocational education for Bedford County Schools after having been a classroom teacher for 33 years...
Veteran educator looks back (06/14/05)
If things had gone a little differently four decades ago, Mike Bone might be less concerned about whether Central High School will be expanded and more concerned about whether to build a new Bedford County Medical Center. Bone, who retires at the end of this month as Bedford County Superintendent of Schools, seriously considered a career in medicine, both as a college student and again a few years later. Education was his second choice...
Library announces summer reading program (06/03/05)
Children ages 12 and under are invited to be a "Major League" reader by joining the 2005 Summer Reading Program sponsored by Argie Cooper Public Library. Participants must read at least 10 easy books or five juvenile books to earn a summer reading certificate; only books from the library may be counted...
School board approves tight budget (06/01/05)
Bedford County Board of Education approved a $35 million budget request for 2005-2006 Thursday night, with school system business manager Robert Daniel calling it "probably the tightest budget that I remember in some time." The school system had projected that the budget would not require any increase in the school system's $1.29 per $100 assessed value property tax rate. ...
Gray chosen as school superintendent (05/27/05)
Assistant School Superintendent Ed Gray was the unanimous choice of Bedford County Board of Education Thursday night to succeed Mike Bone as superintendent when Bone retires June 30. All that remains is for an employment contract to be negotiated. Gray had been one of four finalists interviewed May 12 by the board. The others were Cascade Elementary School Principal Sharon Edwards, Lebanon High School Principal Don Hassler and (Tullahoma) East Lincoln Elementary Principal Dr. James Waters...
Rachel Bobo overcomes adversity, wins scholarship (05/24/05)
Rachel Bobo was awarded the $10,000 Ray Danner Scholarship during the seventh annual Neill-Sandler Scholars at Middle Tennessee State University the evening of May 17. The Neill-Sandler program recognizes students who have demonstrated academic and personal achievement despite having to cope with difficulties and obstacles.
Mediator to resolve school issue (05/17/05)
A Bedford County teacher has sought help from a mediation service offered by the Department of Defense since he's said his status as a Marine reservist was raised during what his principal described as a routine performance review. "We're going to do what's legal and we're going to do what's right," Assistant School Superintendent Ed Gray said of circumstances surrounding Liberty School Principal Bill Pietkiewicz and eighth grade teacher Ben Moore, who called a national hotline for Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve.. ...
School board opts for quality over price (05/05/05)
Bedford County Board of Education took bids on a variety of items last Thursday night, ranging from chairs and desks to textbook management software. The school board heard presentations from two furniture companies for supplying student desks for the new Harris Middle School. ...
NASA hopes to encourage future engineers (05/04/05)
NASA and the Department of Defense are dismayed with the lack of engineering students graduating from America's colleges, so the federal government is fostering interest in science and math through outreach programs such as Star Night at Eakin School on Tuesday, according to college professors...
New look proposed for Central High (05/01/05)
Bedford County Board of Education viewed artist's conceptions and floor plans for the proposed expansion of Central High School during Thursday night's meeting. Architects John Davis and Steven Curtis of Davis Stokes Collaborative P.C. presented the plan...
Four in running to lead schools (04/29/05)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday night, selected four finalists from whom a new school superintendent will be chosen to replace Mike Bone when he retires June 30. They are, in alphabetical order: Cascade Elementary School Principal Sharon Edwards;...
Tracy to leave School Board (04/18/05)
State Sen. Jim Tracy says he'll be resigning from his seat on the Bedford County School Board. "I'm going to have to get off," the Shelbyville Republican said Saturday, offering two reasons for his pending resignation. They're conflict of interest and work load...
Tracy seeks to end test-scoring contract (04/05/05)
Shelbyville's state senator is asking his fellow lawmakers to stop the value added contract on scoring students' tests with a formula developed by a Bedford County native, and a senator from Franklin wants to spend the $1.4 million savings on a pre-kindergarden program...
CDC gets fire prevention grant (04/01/05)
U.S. Senators Bill Frist (R-TN) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) on Thursday applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for awarding a $14,454 grant to the Community Development Center in Shelbyville under the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP)'s Fire Prevention and Safety Program...
County student 5th in spelling bee (03/30/05)
Bedford County homeschool student Lauren Calvin took fifth place in the Tennessean Regional Spelling Bee on Tuesday. Fifty-two students in grades five through eight from 26 Middle Tennessee counties participated in the competition, which was held in the Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium at David Lipscomb University in Nashville...
Caring teacher helps student succeed (03/30/05)
A 19-year-old Shelbyville woman has earned her General Educational Development diploma, landed a job and regained self confidence with the help of a teacher in what might seem to be an unlikely place for a classroom. The classroom is at the Shelbyville Public Housing Authority's Community Center, 343 Courtland Drive. The instructor is Billy Melton who teaches nearly two dozen students at various times, and most of his students are not residents of public housing...
Harris proceeding on schedule (03/22/05)
Construction of Harris Middle School is proceeding on schedule, reported Tom Grott of American Constructors reported Thursday to Bedford County Board of Education. School Superintendent Mike Bone reported that 400 lockers, which had been taken out of the plans as a cost-saving measure, have been put back in. ...
Bone retiring as superintendent (03/18/05)
Bedford County School Superintendent Mike Bone told school board members Thursday night that he will retire effective June 30, although he is willing to stay slightly longer if a replacement is not in place. Bone has been superintendent for 8 1/2 years; he was elected to the post when it was an elected office, and then was hired to continue when it was shifted to an appointed position by state law. ...
Corporal punishment policy revised (03/18/05)
Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday night to set a system-wide policy allowing parents to exempt their children from corporal punishment. Such a policy had already been in place at some schools. Corporal punishment is, and will continue to be, allowed in local schools. ...
Attendance zone changes considered (03/11/05)
Bedford County schools' attendance zones are being examined by administrators who are concerned that having only a few grades per school hurts students' test scores and that threatens the system's standing under the federal No Child Left Behind program...
Student musicians honored (03/02/05)
Many are aware of the outstanding marching band and pep band performances presented by the Central High, Harris Middle, and Community School bands each year. These students spend many hours preparing for these athletic events, as well as parades, marching band competitions, and other school performances...
Cascade celebrates Black History Month (03/01/05)
Many of the students at Cascade Elementary School dressed up Monday as famous African Americans to recognize Black History Month which ended that day. And at least one brought to the school his creation of a new musical style, apparently inspired by the character he portrayed in costume and music -- bluesman Muddy Waters...
School board members meet legislators (02/28/05)
Members of Bedford County Board of Education joined other school board members from across the state Feb. 22 for a day of legislative networking at the Tennessee School Boards Association's annual "Day on the Hill." Speakers included Lt. Gov. John Wilder and House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh...
HMS work continues; SCHS planning begins (02/25/05)
Bedford County Board of Education heard a progress report on the new Harris Middle School Thursday night; School Superintendent Mike Bone said the system will soon have floor plans and renderings for expansions to Central High School. In addition, the board heard a report from Bedford County Emergency Management Agency Director Scott Johnson about emergency preparedness as it relates to industries near SCHS and the new HMS site...
Veterans' Day already a school holiday (02/24/05)
United Veterans Council of Bedford County has won its first battle even before it decided to change the time of its Veterans Day Parade. "At its last meeting, the school board set the calendar and Veterans Day is a holiday," County Schools Instruction Supervisor Betty Farrar said today...