Forum set to talk about KCS budget

KCS Superintendent Jim McIntyre will host a community forum to discuss the FY 2015-16 budget  on April 6 at 6 p.m. at Amherst Elementary School (located at 5101 Schaad Road).

The meeting will be streamed live at knoxschools.org and broadcast live on Comcast Channel 10 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
Please note that two or more Board of Education members may be present and the community is invited to attend.

Don't complain if you don't show up.

FY 2015-16 school budget released

School Board

Knox County Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre unveiled his proposed budget Wednesday evening for the upcoming fiscal year, a roughly $440.8 million no frills spending plan that essentially maintains current services, offers no major initiatives, but does provide for a teacher pay raise.

"This FY16 budget is not an ideal proposal by any means, but it is a budget that is reasonable, responsible, and supportive of the terrific educational work happening in our classrooms across our school system," McIntyre said. "Ultimately, I feel strongly that if fully funded, this is a budget that will move us forward in our journey toward our ambitious goal of 'Excellence for Every Child.'"

At the heart of the proposal is a 4 percent pay bump for teachers that will cost $10 million. However, the increase assumes that the state will kick in about $4.4 million and that the Knox County Commission will appropriate another $5.6 million above and beyond normal revenue projections.

Overall, the spending plan will increase 3.7 percent, or about $16 million, from the current budget of $424.9 million.

"Our teachers continue to do an extraordinary job of facilitating student learning and success in an era of great change and enhanced expectations," McIntyre said. "In order to retain our outstanding teachers and recruit the next generation of exemplary educators, we must ensure that we offer a more competitive and professional level of compensation for our teachers."

McIntyre's budget eliminates some positions, including five teacher and 12 clerical jobs, which he wants to cut through attrition. He also proposed eliminating four central office and school-wide positions.

In addition, the spending plan also cuts Project GRAD monies and the APEX performance pay, and reduces the summer "bridge" program by 50 percent.

McIntyre said it would be up to the school board to make the ultimate decision, and cutting APEX would "be a conscious choice" on its part that would occur "more halfway into the school year in which they are being earned, but despite the disadvantages, this is perhaps the most reasonable course of action."

Several board members questioned many of the items listed, from APEX funding to the potential job cuts.

The proposed budget also assumes continued funding of the almost $2.9 million early literacy program, which is supported by a grant from the county mayor's office.

County Mayor Tim Burchett, however, has said he isn't sure he'll continue it because he's said that he doesn't believe that the program has been very successful.

The superintendent said if the grant wasn't extended he could cut the program.

"With limited budgetary flexibility, the loss of these funds would be devastating to our early literacy efforts," he said.

McIntyre also proposed a $15.75 million capital improvement budget for the upcoming fiscal year with almost half – more than $6.7 million – in additions and renovations for Pond Gap Elementary School.

It also includes upgrades to Karns High School and upgrades to the parking and drives at two elementary schools. The capital improvement proposal sets aside $2 million for security improvements and $350,000 technology and communication upgrades across the school systems.

At Pond Gap, the superintendent proposed renovating and adding some 47,250-square feet to include 12 new classrooms, several suits, a gymnasium, art and music rooms, media center, cafeteria, kitchen and new bus drive.

At Karns High School, McIntyre suggested putting $750,000 into replacing lockers, ceiling tile, wall base molding and parking lot lighting.

The 2015-16 fiscal year starts July 1.

Mayor Rogero to seek re-election

Rogero

If you don't know by now, Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero recently stated the obvious: She is seeking re-election in 2015.

She plans to host a kick-off reception at 6 p.m. on March 24 at the Standard on Jackson Avenue.  Free parking is available after 6 p.m. across the street from the Standard in the W. Jackson Avene lot.

Rogero,  the city's first female mayor, won the office in 2011.

The Knoxville mayoral post is a non-partisan seat, but Rogero is a Democrat.

I talked to Buddy Burkhardt, the Knox County Republican Party's new chairman, and he said members are looking for a potential candidate to challenge Rogero.

If anything Ivan Harmon will probably run. Heh. 

Burkhardt picked to lead Knox GOP

Buddy Burkhardt

The Knox County Republican Party picked Buddy Burkhardt to serve as its chairman for the next two years.

Burkhardt, who works in technical support at the Knox County Sheriff's Office, succeeds Ruthie Kuhlman.

In addition, the GOP during its reorganizational meeting last Saturday at Crown College also picked Suzanne Dewar to serve as vice chair, and former county Commissioner Michele Carringer to serve as secretary.

"I am focusing on the future and I believe that a strong, conservative Republican Party is good for the citizens and prosperity of Knox County," Burkhardt said.

He added that at this point he wants to "move the party forward," and update the group's website and its Facebook page.

Burkhardt said he wants to promote candidate appearances, fundraisers and contact information for candidates and elected officials.

"I want it so that people can contact them directly and easily," he said.

The new chairman also wants to focus on creating a grassroots effort to get more residents involved in the party. He said key to that would be seeking help from the party's precinct leaders which would "give them a stronger sense of involvement."

"I want to get those people more involved in making phone calls and helping candidates in their precincts," he said. "Candidates are always looking for people to work the polls for them. I want to try to try to get a grassroots efforts going, because if people feel they are more involved, then they will be more involved."

The major local election this year is for the Knoxville mayoral seat, currently held by Madeline Rogero, a Democrat who announced her intentions Monday night on Twitter to seek re-election.

The post is non-partisan, but Burkhardt said "we know who the Democrats and Republicans are, and we can get involved and support our Republicans."

He said local GOP officials are looking for someone to potentially challenge Rogero, and talking about ways to raise money.

Next year, the county will have a couple major seats up for re-election, including the property assessor's post and the law director position. In addition, about half of the county commission seats are open.

The Knox County Democratic Party will hold its reorganizational convention March 28 at the CWA union hall.

Knox County closed due to weather

If you don't know by now, officials have shut down Knox County government (and the schools and the courts) for the day, due to the weather.

From the county:

The following Knox County Government offices will be closed Thursday, March 5, 2015:

• Offices reporting to the Knox County Mayor, including senior centers, libraries, health department, veterans services and convenience/recycling centers.
• Circuit & Civil Sessions Court Clerk
• Knox County law Director
• Knox County Property Assessor
• Knox County Trustee, including all satellite offices
• General Sessions Court Clerk, Fourth Circuit Court Clerk and Criminal Court Clerk offices.
• Knox County Clerk, including all satellite offices
• Knox County Election Commission
• Knox County District Attorney General

NOTE: Employees are urged to use their own discretion as to whether they can travel safely. Employees choosing not to report to work should use appropriate leave.

Mayor Burchett to host 10 constituent meetings throughout county in March

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett's office announced that he will hold 10 constituent meetings in March to give residents the chance to meet and speak one-on-one with him. The meetings are open to the public, and held throughout the county.

They are:

Monday, March 2 
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Burlington Library
4614 Asheville Highway

Thursday, March 5
4-5 p.m.
Fountain City Library
5300 Stanton Road

Monday, March 9
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Cedar Bluff Library
9045 Cross Park Drive

Thursday, March 12
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Bearden Library
100 Golf Club Road

Monday, March 16
9-10 a.m.
Strang Senior Center
109 Lovell Heights Road

Thursday, March 19
11 a.m. to noon
Karns Library
7516 Oak Ridge Highway

Monday, March 23
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Powell Library
330 W. Emory Rd

Wednesday, March 25
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Corryton Senior Center
9331 Davis Drive

Friday, March 27
11 a.m. to noon
Carter Senior Center
9036 Asheville Highway

Monday, March 30
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Howard Pinkston Library
7732 Martin Mill Pike

Chief Magistrate Brown resigning

Mark Brown

Knox County General Sessions Court Chief Magistrate Mark Brown has submitted his letter of resignation, telling officials that his last day on the job will be April 10 before he moves to Nashville to be closer to his family.

"As you are aware, I remarried over a year ago," he wrote in his letter submitted Jan. 28 and made public Tuesday. "Due to employment constraints, my wife and I have lived in different parts of the state. This move is a positive development toward uniting our two households in one location."

Brown, who began serving as a magistrate in February 2009, made $85,000 annually in his position as chief magistrate, according to records.

"Thank you for the support I have received during my six years of employment," his letter states. The many professional relationships and personal friendships developed during this time have enriched my life."

Brown, who also ran his own private law practice, is a former vice mayor for the city of Knoxville and served on the Knoxville City Council for seven years. He earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

The county has five magistrates, often called judicial commissioners, who work 36 hours per week on a rotating schedule. The magistrates are charged with reviewing applications for warrants and summonses and conduct the initial court appearances of prisoners via closed-circuit television.

The general sessions court judges usually accept resumes and then send a handful of their top choices to the Knox County Commission to make a final decision. Although officials have yet to iron out the details, the judges in the coming days are expected to accept resumes for Brown's position.

The County Commission is tentatively looking at March 16 to interview candidates, and April 20 to hold a special session to fill the magistrate vacancy.

The commission last filled an open magistrate position in August, when then-chief Magistrate Richard Major stepped down to work as Knox county Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond's second-in-command.

The board appointed local attorney Ray Jenkins to succeed Major.

New look for KPD uniforms unveiled

KPD's newest patch, left, and most recent one

The Knoxville Police Department's uniforms are getting a new look. For the fourth time in the department's 166-year history, the department is adding a new design to its uniform: a shoulder patch.

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch unveiled the new shoulder patch for the department's uniforms late Tuesday morning at the Safety Center. The last time the patch was redesigned was in the 1970s.

Chief Rausch said the department has worked on this patch for more than a year, and it's only the fourth patch in the department's history. The department said the new patch reflects qualities of the city, including scenes of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Sunsphere, the Howard Baker Jr. Federal Courthouse, Ayers Hall, and other iconic sites.

Past KPD patches

Some officers are already wearing the new patch, and the department will add more through the month. Chief Rausch said the city won't bear any additional costs for the patch.

Storms could ding sales tax revenue

Chris Caldwell

Overall sales tax revenues for Knox County are up right now, but they could take a hit because of February’s snowstorms.

However, Knox County’s finance director, Chris Caldwell, says he’s not hitting the panic buttons just yet.

“It will be interesting to see what the February tax numbers are this year with the snow and ice events,” Caldwell said. “I would expect a possible decrease.”

Just how much, though, is not known at this point. The county won’t get the numbers back from the state until mid-April.

As it stands, the county is up $5.9 million in sales tax revenues from July through December – the first six months of the current fiscal year – compared to the same time period last year. The total does not include sales tax revenues from Knoxville or Farragut.

Overall county expenses are about even, so Caldwell said he’s confident that the numbers will eventually work themselves out.

But, the sales tax revenues are often fickle and officials say recent inclement weather could hurt them.

Last month was one of the coldest Februarys in Knoxville’s history with an average temperature of 32.1 degrees, which is 10.3 degrees below normal.

In addition, 8.2 inches of snow fell for the total month, which is 6.6 inches more than the average February.

Knox County schools were closed Feb. 16 for Presidents’ Day when the snow first fell and remained closed due to weather through Feb. 27. Many businesses were shut down as main and secondary roads were hazardous for drivers, and the Knoxville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded only to life and death emergencies.

“There will be an impact,” Caldwell said. “But I don’t think you’ll see it being horrible.”

Knox County, Knoxville and Farragut brought in a combined $15.6 million in sales tax revenue in February 2014.

Sales tax revenues make up only 6.3 percent of the county’s overall general fund, but comprise about 30 percent of the school system’s budget.

Hammond freezes 'undiscovered' court clerk account; allotments increase

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond froze a rarely used account that his workers discovered last September when he took over the office, and is working out a plan with the state on how to disperse the $2.6 million in it.

In the meantime, the amount of money Hammond’s office typically turns over to the county coffers has now quadrupled, since his staffers quit using the account.

“We’ve begun distributing the money on a monthly basis as opposed to the way it’s been done before and you can see the increases,” Hammond told the county’s Audit Committee on Monday.

In addition, the amount turned over to the sheriff’s office has tripled according to records, and the amount given to the state has jumped five times.

Early last September, Hammond’s office discovered what finance officials dub an “undistributed” account, located at First Tennessee Bank, which was set up at least 50 years ago.

Here’s how it worked:

When someone pays a fine to the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office, officials are supposed to divvy up the money between a number of entities, like the state or the sheriff's office. However, if someone made a partial payment, the money – under Hammond’s predecessors – would get deposited into the “undistributed” account, and remain there until the fine was completely paid. Only then would it get dispersed.

The office doesn’t have the records detailing how the account got every dollar, so Hammond this week is expected to talk to state officials to determine what the county can do with the money.

In the meantime, Hammond said his office is now distributing partial payments to the entities each month, rather than putting them into the account. Since starting this new distribution formula in mid-December, the allotments have jumped substantially.

For example, in October – Hammond’s first full month in office – the department turned over $23,600 to the county, but those were monies tied to full payments made to the office by criminal offenders, and did not include partial payments.

Records show that in January – the first full month when the change took effect – the office turned over $88,400 to the county. These funds included the partial payments that in the past would go into the undistributed account.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office in October got $9,200 from the clerk, and in January received more than $28,800.

Likewise, the state received $7,750 from the clerk’s office in October and almost $45,000 in January.

“Although it’s only one month, it looks like we’re seeing a trend,” said Richard Major, chief deputy of the criminal court clerk’s office.

Knox County Commissioner and audit committee member Dave Wright agreed.

“We were unable to disperse (the money) before because that’s just the way things were done 25, 30, 45 years ago,” he said. “Now we’re looking at a new way of doing things, where when money comes in then the money is being paid out.”

The Criminal Court Clerk's Office is self-sustaining fee office, meaning it collects fines and fees, and keeps enough to pay the office employees and build a small reserve. The remaining funds are supposed to be turned over to the county.

State Ed. Commish forms task force for student testing and assessment

Looks like the state is going to look into school testing, according to a release sent out today from Nashville. At the bottom is a list of players on the task force. I'm not familiar enough with all of them to determine whether the deck is stacked one way or the other.

But, you know, the glass is half full. Heh.

Here's the release:

Education Commissioner Candice McQueen today announced the formation of a special Tennessee Task Force on Student Testing and Assessment to study and identify best practices in testing at the school level and how those assessments align with required state tests.

“We have heard some concerns that there is ‘too much testing’ taking place. So as education leaders and stakeholders, it’s important that we clearly understand current testing policies and practices at both the state and local levels,” McQueen said. “Proper assessment tools are vital in making sure we are supporting our schools, teachers, parents, and students with clear information about what students are learning and mastering. We want to highlight those districts that are finding the right approach and balance on this important topic, and to identify any areas for discussion and improvement.”

The new task force includes a broad spectrum of education leaders, teachers and stakeholders. The first meeting of the task force will convene in late March, and will focus on the results of a district assessment survey.

“Assessments can be powerful tools in ensuring the work we’re doing in education is effective and that we are gaining a return on our taxpayer investments,” Senate Education Committee Chairman and task force member Dolores Gresham said. “I’m excited to be a part of this important work.”

The task force will issue a report on its findings this summer.

The task force will include the following members:

• Candice McQueen, Tennessee Commissioner of Education
• Sara Heyburn, Executive Director, State Board of Education
• Dolores Gresham, Chairman, Senate Education Committee
• John Forgety, Chairman, House Education Committee
• Harry Brooks, Chairman, House Education Committee
• Mike Winstead, Director of Schools, Maryville City
• Wanda Shelton, Director of Schools, Lincoln County
• Mary Reel, Director of Schools, Milan Special Schools
• Nancy Ashe, Assistant Director of Schools, Lebanon Special Schools
• Beth Unfried, Director of Elementary Schools, Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools
• Sharon McNary, Principal, Richland Elementary, Shelby County Schools
• Philip Eller, Teacher, Cedar Grove Elementary, Rutherford County Schools
• Becky McBride, Teacher, Brighton High, Tipton County School
• Valerie Love, Teacher, Dobyns-Bennett High, Kingsport City Schools
• Susan Lodal, President, Tennessee School Boards Association
• Jasmine Carlisle, 11TH-grade Student, Mt. Juliet High, Wilson County Schools
• Virginia Babb, Member, Knox County Parent-Teacher Association

Ex officio members:

• Kathleen Airhart, Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Education
• Stephen Smith, Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Education
• Emily Freitag, Assistant Commissioner, Curriculum and Instruction, Tennessee Department of Education
• Nakia Towns, Assistant Commissioner, Data and Research, Tennessee Department of Education
• Eva Boster, Teacher Ambassador, Tennessee Department of Education
• Alyssa Van Camp, Director of Policy, State Collaborative on Reforming Education

New criminal court system to help prevent wrongful arrests in Knox Co.

Local leaders have put together a blueprint designed to streamline the criminal justice process so that authorities do not wrongly arrest residents – something that happened because of poor record keeping and improper training in the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office during the past couple of years.

In a letter signed by eight judges, the district attorney general and the sheriff, among others, officials agreed to a series of proposals tied to better protecting records, formalizing training programs and implementing a real-time data entry process in the county courtrooms.

The move comes after an internal audit released last August revealed a number of problems and inefficiencies in the Criminal Court Clerk's Office when it operated under Joy McCroskey.

The audit was a result WBIR 10News investigation that revealed that a short supply of technology and training inside the department created a series of problems that led to wrongful arrests, cases set aside due to errors and residents temporarily losing their right to vote.

McCroskey, who took office in mid-2008, opted not to seek re-election in 2014. Mike Hammond, a former county commissioner, succeeded her last September, taking over the department that serves as the official record keeper for the criminal court, generals sessions court and Fourth Circuit court, early last September.

"We'll now be able to go in and input the data as it happens," Hammond said. "Right now we'll go into the courtroom and then bring out a bunch of documents, and we're responsible for transcribing that information back onto that computer, maybe a day or two after the event. This way, we'll be able to do that in the courtroom."

Dick Moran, head of the county's IT department, which has been working with officials to streamline the process, agreed.

"All of the people involved in this, all the way to law enforcement – the chief of police, the sheriff, everybody – wants to see the information timely and accurate so that no citizen is deprived of their liberty," he said. "That's the most important thing."

Rest of story RIGHT HERE.