Information from WYSH Radio
After Anderson County Schools officials received complaints from parents about overcrowding on a bus route, a second route was added this week.
Parents informed school leaders that a bus serving Norwood Middle School and Clinton High School was crowded enough that, at times, students were forced to stand or even sit on the floor. [Read more…]
Oak Ridge Board of Education candidates are, from right, Mike Mahathy, Laura McLean, Bob Eby, Andy Howe, Paige Marshall, and Jean Hiser. Not pictured are Laurie Paine and Aaron Wells.
Note: This story was last updated at 10:10 a.m. Nov. 3.
School board candidates at two forums this campaign season expressed optimism that school officials will be able to continue to provide school bus transportation to most students in the next school year, and several said they would support a property tax rate increase if it were deemed necessary.
Bob Eby, Oak Ridge Board of Education vice chair, cited delayed staff raises and textbook purchases as well as capital project needs. Eby helped lead moves this summer to restore bus transportation to preschool students and then other students after the area where bus service is not provided was temporarily expanded to 1.5 miles as part of cost-cutting measures in June.
In August, Karen Gagliano, Oak Ridge Schools director of business and support services, said the $500,000 in fund balance money used to restore transportation and the delayed purchase of textbooks, among other things, means the school system could start the Fiscal Year 2015 budget discussions with a $1.8 million deficit, before anything new is added.
“I will ask for a tax increase next year,” Eby said. “We’ve put (off) all we can put off.” [Read more…]
To the Editor:
Laurie Paine is, by far, the best candidate for the Oak Ridge Board of Education. She’s loyal and fights hard for what she believes in.
I’ve witnessed first-hand her diligence in fighting to get the bus routes reinstated for children living closer to school. Her oldest daughter lost her life riding her bike home from school. It’s because of that tragedy that she fights harder and more diligently than anyone else. She’s determined and committed to do whatever’s necessary to ensure our children’s safety.
Rumors have spread about mistakes she’s made in the past. While other candidates seem focused on people’s faults, Laurie continues to press forward in fighting for people’s best interests. Sure, she’s made her fair share of mistakes, but who hasn’t. Often times we learn more by making mistakes. I believe that Laurie’s past has made her even more determined and focused to create a better and safer future for our kids. [Read more…]
Willow Brook Elementary School
Willow Brook Elementary will begin its 2013‐14 school year on Monday, July 15. School hours on Monday, July 15, through Wednesday, July 17 will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The regular school schedule will begin on Thursday, July 18 for all students, a press release said.
Food and transportation services will begin on Monday, July 15. Bus stops and routes are set according to enrollment as of July 4, 2013. New students needing bus service must complete the Request for Transportation Service paperwork at the time of enrollment. Changes to bus routes and stops will not be made until after the start of school. [Read more…]
