The following is a synopsis of the “Meet the Mayor” meeting at Wally’s Restaurant on March 16. The notes were provided by Mayor Brian Williams. District 8 Hamilton County School Board member, Tucker McClendon, was Mayor Williams’ guest speaker.
City Manager Hiring:
City Council members agreed and approved a compensation package that consists of $115,000 salary, $450 per month car allowance, full insurance paid, 10% retirement contribution and 4 months severance package if terminated without cause.
After the approval of the compensation package, there was a motion and second to offer Chris Dorsey the position of City Manager. Council vote was 5-0 in favor. The offer was extended to Mr. Dorsey Friday and we expect to hear back by Monday. I met with Mr. Dorsey Monday during the Legislative conference in Nashville. There was a discussion concerning the verbiage on the insurance coverage for his personal car. This is being clarified to ensure both the City and Mr. Dorsey are covered. Mr. Litchford is making the appropriate changes to the contract and we will have an announcement by the March 28th Council Meeting.
Chief of Police:
As I have mentioned before, this was a personnel matter handled by the Interim City Manager. The Council Members did not have any input or influence in the decision that was made.
Update: City Vision/Mission Statement
Currently working on scheduling of the Strategic Planning session with MTAS and Council. This will help facilitate and guide us in:
- The creation of a Mission Statement – why does the City of East Ridge exist?
- Conduct an environmental scan – what are the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing our city.
- Create a Vision Statement – based on the results of the environmental scan, where/what does East Ridge want to be in the future.
- Goals – what are the goals that will help ER to obtain its vision?
Update: City Schools
Continued discussions are occurring with MTAS and the City Attorney in the formation of an Education Committee. This committee will collaborate, aide and assist with our shortcomings within our local schools.
Update: High School Fields & Potential New Field House
Awaiting on work on the possible NFL facility grant to help in covering the potential cost of a field house. Our county commissioner Tim Boyd has requested $150,000 towards the Field House and $300,000 toward a new track.
Presentation from HCDE District 8 School Board Member Tucker McClendon
Tucker McClendon’s is active on Facebook and conducts a Facebook Live Q&A session each month. Please visit his page below:
Hamilton County Schools
Hamilton County School Board Members will be voting on the transportation provider on Thursday, March 28, 2019
Future Ready 2023
Five Action Areas
- Accelerating Student Achievement – The board and community have articulated high expectations for student achievement. To improve student outcomes, we will focus on aligning standards, assessments, and instruction, as well as prioritizing educational equity so that all students can reach their full potential.
- Future Ready Students – Our overarching mission as a public school district is to ensure our students are successful after graduation. We will work to help students identify their interests and acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities to pursue their preferred option for college and/or career, whatever it might be.
- Great Teachers and Leaders – Our students cannot be successful without strong teachers and leaders to support their learning. Our district must ensure that we attract, develop, and retain top talent across all educational and operational areas.
- Engaged Community – Our district serves our community as the public provider of pre-K-12 education for all families. Moreover, we serve as the foundation for workforce development. It is important that we continually gather feedback and input from our stakeholders, in addition to keeping them informed on our progress.
- Efficient and Effective Operations – From building maintenance to transportation to technology infrastructure, we understand that seamless operations are key to delivering a high quality public education to our students. Our operations must help – not hinder – the creation of a safe and healthy environment, conducive to student learning.
Focus Five Performance Targets
In addition to the Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) and related targets that we have
defined, the district will pursue five overarching performance targets to
measure our success at the end of the Future Ready 2023! five-year time frame.
At least
half of all third grade students will be on-track or mastered as measured the
TNReady English Language Arts assessment.
In 2017, the district was at 33.3% proficiency
for third grade reading. Early literacy is critical to ensuring that students
have the academic foundation to put them on a trajectory for success through
high school and beyond.
We will double the percent
of students on track in Algebra I across all grades.
In 2017, only 18.7 percent of district students were on track for college and
career readiness as measured by state EOC assessments in Algebra I. Algebraic
problem solving is growing in importance across all career sectors, as STEM
becomes an essential part of the workplace. Our students need these skills to
compete in the 21st century economy.
75% of graduates will
complete at least one advanced course or industry certification exam.
Less than 40% of 2017 graduates completed an early post-secondary course or
earned an industry credential. Advanced coursework and industry certifications
provide students with a head-start on careers and credit attainment towards a
post-secondary degree or diploma. Increasing exposure to EPSOs will ultimately
increase post-secondary completion rates.
The average ACT composite
for the class of 2023 will be 21.
The average ACT composite for the class of 2017 was 19.9. ACT is an important
indicator for post-secondary readiness, as well as HOPE scholarship
opportunities. We believe that, on average, our graduates should be able to
demonstrate their preparation for post-secondary based on composite ACT scores.
90% of students who
entered high school in the 2019 cohort will graduate by summer 2023.
The graduation rate for the class of 2017 (entered ninth grade in 2013) was
84.6%. Earning a high school diploma is the first step toward economic
self-sufficiency, when that diploma represents a high-value set of skills and
abilities. Moreover, graduation is a culminating rite of passage to adulthood,
and we must support more of our students to successfully achieve this
milestone.
Board Goals
The Hamilton County Board of Education is committed to success for all students through increased student achievement, parent and community involvement, safe schools and accountability. The Board established a set of goals to guide district leadership in their oversight of school operations.
- Ensure a safe, clean, and orderly environment that promotes learning in all schools
- Improve academic performance of all students through implementation of a system of high standards and accountability in all classrooms.
- Recruit and retain effective and qualified teachers for all children.
- Enhance and strengthen the programs that promote good citizenship, teach character education and value diversity.
- Develop a parent involvement program in every school by school year.
- Implement a comprehensive plan that provides clear and open lines of communication among central office employees, school staffs, parents and the community.
Board Future Ready Plan Focus Areas
In 2017, the Board adopted a strategic plan that elevated focus areas to further define the strategic direction for district leadership.
- Great Teachers, Great Leaders
A highly effective, supported teacher in every classroom and a strong leader in every building.
- Engage every child. Everyday.
Students who are motivated and interested in learning are more successful, confident and experience higher achievement. Fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning are key to the hope, well-being and achievement of our students.
- Strong Foundations: Literacy and Math
Critical to a student’s success both in school and beyond, literacy is more than reading and spans all subject areas and skills. Math is also a critical skill and tied to many of the growing job opportunities in our community.
- Building Our Values: Culture, Climate and
Communication
Strong, supportive school climate and culture are essential to the success of our students and schools. Improve internal and external communication and increase public confidence in our school system
- Future Ready: Prepare all Students for College and
Career
Creating pathways and opportunities for students as they prepare for post-secondary education and careers.
- Close the Opportunity Gap
Intentional and focused support on our most at-risk students and schools reflects our commitment to equity and success for all students.
Community Input and Priorities
Over the course of the last several months, the district has engaged the community to gather its feedback on the future direction of Hamilton County Schools. A total of 23 listening sessions were held, where over 1,300 community members attended. In the fall, the five key priorities identified included:
- arts education,
- social emotional learning and supports,
- community schools,
- student safety, and
- STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Full Future Ready 2023 Planhttps://www.hcde.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=3566850
_ Mayor Brian Williams
