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CLB hears education ranking discussion
During a February meeting of the Cocke County Finance Committee, member Forrest Clevenger voiced concern regarding the status of education in Cocke County. He suggested that a major factor in the lack of jobs and recruitment of newcomers to the community is "the poor shape our schools are in." Clevenger went on to say that he is embarrassed that academically, Cocke County High is ranked near the bottom of high schools in the state, according to a recent state ranking. But at the Monday evening meeting of the Cocke County Legislative Body, a Cocke County High School teacher presented a rebuttal. Rita McNabb who teaches Coordinated School Health, and has been associated with the Cocke County School system for 38 years, told the body she loves teaching. She said the comments by Clevenger have upset teachers who take them personally. "I take offense with the statement that there is no other factor other than education that is going to get us out of the hole we are in. We need a new mindset; that education is important and that our teachers need our support." McNabb also argued for focusing on the positives, "rather than to be embarrassed you need to support and encourage our teachers and administrators." She said the latest report card shows the school system with an overall success rate of 32.7 percent, the career readiness score is 26.8 percent and the graduation rate is 93.4 percent. All of the areas have seen an increase from last year. The teacher said parental involvement is very important. One of the primary issues in the system is chronic absenteeism at 18.3 percent, and "it is difficult to teach a child who isn't there." She also pointed out that local manufacturers frequently experience issues with employees who are frequently absent and who can't pass a drug test. McNabb pointed out that many people do not understand the importance of education.... "Our community is plagued with apathy, drug abuse and parental incarceration." But she went on to say there also are many good people in the community, "who are kind, caring, compassionate and supportive people. We don't hear about the parents who are working two jobs to support their family, or those who do without to be sure their children are taken care of." She called on the community to come together and to pull in a positive direction. Clevenger in response said he did not name any teachers in his earlier comments regarding the ranking of the high school. "I asked what the school plans to do about this. These reports are made public for everyone, and we are judged by them." In other action, the body approved a transfer of monies within the Sheriffs Department budget to purchase two transport units and equip several new cruisers. Newly hired Emergency Management Agency Director Joseph Esway of Strawberry Plains was introduced to the body. Mayor Crystal Ottinger who hired Esway, previously told the NewsSource that he is a career Marine with a specialty in disaster management. She said Esway meets all the qualifications of the state for an EMA director, pointing out that there were few applications from Cocke County residents and they did not meet the requirements. Partnership President Lucas Grham reported that state economic development officials have approved the plans for the Loves Travel Center at Exit 432. Following the death of First District Constable McCree Whitten, the body heard from both Josh Spurgeon and Grady James, both of whom want to be appointed to the post. The CLB will make an interim appointment at it's April meeting. The CLB also talked about the financial condition of the Friends Animal Shelter, and will further that issue in the Finance Committee. Willie Green of Newport Printing and Office Supplies was honored for his 50 years of business and community service. And WLIK was recognized for it's 65 years on the air.
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