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Coffee County Voting Deadlines
Early Voting: July 15 - 30, 2022
General Election: August 4, 2022
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About me
I am a consulting hydrogeologist with a B.A. degree in Geology from the University of Montana and an MBA from the University of Colorado. I have two grown children and two grandchildren. I am activity in Coffee County social groups and organizing community activities.
Society has relegated dads to second class citizens and our children have paid the price. I’d like to see a program like “Dads in Schools” implemented here in Coffee County, starting in the High School. Dads In Schools is a movement of community leaders, parents, and local volunteers who understand the power of presence to provide a safe environment that enables students to thrive as they focus on their education. This program provides training and background checks for participants and, where implemented, has had a good track record of reducing violence in schools in other parts of the country. We, of course, would need volunteers, but I would hope enough dads would step up to make something like this happen. More information on this program is available on the Dads In Schools website.
Focus on Dads In Schools
More Career Pathways
Coffee County Schools need to serve the needs of both college-bound students and those that wish to pursue alternative career pathways, such as the trades. While the School System is already doing some things in this regard, there is so much more we could do with formal apprenticeship arrangements and classes geared toward everyday life. A good trade-oriented program like this not only benefits the students but also provides qualified local tradesmen who will help strengthen the local economy.
School Safety
School safety is on most people's minds these days. The School Board should work closely with the Sheriff's Department to identify risks at all schools and develop a plan to mitigate those risks. Safety should focus both on prevention and response in case of any incidents. School Resource Officers are valuable additions to the school safety program, but they cannot do it all themselves. Community involvement can improve school safety in a number of ways.
Increased Parent Participation
School Board meeting times that are inconvenient for parents to attend, onerous requirements to speak at meets and lack of access to School Board members are just some things that make parent participation difficult. Meetings should be live-streamed to make them accessible, School Board members should have "office hours" where they are accessible and open speaking times should be implemented at the School Board meetings to increase parental involvement and transparency.
A Conversation with Coffee County Major Candidate Judd Matheny
Coffee County Mayor Candidate Judd Matheny took time out of his busy schedule to discuss the relationship between the school system and a healthy local economy. I think you will find the conversation both interesting and instructive.
What are your ideas to improve Coffee County Schools?
Parent Voices Count is not just a campaign slogan! I am honestly interested in constructive feedback and suggestions as to how parents can work with the School Board to improve the school system. Please use the form below to submit your ideas and concerns.
School Boards Explained
In talking with parents, and even teachers, I've found there is some confusion on what duties and powers the School Board actually has. I did some digging in the Tennessee Code and other places and put together a video explaining what the overall purpose of a School Board is, what mandatory duties it has, and what discretionary powers it has. This was really an interesting video to do since I definitely learned a few things.
Improving Parent Access to the School Board
Some thoughts on how we can improve parents' access to the Coffee County School Board. These are my thoughts on some easy-to-implement actions and, as always, I'd like to hear your opinions.
Speaking Rules for Coffee County School Board Meetings
The challenge to getting parental involvement in Coffee County School Board meetings is the onerous requirements for speaking at the meetings. I'll cover the speaking requirements and why they need to change.
Vocational Education Opportunities
Not every student is a college track student, yet with the proper vocation or technical training, these students can still have great opportunities for careers that are satisfying and rewarding, while at the same time benefiting the local economy. This is a win-win for both the student and the local community. We need to find ways to focus more resources on vocational and technical education in Coffee County. In this video, I present a few ideas on funding.