Members of the DeKalb Jaycees, city government leaders, and others joined in a brief dedication ceremony at noon Wednesday for a new Town Clock located on the ground of the Smithville City Hall building.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Bert Driver of the DeKalb Jaycees and a former city alderman, said the new clock is part of the downtown beautification effort. ” In 1998, the Smithville City Council initiated a beautification project around the town square ? the trees that you see planted have begun to mature and provide a softer landscape that accentuates the charm of our town. The continuing desire of both the citizens of Smithville and the city Council has resulted in the on-going sidewalk improvements throughout different areas of the city”.
“As we continue to see more and more people moving into our community, both the towns people and the city government will have to embrace new ideas and react to a more progressive and competitive community. The city of Smithville has as much potential as any other small town in Middle Tennessee and with a concerted effort between citizens, government and the business community, Smithville can retain its charm and sense of value by preserving its traditions and embracing its future. This progressive heritage should be the cornerstone of the next generation of leadership”.
“And as for today, we gather to add one more improvement to our great city ? the Town Clock. The Town Clock before you has been a long time coming- and a great many people have put their effort into this project, particularly the DeKalb Jaycees who have not only supported this project financially; they have also given a great deal of sweat equity into making sure that this plan was completed”.
“It gives us great pride in dedicating the clock today as a symbol of spirit and pride”.
Driver also offered the following poem by an unknown author:
“This Thing Called Time –
Time can be an enemy, yet sometimes be a friend,
There is a time that we all grow, and then a time we mend,
Time that seems to make us late, can sometimes make us cry,
There is a time we call our life, and then the time we die.
Time is used to measure days, we spend here on this Earth,
It helps divide the times in life, and re-calls all from birth,
It is a constant from this world, and then it fades away,
Taking all within its grasp, and making a new day.
Time it seems can measure space, and all ones distant travels,
It rushes us throughout our lives, and then delays arrival,
There’s always time for disappointment, and appointed time,
But time that’s somehow wasted, seems such an awful crime.
Time can not be bottled, nor packaged in a bag,
But when it’s managed wisely, time seems not to lag,
This timely realization, sometimes is not remembered,
Events that seem so timely, though cherished may be squandered.
And now you have, your space in time, for all that it is worth,
To you it seems, a grand old time, your life upon the Earth,
But you will see, that time flys by, and empties your lifes cup,
So make it count, this thing called time, before it’s all used up.

Members of the Class of 2006 said their goodbyes to DeKalb County High School on the occasion of their graduation Friday night.
Three of the most outstanding members of the class were singled out for special recognition. This year’s White Rose Awards went to Elise Cantrell and Daniel Alexander and while the Citizenship Award was presented to Ben Malone
The White Rose is presented to a boy and girl from the class for outstanding achievement and leadership, academics, and other activities. The Citizenship Award is given to the senior who has demonstrated outstanding service, devotion and loyalty to DeKalb County High School.
A total of 147 students received diplomas during the commencement, each one shaking hands with Director of Schools Jim McCormick as their names were called by Principal Kathy Hendrix.
In remarks to the Class, Valedictorian Elise Cantrell admonished her fellow classmates to make good decisions and embrace the changes that will affect their lives. “Success is something we all want a part of, but it is defined differently for each of us. No matter how big or small someone’s goals might be, they are never too far from reach. You and you alone have to make success happen. Each of us must be willing to put forth every effort we have into each task we perform. Make the right decisions, because the decisions you make now will affect you in the future. Most, importantly, make decisions for you. You can spend your whole life trying to please other people and you will never feel a sense of satisfaction. Life is too short to be unhappy so live it now and don’t take a single second for granted. The good Lord has put each of us in this world for a purpose and it is our responsibility to find that purpose.”
“Tonight, there is a journey coming to an end, but we will soon venture off onto an entirely different journey. No one knows exactly where that journey will lead. We are starting a whole new life, and it is up to us to make the most of the life we choose. It has come our time to step out into the real world of change. We must not hold resentment against change, but instead we should embrace the new opportunities that come along with change. We will leave here tonight, not with sadness in our eyes, but with a new vision on life. Every moment we have shared will be cherished and we will take what we have learned at DCHS and move into the next chapter of our lives. I would like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from a wise philosopher, Benjamin Franklin, ?When you’re finished changing, you’re finished”.
Salutatorian Kheela Nicole Blair urged the class to overcome life’s obstacles and make the journey of life fulfilling. ” Upon entering into each of our new lives, we will encounter many obstacles along our long road to success. Like our pasts, our futures will be filled with not only a great amount of joy, but also with many tears and struggles. As we have grown up, we have acquired much knowledge from our elders about how to make mature and responsible decisions to help us deal with whatever challenges may come our way. Through our own personal experiences, we each know that with hard work and determination, we are always capable of pulling through. For without these two characteristics, none of us would be sitting here tonight.”
“Nonetheless, there are the occasional obstacles that we can never prepare for. It is in these instances that we must remember to maintain confidence in ourselves and uphold our trust in the Lord. Philippians 4:13 says ? I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me’. Have faith and you will go far. Congratulations to the class of 2006. May you be successful in all you do.”
Class President Kris Robinson encouraged the seniors to “follow the road that leads you to where you need to go”. All three of our school colors are represented on this road. It is Black, White, and Gold. Not only can we relate our experiences to our school colors, but we can also interpret its colors as a symbol of its guidance in relation to the roads we travel. Just as the road has the white and gold boundaries and the black asphalt, which provides for smooth travel, DeKalb County High School has provided us with the limits to keep us in-line while preparing us for a smooth path to success”.
Principal Kathy Hendrix, in her remarks to the class, admonished the graduates to “let your high school years become the foundation upon which you make a difference in this world.”
“This road we call life is filled with challenges large and small. However, the rewards for meeting those challenges are great. Therefore, I ask you not to be afraid to struggle, do not be afraid to give your best. Hopefully at the end of your life you, like Saint Paul, can say that you have fought a good fight, have finished the race, and have been true to yourself. If so, then you will be able to look back on tonight as more than just one special night in your life, but rather an event truly marking a beginning. Congratulations to all the 2005-2006 graduates and their families. God bless each and everyone of you.”

The DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $17,914 U.S. Department of Homeland Security equipment grant, U.S. Representative Bart Gordon announced today.
“Many communities struggle to maintain fire-protection services”, said Gordon, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Even though demands on firefighters have increased tremendously over the years, the resources they depend on to provide their life-saving services have not”.
“That’s why Congress initiated the Assistance to Firefighters Program, which is similar to the highly successful COPS program that put more than 100,000 new police officers on the nation’s streets.”
Fire Chief Donny Green said the grant will provide the 77-member department with a set of new equipment and will enable them to perform all types of rescues.
“With this equipment, our firefighters will have the capability to rescue entrapment victims, as well as victims involved in farm-related accidents,” Green said.
Homeland Security awarded the grant through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program, which provided smaller law enforcement and emergency responder agencies with equipment items that will enhance and support regional response, mutual aid and interoperability of responder equipment.

Director of Schools Jim McCormick has employed the DeKalb County Support Staff for the 2006-2007 school year.
He presented the list of employees to the Board of Education Thursday night.
Those employed at DeKalb County High School are:
Rachel Bandy-Cook, Cathy Beltz- Educational Assistant, Kathy Chapman-Cook, Billy Colwell-Custodian, Linda Cyphers- Vocational Rehabilitation Secretary, Debbie Eaton- Educational Assistant, Regina Estes- Secretary, Beverly Ferrell- Educational Assistant, Billy Golden- Custodian, Faye Hendrix- Vocational Secretary, Jerry Herman- Custodian, Rita Johnson-Cook, Rita Leichtfuss-Educational Assistant, Debra Magness- Bookkeeper, Melissa McKay- Educational Assistant, Rhonda Merriman-Educational Assistant, Tina Myers- Educational Assistant, Brandy Pack- Educational Assistant, April Patterson- Guidance/Records Clerk, JoAnn Pittman- Custodian, Jo Dean Redmon- Cook, Rob Robinson- Educational Assistant, Linda Sorrell- Educational Assistant, Suzanne Williams- Part Time Cafeteria worker and Debbie Young-Cook.
DeKalb Middle School:
Rita Beshearse- Part Time Library Assistant/Part Time Cafeteria Monitor, Helen Burt- Part Time Cafeteria worker, Helen Cantrell-Cook, Reba Cantrell- Cook, Fay Gilreath- School Bookkeeper, Johnna Goff- Educational Assistant, Connie Haggard- Cook, Truitt Hale- Custodian, Murianna Herman- Custodian, Barbara Hibdon- Cook, Kristy Lasser- Educational Assistant, Samantha Lester- School Secretary, Reba Malone- Custodian, Paulette McDonald- Educational Assistant, Deandrea Miller- Educational Assistant,Lisa Norton- Educational Assistant, and Eldon Vanatta- Cafeteria Manager.
Smithville Elementary School:
Austin Bain-Custodian, Jimmy Barnes- Custodian, Pauline Braswell- Educational Assistant, Cindy Childers- Educational Assistant, Brenda Crook-Educational Assistant, Cathy Driver- Educational Assistant, Barbara Ervin- Cafeteria Manager, Betty Griffith- Educational Assistant, Jean Hayes- Cook, Vickie Jeffries- Educational Assistant, Angela Johnson- Educational Assistant, Natasha Judkins- Educational Assistant, Melinda Lattimore- Educational Assistant, Sara Lomas-Custodian, Patricia Milam- Part Time Cafeteria Monitor/Substitute Custodian, Tina Miller- Educational Assistant, Dori Mooneyham- Educational Assistant, Lisa Pack- Educational Assistant, Freeda Pedigo- Cook, Rhonda Pelham- Secretary/Receptionist, Lori Poss- School Bookkeeper, Julie Pugh- Educational Assistant, Phyllis Reed- Educational Assistant, Brenda Rigney- Part Time Educational Assistant, Debra Rowland- Educational Assistant, Thomas Trammell-Part Time Custodian, Tammy Tyler- Cook, Annie Walker- Educational Assistant, Celia Whaley- Educational Assistant, Judy Wilson-Cook, and Rita Young-Educational Assistant.
Northside Elementary:
Faye Adkins-Custodian, Vickey Atnip- Educational Assistant, Charles Ayers- Custodian, Tracy Baker- Educational Assistant, Suzanne Bradford- Educational Assistant, Janice Bratcher- Cook, Nancy Burger- Cook, Gail Crips- Secretary, Ervil Cubbins- Educational Assistant, Regina Daw- Cafeteria Manager, Rebecca Ervin- Cook, Starr Ferrell-Educational Assistant, June Gilbert- Cook, Phyllis Hallum- Educational Assistant, Dena Haugh- Educational Assistant, Thelma Martin- Educational Assistant, Angie Moore-Educational Assistant, Deanna Page- Cafeteria Monitor/Part Time Cafeteria Worker, Diane Trapp- School Bookkeeper, Kim Violet- Custodian, and Jean Young- Educational Assistant.
DeKalb West School:
Holly Bain-Educational Assistant, Betty Boss- Educational Assistant, Brenda Beth Cantrell-Educational Assistant, Donna Crook- Cook, Dorothy Duggin-Custodian, Tena Edward- Educational Assistant, Pauline Frazier- Custodian, Mattie Frazier-Custodian, Lisa Hale- Educational Assistant, Donna Hale- School Bookkeeper, Donna Hendrix- Cook, Shelby Jennings- Educational Assistant , Melinda Miller- Part Time Cafeteria worker, Faye Nixon-Cook, Roenia Turner- Half Time Library Assistant and Lunch Room Monitor, Jalene Vanatta- Educational Assistant, Jamie Vickers- Secretary, Jeanette West-Cook, and Georgia Young-Cafeteria Manager.
County Wide Positions:
Chandra Adcock- School Nurse, Rena Adcock- Substitute Cafeteria Worker, Jennifer Agee- Educational Assistant, Gabina Alfaro- English Second Language Assistant, Cynthia Armour- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Jenean Bain- Bus Assistant, Dwayne Carlton- Part Time Grounds, James Carroll- Substitute Custodian, Betty Cooper-Substitute Cafeteria worker, Bettye June Dodd- Bus Assistant, Sharon Farler- School Nurse, Greg Frasier-Computer Technician, Melissa Fuson- Substitute School Nurse, Theresa Garrison-Part Time Occupational Therapist, Billy Golden- Maintenance worker, Rhonda Harpole- Library Assistant/Half Time at Smithville Elementary School and Half Time at Northside Elementary School, Terry Hicks- Maintenance worker, Earl Jared-Maintenance Supervisor, Freda Johnson- Substitute Bus Assistant, Mary Joines-Bus Assistant, Eddy Roy Judkins- Maintenance Worker, Helen LaFever- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Edith Lasser- Physical Therapist Assistant, Angela Lawson- Substitute Bus Assistant, Francis Mahler- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Tammy Maynard- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Teresa Miller- Secretary/Bookkeeper Central Office, Jenny Montgomery- Substitute Cafeteria worker, Tera Mooneyham- English Second Language Assistant- Brad Mullinax- Technology Director, Jean Neal- Bus Assistant, Shirley Ours- Special Education Secretary, Melissa Pirtle- Food Service Bookkeeper, Jo Dean Redmon- Part Time Custodian, Brian Reed- Alternative School Assistant, Jennifer Roller- Substitute Cook, Oneita Storey- School Attendance Secretary, Jewell Tate-Part Time Custodian, Ricky Todd- Substitute Custodian, Kimberly Turner-School Nurse, Cindy Twilla- Bookkeeper/Payroll Central Office, Barbara Vanatta and Margaret Vanatta- Substitute Cafeteria Workers, and Elizabeth Westveer- Deaf Interpreter.
Transportation
Shane Cook- Transportation Supervisor, James Wilkerson- Mechanic, and Peggy Pursell- Part Time Secretary.
The following are bus drivers: Harold Ashford, Karen Adkins, Dwayne Cantrell, Dinah Cripps, Elaine Davis, Debbie Eaton, Julie Fayette, Marshall Ferrell, Starr Ferrell, Julie Fitts, Linda Fowler, Bill Fowler, Lynn Griffith, Judith Hale, Melissa Hicks, Kimberly Lawson, Jerry Lawson, Bobby Martin, Ronald Merriman, Jimmy Mullican, Jack Patterson, Walter Phillips, Faye Pollard, Jimmy Poss, Tony Poss, Peggy Pursell, J.T. Pursell, Juanita Salazar, Vickie Simpson, Bobby Taylor, Mark Violet, Suzanne Williams, and Melvin Young.
Substitute bus drivers are: Danny Bond, Shawna Harper, Ricky Hendrix, Daniel Lawson, Angela Lawson, Christina Tacy, Annette Vanatta, and Jamie Vickers.
Meanwhile, in his monthly personnel report to the school board Thursday night, Director McCormick has employed the following people for the 2005-2006 school year as substitute teachers: Lorrie Evans, Misty Franklin, Leanne Frasier, Franque Lawrence, Lori Manns, Cody Martin, Adrienne McCormick, Billy Neal, Sandra Phillips, Jeania Poss, Elizabeth Redmon and Thomas Stufano.
Jennifer Griffith, a teacher at Northside Elementary School, has been granted a leave of absence as requested.
The following have either retired or resigned:
Leah Magness, teacher at Northside Elementary School, resigned; Jason Stanton, teacher at DeKalb County High School, resigned; Johnny Williams, custodian at DeKalb County High School, resigned; Bonnie Rigsby, educational assistant at DeKalb Middle School, resigned; and Carolyn Mullinax, teacher at DeKalb West School, retiring at the end of the school year.
Special Education Summer School Personnel:
Jane Parsley, Tonya Perry, Betty Parris, and Louise Owen as teachers; and Dori Mooneyham, Tina Miller, Tracey Baker, Melissa McKay, Cathy Beltz, and Linda Sorrell as educational assistants.

The DeKalb County Teacher of the Year is Jan Alexander.
John Isabel, President of the DeKalb County Education Association, made the announcement during Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting at the high school cafeteria.
A Teacher of the Year is selected at each of the five schools and one of them is chosen DeKalb County Teacher of the Year.
Alexander was named Teacher of the Year at DeKalb Middle School.
Isabel also recognized the other Teachers of the Year including Harriet Cantrell at DeKalb County High School, Teresa Bogle at DeKalb West School, Jan Thomas at Smithville Elementary School, and Lisa Bell at Northside Elementary School.
Carol Hendrix, Supervisor of Instruction, recognized the retiring teachers who each have dedicated many years of service to the DeKalb County School System and the children of the county.
The retirees honored include Tommy Alexander from DeKalb County High School, Carolyn Maynard from Smithville Elementary School, Teresa Bogle from DeKalb West School; and Carolyn Mullinax from DeKalb West School.
Director of Schools Jim McCormick also recognized Cathy Frazier, Supervisor of Special Education, who has also retired.
Mary Nelle Summers honored five cafeteria staff who are retiring this year including Jennie Foster, a cook at Smithville Elementary School; Jean Cook, a cook at DeKalb West School; Frances Haggard, Betty Malone, a cook at Northside Elementary School, and Sarah Tramel, cafeteria manager at DeKalb County High School.
Earl Jared, Maintenance Supervisor, recognized two retiring employees, James “Doober” Miller, maintenance worker; and Lynn Colwell, maintenance worker/bus driver.
Carol Hendrix also honored the newly tenured teachers including Joseph Agee, Joseph Ruch and Peggy Semmes from the DeKalb Middle School, Penny Bilyeu and Sonya House from the DeKalb County High School, Amanda J. Franklin and Jennifer C. Rice from the Smithville Elementary School, Tad Webb, Leah Cantrell Magness and Tonya Perry from the Northside Elementary School and Melanie Molander from DeKalb West School.
A reception was held after the meeting for the retirees, tenured teachers, and the Teachers of the Year.

A total of 154 students at DeKalb County High School will receive their diplomas during graduation exercises Friday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m. on the high school football field.
The program will feature remarks by the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Class President, and Principal. The prestigious White Rose and Citizenship Awards will also be presented to three outstanding members of the class.
The high school chorus will be featured and the high school band will perform the processional and recessional.
The honor students will also be recognized.
Elise Cantrell is the Valedictorian and Kheela Blair is the Salutatorian. Both have a grade point average of 4.0.
In addition to Cantrell and Blair, students earning Highest Distinction with a 4.0 grade point average include Shane Baker, Charles Cox, Courtney Curtis, Samantha Emerson, Justin Hooper, Kirk Michaels, Jacob Norton, and Caitlin Robinson. Others earning Highest Distinction and their grade point averages are Ben Malone-3.96, Jessica Ingram-3.93, Malea Adamson-3.92, Daniel Alexander-3.89, and Kealah Curtis-3.80.
Students earning High Distinction and their grade point averages include Kevin Colvert- 3.62, Ashley Craver-3.60, Christen Hale- 3.75, Caleb Hendrix- 3.60, Sarah Jared- 3.67, Sean Leiser-3.71, Paige Preston- 3.66, Keitha Pryor- 3.64, Johnathon Puckett- 3.62, Krista Puckett-3.68, Cody Randolph- 3.75, Whitney Rice- 3.61, Kris Robinson- 3.70, Matthew Taylor- 3.68, Ashley Underhill- 3.64, Susan Willis- 3.66, and Aaron Young-3.64.
Students earning Distinction and their grade point averages are Alexandra Adcock- 3.22, Amy Adkins- 3.20, Paige Bass- 3.31, Alesha Billings- 3.30, Ashley Bowling- 3.34, Shelly Braseel- 3.55, Steven Cantrell- 3.20, Tara Cantrell- 3.42, Bethany Davis- 3.53, Zachary Fuson- 3.28, Amanda Green- 3.37, Devin Hale- 3.59, Josh Hendrixson- 3.48, Nicole Linn- 3.57, Andrew Nunley- 3.34, Lourdes Quezada- 3.57, Josh Ramsey- 3.28, Sarah Randolph- 3.29, Amanda Scott- 3.44, Kathy Scott- 3.37, Bethany Sims-3.58, Matthew Sorrell- 3.25, Kristen Stickland-3.57, Elicia Taylor- 3.46, Tiffany Waggoner-3.25, and Corey Williams-3.28
Members of the Class of 2006 at DeKalb County High School are:
Jessica Adams, Malea Ashley Adamson, Alexandra Paige Adcock, Eric Randall Adcock, Amy Dawn Adkins, Brittany Nicole Alack, Joseph C. Aldridge, James Daniel Alexander, Jillian Bridget Atnip, Randi Renee Atnip
Kalah Elaine Bailiff, Shane Allen Baker, Lee Roy Barajas, Tiffany Carol Barrett, Paige Allessandra Bass, Robert O. Beavers, Chase Belcher, Alesha Candace Billings, Bobby Ray Blackford, Kheela Nichole Blair, Kimberly Ann Blanchfield, Joshua Denton Bowers, Ashley Nicole Bowling, Chase Bradford, Shelly Nichole Braseel, Brandon Wayne Brooks, Alexander Wayne Brown, Erika Sarah Brown, Riley A. Bullard, Chris Burke, Cody Franklin Byars
Micheal Darin Caldwell, Mark Cameron, Carl Ray Cantrell, Elise Jessica Cantrell, Jacob Lee Cantrell, John Cantrell, Justin Andrew Cantrell, Steven Andrew Cantrell, Tara Regina Cantrell, Shayna Nicole Close, Kevin Norris Colvert, Brandi Nicole Colwell, Stephanie Corriea, Charles Wesley Cox, Ashley Michelle Craver, Emily Crook, Jeremy Brandon Crook, Allen Robert Crotty, Micheal Anthony Crowell, Courtney Lee Curtis, Kealah Deanne Curtis
Lindsey Paulette Davenport, Bethany Kay Davis, Jared Purnell Davis, Courtney Danielle Decker, Samantha Devault
Samantha Nicole Emerson, Janda Arielle Emmons
Andrew Ferris, Kalee Erin Finley, Derrick Byron Fitts, Zachary Lee Fuson
Nathan Ray Gard, Rachel Michelle Goodwin, Brandon Michael Gray, Amanda Gayle Green, Juan Ricardo Gutierrez
Christen Ashley Hale, Devin Caldwell Hale, Leroy Hale, Leslie Cleo Harrison, Caleb Andrew Hendrix, Cory Ryan Hendrixson, Joshua Ryan Hendrixson, Claudet Delrocio Hernandez, Daniel Wayne Holmes, Justin Davis Hooper
Jessica Ingram, Sara Lee Jared
Orlando Jamal Johnson
Jonathan Bryan Keith, Cory Adam Killian
Jessica Lane, Jason M. Lattimore, Sylvia Lattimore, Leslie Lawrence, Mollie Lawrence, Zackery Wade Lay, Sean Allen Leiser, Yessica Leon, Nicole Dee Linn, Amanda Jean Lombardi, Ashley B. Long
Benjamin Tyler Malone, Kevin James Maloney, Miranda Kaye Maple, Kelly McKeown, Kirk Andrew Micheals, Seirra Kasey Miller, Shane Allen Miller, Amanda Louise Moore, Tiffany Gayle Morgan
Jacob Colby Nokes, Sasha Danielle Nokes, Benjamin Nolt, Jacob Ryan Norton, Andrew Stephen Nunley
Joshua Allen Odom, Charles Matthew Olson
Ronak Narendra Patel, Roy Jacob Pedigo, Gary Christopher Ponder, David Kalahan Potter, Melanie Paige Preston, Keitha Mechelle Pryor, Johnathon David Puckett, Joshua Puckett, Krista Nichole Puckett
Lourdes Quezada
Joshua Keith Ramsey, Cody Chance Randolph, Sarah Beth Randolph, Julie Dianne Ray, Joshua Van Reed, Paige Lauren Reeder, Whitney Nicole Rice, Caitlin Denise Robinson, Kristopher Anthony Daniel Robinson
Tiffany Ann Satterfield, Amanda Jo Scott, Kathy Jane Scott, Jessica Lee Shehane, Bethany Lynne Sims, Josalyn Zan Sisk, Matthew Barham Sorrell, Kristen Meredith Strickland, Jodee Leigh Stults
Elicia Kaye Taylor, Matthew Ryan Taylor, Nicholas M. Taylor, James Russell Teuteberg, James Tramel
Ashley Rebekah Underhill
Justine Marie Vaughn, William Thomas Vaughn
Tiffany Waggoner, Samantha Sueann Walker, Joseph Travis Wann, Joseph Loye Webster, Tom Webster Jessica Leeann West, Amy Nichole Williams, Corey Dana Williams, John Lucas Williams, Susan Danielle Willis
Aaron Wilson Young
Alex Zimmerman

The Board of Education will be asking the county commission for a tax increase of from thirteen to twenty three cents to help fund the 2006-2007 general purpose and food service budget.
The school board adopted the tentative budget Thursday night.
Two options are being proposed for the county commission’s consideration.
Under the first option, the school board proposes expenditures of $15, 880, 490 which is $1,190,133 more than proposed revenues of $14, 690, 357 ( including $950,000 appropriated from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund/Sinking Fund)
The board proposes to use $750,000 of the fund balance/reserves and reducing expenditures, but under this plan $440,133 in new money would be needed, requiring a thirteen cent tax increase for schools.
Under the second option, the school board still proposes expenditures of $15,880,490, which is $1,540,133 more than proposed revenues of $14,340,357 (including $600,000 appropriated from the Local Option Sales Tax/Sinking Fund)
The board proposes to use $750,000 of the fund balance/reserves and reducing expenditures, but under this plan $790,133 would be needed in new money, requiring a twenty three cent tax increase for schools.
The Tentative School Budget proposes the following extras:
A 2% salary increase for certified staff; degree advancement for certified staff; an increase in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement Rate for Certified Staff to the new rate of 6.13%; benefits matching increased for certified and support staff; health insurance increased for certified staff and support staff; a 2% salary increase for support staff/step increases as per salary scale; an increase in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement Rate for Support Staff to the new rate of 5.18%; an increase in school attendance clerks to 11 month positions; add another Central Office attendance clerk position at 10 months; increase the salary of a Computer Technician by $5,000; increase funds for textbooks; increase funds for utilities (electric and natural gas); increase funds for fuel (diesel and gasoline); Regular Capital Outlay 300,000; and Special Education Teacher positions as required (3).
The tentative budget will be presented to the Budget committee of the County Commission for consideration.