Bradley County School Supt. Johnny McDaniel, in a review by members of the school board, received a 4.49 overall out of a perfect score of 5.
Mr. McDaniel has three years remaining on his contract, which was on the agenda with the question of whether or not to extend the pact by one year. One of the board's newest members and a former employee of Mr. McDaniel's, Vicki Beaty, said she is concerned about extending his contract beyond her term. She cited concern for the "business decision" of the board being obligated to pay out his contract if the "new board members weren't happy with Mr.
McDaniel."
Board Vice-Chairman Dr. Richard Baker said he, too, sees the contract extension as a business decision, but because he "wants to keep Mr. McDaniel." He said Mr. McDaniel just received an honor of being recognized by all of his southeastern peers as Superintendent of the Year. "It's worth paying, because I don't want him to leave," he said. "The day we send him the 'we have questions about your ability' signal, districts will be lined up. There's no reason not to approve an extension," Dr. Baker said.
In the end the resolution passed to approve the extension with Chairman Charlie Rose and Ms. Beaty voting "no". David Kelley was absent and the others voted "yes."
David Brown with Kaatz, Binkley, Jones and Morris Architects reported that officials are just waiting for the bleachers and athletic equipment to be delivered to Michigan Avenue Elementary. The fire marshal has given the certificate of occupancy for the new gym, which was rebuilt after the April 2011 tornadoes. The painting and asbestos abatement are complete, he said. The construction job is just down to the final punch list.
Mr. McDaniel also asked Mr. Brown to report on the status of the FEMA grant the system applied for, which will provide extra funding for storm preventative construction. Mr. Brown said the application is in Atlanta going through a rigorous evaluation and the results will be delivered in August. He said he has only had to clarify minor items.
Danny Coggin, principal of Walker Valley High School, as well as project director Patti Hunt and Academic Coach and Site Coordinator Amy Kier showed the board a presentation about their accomplishments and goals regarding their Small Learning Communities. Mr. Coggin said the idea is to break schools of 1,000 or more into smaller schools to promote collaborative learning. Mr. Coggin said it increases opportunities to meet individual students' needs. Ms. Kier said seven additional advanced placement classes as well as college visits and career exploration have been added. Mr. Coggin said the program is challenged to help build the future of Bradley County.
The board will meet for the annual joint Education Foundation meeting at the County's Board office July 12 at 5 p.m.