Dr. Rick Denning and wife Evelyn at Sunday's dedication of the F.I. Denning Center of Technology and Careers
Cleveland City Schools dedicated the F.I. Denning Center of Technology and Careers Sunday afternoon as a new school year begins.
The center is named for Dr. Frederick Denning, retired city schools director. The center at
350 Central Avenue was formerly the Teen Learning Center.
In June, Dr.
Martin Ringstaff, current city schools director, announced that the Tennessee Department of Education had approved a new hybrid, non-traditional school for Cleveland. The hybrid school will serve primarily ninth through twelfth grade students, focusing on academic recovery and interventions.
Dr. Ringstaff said Sunday the state approval means the school is no longer under the umbrella of Cleveland High School but is an independent school.
Dr. Denning was an advocate for creating the Teen Learning Center when he began his 17 year tenure as city schools director. Dr. Denning spoke to a crowd of over 150 people who attended the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Dr. Denning, his wife Evelyn and their children and grandchildren returned to Cleveland from Wilmington, N.C., for the ceremony. He said Sunday represented "a new day, a new future" for the school.
Dr. Ringstaff said the Denning Center "will continue to nurture students and provide opportunities."
School Principal Barbara Ector said her staff focuses on the three Rs, "the right thing, the right way for the right reason."
City School Board Chairman Tom Cloud convened the event, which included tours of the school. City Councilman Charlie McKenzie greeted the crowd on behalf of the Council and Mayor Tom Rowland.
Dr. Rick Denning, retired Cleveland City Schools director, talks with Dr. Martin Ringstaff, current city schools director, Sunday before School Board Chairman Tom Cloud begins the dedication ceremony for the Denning Center.