A meeting between the Hamilton County Board of Education and the Signal Mountain Town Council was intended for the board to listen to concerns and engage in the town’s aspirations for educating their children. They listened but very few issues raised by the town were actually addressed.
The meeting began with Superintendent Bryan Johnson saying that “unequivocally, we want Signal Mountain schools to be a part of Hamilton County,” and concluded with Dr. Johnson, Kathy Lennon, the board member representing Signal Mountain, and others discouraging a split, mostly for the benefit of other schools in the district.
A study to determine if developing an independent school system for Signal Mountain would be viable began about a year ago. The Signal Mountain School Viability Committee (SMSVC) determined that with certain conditions, it would be. Some of the conditions are still unknown. Signal Mountain Middle-High School was built by the county after the town requested it and agreed to pay 25 percent of the cost to build as well as providing additional start up costs. The Town of Signal Mountain along with Walden originally provided $10 million and over the past eight-10 years has contributed an additional $21 million. The town’s contributions have shown a direct result, said Mayor Chris Howley.
Concerns have emerged now because programs are not being funded. Signal Mountain continues to give around $1 million every year, but sixth grade students have begun leaving the mountain for private schools, which has led to a reduction of donations to the Mountain Education Fund (MEF). There is a worry that cuts will have to be made, and there is the potential that quality of education will follow. Despite donations to the schools, most requests the town makes of HCDE are not granted, it was stated. It “felt like a thumb in the eye,” when the town was told if they break away, students from Signal Mountain will be last in line to attend county magnet and STEM schools, said the mayor. A request to delay start times for the school day has been denied.
Research has shown that smaller school districts have better results because they are “closer to home,” and can address the needs of the kids, is another reason for considering the independent district. Also, the recent high rate of turnover for principals at the schools is a reason for concern, as is the large class sizes, it was stated. Even though it is an advanced placement school, the classes are so large that students cannot get individual help, said council member Amy Speek.
Dr. Johnson replied that a faction in the community does not want a split and said all districts no matter the size will have challenges to overcome.
His solution to reduce the loss of principals is to provide training for those who are in what he considers the most important leadership positions in a school. And, because there will always be change; he plans to also give that training to the assistant principals. His concern is to improve education for the county collectively, he said, and he cited a need to talk about the children and specific things that Signal Mountain would like to do.
If capacity in the school is at the maximum, Hamilton County owns enough land to make additions to the current buildings, the council was told. If funding is not there, the board would put Signal Mountain on a list. The board is aware of a new large subdivision that is planned for the mountain and told the council that students living there would be zoned for Signal Mountain, but would have the option to go to Soddy Daisy or Middle Valley.
Assistant Superintendent Justin Robertson told of plans about “scaling up” STEM and arts teachers in preparation for budget season. But he said that needs are different at every school and that the HCDE will be looking to fill the gaps across the community.
Ms. Lennon claimed that no one from Signal Mountain has asked HCDE for anything since she has been its representative. Her big question was why a split is wanted. She failed to recognize students leaving the mountain school because she said it is at 90 percent capacity now. Her solution would be to improve communications since she said some of the concerns are already being addressed. When asked for specifics, she acknowledged the ideas are merely being considered. She asked that Signal Mountain stay with the county to become a part of an advisory committee for District 2, in order to help other schools.
Responding to how it would help HCDE if Signal Mountain remains in the system, Dr. Johnson said there is no denying the academic achievement, community and parent involvement, but there is also the opportunity for Signal Mountain to learn from other schools by working collectively.
Councilman Dan Landrum asked how the community should try to effect change. Dr. Johnson replied people should call, email or text Kathy Lennon who should pass the questions on to the school board.
Councilman Robert Spalding said that he looks at the SMSVC report as a tool, and that it can be used to build, to tear down or to maintain. He sees it as a tool for accountability and communication.