Another section of the new U.S. 79 north of McKenzie was opened Monday afternoon. Tennessee Department of Transportation personnel opened .6 mile of the roadway from Tri-County Motor Company in McKenzie to an area known as "skunk hollow" north of McKenzie. Traffic was diverted to two new lanes that will serve as the northbound lanes in the future. Construction continues on bridges in the bottom. Presently, only 1 mile of the old road remains open for travel. Eventually, a four-lane highway will connect McKenzie to Paris and on to the Tennessee River at Paris Landing.
 

Carroll County Highway Department has retired all its long-term debt. That action came during the February 11 meeting of the Carroll County Commission.

Commissioners voted to retire the remaining $94,186.49 in long-term debt that was borrowed for the purchase of equipment. The original outlay note was in the amount of $436,000. The only debt remaining for the department is the lease on a track-hoe leased earlier this year.

Funds were authorized to purchase new document recording equipment in the office of Register of Deeds. The $14,225 funds will come from the data procession reserve account, which has accumulated from a $2.00 assessed fee on each document.

A list of rural roads was adopted as the county's official road system. Commissioner Billy J. Smith asked for one correction - Ferguson Cemetery Road should be changed in spelling to Furguson Cemetery Road to accurately reflect the name of the family for whom the road was named.

In other business, the commission:

*approved the transfer of $7,500 to Carroll Academy from a WIA account.

*decreased the amount of training funds for the sheriff's department by $7,800.

*appointed Billy Crum to the Carroll County Library Board to fill an unexpired term ending June 30, 2002.

*approved Jerry L. Sawyers, Cathy L. Parish, and Nina L. Boyd as notaries public.

*noted that commissioners David Byrd and Larry Spencer were absent. Spencer was hospitalized after suffering a fall from a horse during field trials at Grand Junction, Tennessee.
         

In relation to the revised attendance policy, Mr. Ward explained that the state-mandated Gateway examination is given three times during the year: just prior to Christmas, in early May and during summer vacation in July. The Gateway exam accounts for 15% of a child's grade in the semester during which it is taken. In the event a child misses the test for any reason (excused or unexcused) an alternate activity is substituted for the exam to provide the 15% grade requirement; however, the student is required to take the missed Gateway examination at a later testing period.

Because a student cannot graduate until he or she passes the Gateway exam, in the event a student fails the test, schools are responsible for the development of remedial training based on individual need.

"That's when accountability gets about neck deep for us," Superintendent Ward stated.

In the last meeting of the school board, the possibility of instituting a "weighted curriculum" was discussed as a way of encouraging students to take advanced subjects, the concern being that students striving to attain status as valedictorian and salutatorian might be tempted to shirk those subjects in fear that a lower grade could affect their chances at the honor. Superintendent Ward advised board members that McKenzie High School Principal Terry Howell is investigating the initiation of a distinguished scholars program.

Superintendent Ward advised board members of the expected purchase of property on Bell Street directly behind the elementary school. Assessed at $16,000.00 three years ago, the property is currently priced at $7,000.00. Ward hopes to also be able to purchase the adjoining property on the corner of Bell and Tennessee streets.

In regard to the continuing budget crisis in the state and the resulting hardship on Tennessee schools, Ward reminded those in attendance that shopping in Carroll County benefits area schools that reap one-half of the counties portion of the sales tax.

Although sales tax is expected to increase to a full 1% within the next few months, Superintendent Ward stated, "Our only salvation is in the passing of an income tax but an income tax won't solve this year's budget needs."

Added board member Van Ramsey, "If the state does not fund us this school board will have no other choice but to increase property taxes next year."

New school system employees include substitute teachers Darryl Harris, Clint Verner, Trina Morris, Mark Stambaugh, and Una Baker; educational assistants Katherine Anderson and Teresa Davis; food service employee Melinda Mayberry; and middle school custodian Billy Dabbs. Resignations were accepted from Sandra Johnson, Julie Bradfield, and Rebecca Wilson. Currently on maternity leave are Tammy Gordon and Lori Pearson.

Phone (731) 352-3323 or Fax (731) 352-3322
washburn@mckenziebanner.com