By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Following a lengthy discussion, the Paris Special Schools District board of education unanimously approved the 2019-2020 School Calendar option which calls for the first day of school August 2, last full day of school of May 19 and a week-long fall break. The calendar also calls for a Thanksgiving break of three days.
The board reviewed two options that were selected from staff surveys. The other option called for a three-day fall break, five-day Thanksgiving break, with first day August 2 and last full day of school May 20.
Director of Schools Dr. Norma Gerrell noted that the calendar has been reviewed at length by staff.
Paris Elementary Principal Dr. Chip Gray said having a full week off at Thanksgiving posed disruptions when children come back to class. “It disrupts the flow,” he said.
Rhea Principal Chris Hudgins said he preferred the second option because it allowed for more travel time with family, while Inman Principal Jason Scarbrough said he had no preference, “But I worry about being off for a three-day Fall Break when the county is off for a full week.”
Board President Richard Edwards noted an informal poll he took of 11 teachers showed 100 percent approval for the first option, which allowed for the full week fall break.
Board Member John Steele noted, “I really wasn’t a fan of the full week Fall Break at first, but I’ve gotten more good comments on that than anything else we’ve ever done.” He said he didn’t see why Good Friday is always off that is right in the middle of trying to prepare for testing.
In the year since bus monitors began riding the bus routes, Dr. Gerrell noted that safety and discipline has improved considerably.
ABM Custodial Services Regional Manager Mark Todd and local manager Autumn Biggs reported on the work being done by the service. Todd said, “I think you can see we’ve done a lot of work in your schools and will continue in future.”
Todd noted the company’s emphasis is on safety, not just cleaning of the buildings. We always try to put PSSD mission statement in our reports and review our work each quarter with Dr. Gerrell.” Todd said there is regular contact with the building principals, as well, and 70 detailed inspections are held each month.
PSSD Maintenance Director Jason Coffield said, “They do a fantastic job of working here and there’s a level of cooperation we haven’t had before.”
In other business:
–Added to the safety policy was a sentence noting that the Director of Schools will provide local law enforcement agency with all safety and security plans of the district.
–The PSSD board approved the county’s hazardous mitigation plan. Gerrell noted it is required for the county to receive TEMA and FEMA funding when needed in the future.
–The board conducted a board work session to discuss its five-year strategic plan at the close of the regular meeting.
ABM Custodial Services Regional Manager Mark Todd and local manager Autumn Biggs reported on the work being done by the service. Todd said, “I think you can see we’ve done a lot of work in your schools and will continue in future.”
Todd noted the company’s emphasis is on safety, not just cleaning of the buildings. We always try to put PSSD mission statement in our reports and review our work each quarter with Dr. Gerrell.” Todd said there is regular contact with the building principals, as well, and 70 detailed inspections are held each month.
PSSD Maintenance Director Jason Coffield said, “They do a fantastic job of working here and there’s a level of cooperation we haven’t had before.”
Photo by Shannon McFarlin
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