Well, how was your week?
Good, I trust. (Many thanks to those who offered feedback this week, especially Terry and Pat for the critiques.)
Gang, there's a ton to get to, and we are going to do everything in our power to be quick. Deal? Deal.
Resolution that provides reasoning
For everyone who has wondered the why behind the Signal Mountain community's exploration into creating its own school district, the Hamilton County Board of Education delivered that answer Thursday night.
For a moment, put the "should" or "would" or "could" questions out of the discussion. Know the county school board - a group that always should be about the needs of the students (all the students) first and foremost - passed the resolution 7-1 to forbid the sale of the buildings on Signal Mountain to anyone. That's a calculated decision based on control rather than kids, and on egos more than education.
Only David Testerman was wise enough to make the point that there was no need to vote until the actual intentions of the Signal Mountain community were known. (Rhonda Thurman was not at the meeting, so that's the 7-1 vote.)
Instead, the school board looks more concerned about power and test scores than the needs of the students.
OK, maybe the board is acting pre-emptively and trying to send a message on the front end, to Signal and to other municipalities in the county.
But the suggestion that this is the board protecting its assets? Are we talking about school buildings or students who excel at testing?
Then, in a pragmatic view, what if Signal voted to pull away and made a monster offer to the school system for the facilities? What then? What if it had been huge money that could benefit students from Hixson to Harrison and from Ooltewah to Orchard Knob?
In fact, the most intense scrutiny on this matter should come on Kathy Lennon, who represents the district that includes Signal, who prefaced her vote for the resolution with the words "I" and "want" and used the phrase, "they benefit all of us" when talking about Signal schools and their overall effect on the district.
Well, how are Ms. Lennon and the school board benefiting Signal?
And that, folks, is why I commend Chris Howley and John Friedl and the people exploring whether there is a better option out there.
Speaking of mountain interest
Did you see the story that Signal is looking at installing bike paths?
Wonder what the folks in Soddy-Daisy or in Sale Creek think about that?
We probably need to have some sort of community study to find out how that potential decision could affect the greater East Ridge area.
Speaking of school matters
This paper's Zack Peterson had an update on the lawsuits filed by the three blind Owls - former Ooltewah High School fixtures Principal Jim Jarvis, Athletic Director Allard "Jesse" Nayadley and basketball Coach Andre "Tank" Montgomery - who were rightly fired for their bumbling actions in the despicable acts of the sexual assault of four teenagers in December 2015.
In fact, we will change that moniker to three blind ex-Owls, considering it's not entirely fair to put that shadow on the great transformation Robin Cupp and Co. are shaping at Ooltewah High.
Peterson details the legalese the attorneys for the blind Owls are trying to use to deflect and redirect the blame of that entire awfulness.
But, as all parties are looking to mediation, you want to know something else that is truly outrageous for three adults who came up through the trials and tribulations of athletics? The lack of personal accountability.
Among the extensive and life-changing lessons we learned from high school sports, accountability was high on the list.
But then again, thankfully, I'm not blind.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343.