CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Some fourth-graders will get an opportunity next month to show county commissioners how it’s done.
North Lee Elementary School students will conduct their own version of the Bradley County Commission on Feb. 16. After their mock meeting, the kids will go to the courthouse and watch the grown-ups hold a real meeting.
“I hope we are on our best behavior,” said County Commission Chairman Louie Alford.
The announcement of the students’ project was made at Charleston Elementary School as the County Commission’s Education Committee launched the first in a planned series of bimonthly meetings at schools.
Committee Chairwoman Connie Wilson said the visits will allow commissioners to see individual schools up close.
Charleston principal Jodi Grannan reviewed for the visitors the school’s high test performance for 2009 — all A’s and B’s on state academic achievement tests.
As the school prepares for the tougher standards, “We are working hard and have a lot of new technology in our building,” she said.
Commissioners Lisa Stanbery, Michael Plumley and Jeff Yarber, Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Alford discussed a wide range of education issues with Mr. McDaniel, school board chairman David Kelley and school board member Charlie Rose.
“I don’t remember a time when the school system has faced so many challenges,” Mr. Rose said after a talk that ranged over new state standards, potential funding cutbacks, local growth and the need for more schools.
“For the first time, I think we have a clear pathway,” said Mrs. Stanbery. “I also think it’s important that we have a true picture of how our teachers are performing. And when they are performing well, and with those outside influences, I don’t want to see teachers in that direct firing line not be able to excel professionally.”
Mr. Alford credited Schools Director Johnny McDaniel for reaching out to keep commissioners up to speed on county school issues.
“Relations between the commission and school board are as good as it’s been since I’ve been on the commission,” Mr. Alford said.