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Town Council candidates cover education issues

By Jennifer Bardoner October 26, 2010 21 min read

Signal Mountain school Parent Teacher Associations and the Mountain Education Foundation compiled six questions for the candidates seeking three seats on the Signal Mountain Town Council.

Below are the candidates responses to the questions:

Jason Bowling

1. Currently the Town Council pays for a School Resource Office (SRO) at Signal Mountain Middle/High School (SMMHS). Are you in favor of continuing to provide a city funded SRO at SMMHS when Greg Hill retires?

I believe that our schools and our children are an important part of our community and I strongly support the continued funding of a School Resource Officer. One of the most important roles of the Town is to provide safety and security; in addition to the SRO I support the continuation of providing additional officers for school related functions that draw large crowds and the salting of school properties/roads during icy weather to reduce the risk of accident.

2. In 2008, SMMHS requested permission to install an electronic message sign on Sam Powell Road to communicate with students and parents. This request was denied. All of our schools have continually expressed interest in having an electronic message sign. If one of the schools were to make this request again, would you support such a sign?

I believe that our teachers, administrators, and volunteers work very hard to provide the quality of education that we desire as a community. One of the more demanding aspects of our diverse offerings of educational program is providing a clear channel of communication. I feel strongly that our Town Leadership should support our schools whenever an opportunity to do so presents itself – I will support the installation of an electronic message sign for any of our schools, I am confident that this can be done without sacrificing the small town character that we all appreciate as residents of Signal Mountain.

3. SMMHS is rapidly approaching capacity. Thrasher and Nolan are currently at capacity. How will you help our town and our schools with this issue? How do you view the impact of future growth on our schools and school facilities?

In addition to the Town Council the governance of our community is comprised of 16 boards/committees. One of these boards is the Health, Educational, and Housing Board – in regards to education this board is focused on higher education. I support either the expansion of this groups scope or the creation of a Schools Advisory Board focused on the relationship between the Town of Signal Mountain and our schools.

Community growth is a natural and necessary reality for any sustainable community. Growth will continue to occur on Walden’s Ridge regardless of any action the Signal Mountain Town Council may take. I feel that managed / planned growth is necessary to maintain our communities small town character and have committed to work with all aspects of the town to achieve this goal. Community growth will continue to stress our schools, as it will across Hamilton County, the anticipation of this growth in order to properly plan for and address its impact is the surest way to minimize negative impact on our schools and educational programs.

4. Would you support placing a sign at the town limits that lists championships won by SMMHS and recognizes Signal Mountain as the home of the Eagles?

I will support the placement of signage that lists championships won by SMMHS and recognizes Signal Mountain as the home of the Eagles. I believe that this is an important part of our community and that it can be done in a manner consistent with existing signage that is utilized today acknowledging Signal Mountain.

5. How do you view the relationship between the town and Thrasher, Nolan and SMMHS? What would you do to strengthen this relationship?

In conversation with many different parts of the community the relationship between the town and the schools is perceived as stressed. I feel that this is something that can be improved. I support the development of a Schools Advisory Board comprised of Parents, Educators, Administrators, and Town Council representation; focused on developing this relationship and resolving issues. If elected I will make it a priority to establish such a board.

6. How do you view the town’s relationship with the Hamilton County Department of Education and Hamilton County Government as related to our schools? What would you do to strengthen this relationship and how would you help to assure that our schools receive the support they need?

Our schools are an important part of our community. Working alongside Parents, Educators, and Administrators the Town Council should be aware of issues facing our schools and be willing to voice concerns within Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Department of Education. I am not certain that this is effectively happening today, but feel strongly that it could in the future through the development of a Schools Advisory Board.

Dick Gee

For the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff, I am in favor of the town continuing to fund a School Resource Officer at SMMHS when Greg Hill retires.

I would support an electronic message sign, but there would have to be some limitations in order to reach a reasonable balance between sign properties (size, brightness) and its impact on the surroundings.

Hamilton County Department of Education should be informed immediately of the current information currently available on this issue. The towns of Signal Mountain and Walden should then develop growth projections based on the expected development in their communities. These projections and their expected impact on school enrollment would become the basis for a plan developed jointly with Hamilton County Department of Education and Hamilton County Government. The Town of Signal Mountain in my opinion needs to be the leader in the development of this plan. The planning process will require persistence, patience, and above all dialogue, but it can be accomplished.

Growth is always going to be a challenge. However, I believe that overcoming challenges (and we will overcome this one) makes us stronger, both our school and the community.

4. Would you support placing a sign at the town limits that lists championships won by SMMHS and recognizes Signal Mountain as the home of the Eagles?

I support signage that recognizes the accomplishments of our students.

I would include individuals as well as teams. I would also recognize accomplishments in academics, sports, music, theater, and other school related activities. Home of the Eagles? ABSOLUTELY!

5. How do you view the relationship between the town and Thrasher, Nolan and SMMHS? What would you do to strengthen this relationship?

I believe the relationship between the Signal Mountain Town Council and our schools could be more constructive and supportive. The Town Council should encourage excellence in education, and quickly and enthusiastically recognize excellence when it occurs, whether on the sports field or in the classroom, and not just students but also teachers. Also the Town Council could collaborate with the schools in those areas where we have common interests and resources; for example, The Mountain Arts Community Center, The Signal Mountain Playhouse, and the Signal Mountain Library. I would encourage the idea that the Town and the schools should work together as a team to give our kids the best possible education experience.

The way to begin, repair, or improve a relationship is with ongoing dialogue toward the accomplishment of shared goals. I have to admit that I don’t know the status of our current relationship, but if we’re ever going to move forward, we need to be talking, building trust and working non-stop until we collectively agree that our goal is to provide First Class education for our children. Then together, make it happen!

Frank Preston

1. Currently the Town Council pays for a School Resource Officer at Signal Mountain Middle/High School. Are you in favor of continuing to provide a city funded SRO at SMMHS?

I worked in public schools for 33 years and clearly understand the importance of good discipline and security in our schools. It is absolutely critical that the SRO position continues at SMMHS. I would definitely support funding it by the Town if other options were not available.

2. In 2008, SMMHS requested permission to install an electronic sign on Sam Powell Road. This request was denied. If one of the schools were to make this request again, would you support such a sign?

Communication with students and parents is essential to a smooth running school program. Since the Town has an ordinance against electronic signs, I think our schools could first utilize various other options to communicate that would be both efficient and effective. Examples could include using the school web site, internet messaging, and text messaging. The use and placement of an electronic sign at the SMMHS location is an issue that could be reviewed in the future.

The schools on Signal Mountain are the responsibility of Hamilton County. I think it is important that the Town maintains open communication with the school system and county government to encourage them to meet the ongoing needs of our schools regarding overcrowded conditions. As our community grows, our schools will grow and additional facilities will be a necessity.

4. Would you support placing a sign at the town limits that lists championships won by SMMHS and recognizes Signal Mountain as the home of the Eagles?

Signal Mountain has many championship teams representing our schools, swim team, soccer, baseball, and others. We are very proud of our youth and their accomplishments. The Town should consider various ways to recognize all teams in a positive manner. However, I think it would be difficult to have one sign that would recognize and be fair to all championship teams. A tastefully designed sign at the top of the mountain could be considered to recognize Signal Mountain as the home of our school and community groups.

5. How do you view the relationship between the town and our schools? What would you do to strengthen this relationship?

Our schools are the responsibility of Hamilton County, but they are on Signal Mountain. Most of the students attending our schools live on the mountain and are our children. Most of the parents of our students are residents of our Town. As a former educator, I understand the role of the community to be both involved in and supportive of the schools. Our Town has been very supportive of the schools. The Town is contributing financially to building the school and funds a SRO position at SMMHS. Our businesses have shown support for the athletic teams throughout the year and the Town Council has recognized students that have received honors and awards. I certainly think it is critical that our Town continue to develop positive relationships with our schools and be an active partner in the education of our children.

6. How do you view the town’s relationship with the school system and the county government as related to our schools? What would you do to strengthen this relationship and how would you help to assure that our schools receive the support they need?

I was a public school teacher, principal, and central office administrator for 33 years. I know from experience how important it is for the Town, Department of Education, and the Hamilton County Government to have a positive ongoing working relationship and work together as a team to keep our schools great. Good communication among the three groups is very important so that all are working toward providing needed support for our schools.

Jeremy Rardin

As the only candidate with children at SMMHS the safety of our children is a top priority. Too often, safety measurements are put into place after an incident. We need to focus on prevention, not intervention. The presence of an SRO is a deterrent and the SRO is a first-responder to disturbances within the school. I would support the continuation of an SRO officer to ensure the safety of our children.

Communication to students and parents is important but with the cost of an LED sign averaging around $10,000 to $15,000 per sign at three schools (up to $45,000 total), I would feel the money would be better spent towards the education of our children. If a sign was in agreement with the regulations in the Sign Ordinance then I would listen to proposals from all parties involved. Businesses, churches, and other organizations should all be treated fairly. A sign proposal must pass through the Design Review Commission before it reaches the Town Council.

The town should work closely with the school board and the Hamilton County Commission to expand the facilities of the school to meet the challenges of future growth because we all know kids don’t learn well in over-crowded classrooms.

4. Would you support placing a sign at the town limits that lists championships won by SMMHS and recognizes Signal Mountain as the home of the Eagles?

As stated earlier, all signs must go through the Design Review Commission before they come to the Council. There is currently an athletic achievement sign at the front of the mountain. As with all signs, I would need all the facts before making a decision including dimensions, color, and placement.

5. How do you view the relationship between the town and Thrasher, Nolan and SMMHS? What would you do to strengthen this relationship?

As a parent with children at SMMHS and Thrasher, I am delighted by the amazing work the MEF and the parents do to support our schools. If I am elected, I will do everything in my power as a citizen, parent, and council member to work with the principal, the teachers, the clubs, and the athletic teams to support and promote their projects and their needs.

The residents have supported the county schools by taxing themselves $7.7 million for the construction of the school. The town has also helped the county out by paying for an SRO at the schools, providing athletic facilities such as the tennis courts, and donations to school events. I believe the town must continue to support the county by working with our district school board member and county commissioner to maintain and strengthen the strong relationship we already have.

Susan Robertson

I applauded the town council and the police department when it agreed to fund and provide an SRO in the SM schools. Should Sergeant Greg Hill decide to retire (and I hope he won’t for long time!), there are currently excellent SRO candidates in the police department ready to fill his position, and as our schools grow and funding is available, perhaps a second position also.

The Design Review Commission denied the request for an electronic message sign with the support of the council because it violated the town’s sign ordinance. That ordinance is currently under review. Should the community decide to embrace electronic signage in the town during that upcoming public review process, I will certainly support it.

I know from experience that overcrowded classrooms undermine quality education by placing a strain on students, teachers, and administrators. I believe we must work shoulder-to- shoulder with School Board Member Chip Baker and County Commissioner Jim Fields to plan for future growth in our schools. Our schools are the town’s most important asset. We must ensure that in the future we have the capacity, the staff and the infrastructure we need to maintain and continue to improve our high standards of education.

4. Would you support placing a sign at the town limits that lists championships won by SMMHS and recognizes Signal Mountain as the home of the Eagles?

We already have a sign, but it needs to be enlarged since our Eagles have been so successful. As a former Signal Mountain teacher, cheerleader sponsor, and the mother of an Eagle basketball player, wrestler, and track runner, I’m a red and black Eagle fan forever.

5. How do you view the relationship between the town and Thrasher, Nolan and SMMHS? What would you do to strengthen this relationship?

As a former Signal Mountain teacher, parent, and current MEF and town council member, I believe the relationship between the town and the schools has always been and still is strong. The community has demonstrated its support by pledging $7.7 million to build the new schools and by generously donating to the Mountain Education Foundation. The town council supports an SRO officer and the DARE program, honors and recognizes the achievements of teachers, students, coaches, athletes, clubs and sports teams. Individually, I have supported the schools by combating invasive species in town parks with SMMHS students on community service days; by planting trees on Nolan’s campus and at the entrance to the stadium with 5th graders; by working with the “Kids in the Kitchen” program at Thrasher; and, by serving on the board of the Signal Mountain Chess Club, which includes students from all the schools on the mountain.

When it was discovered that the communications system in our new schools did not allow emergency personnel to communicate with each other from the inside to the outside of the buildings, the town, the HCDE and Hamilton County worked together to achieve a solution. This is just one example of how the town, the HCDE and the county partner to ensure significant school issues are resolved successfully. The town recognizes the importance of this partnership and works to strengthen it by providing a town-funded SRO, participating in the DARE program, applying for Safe Routes to School grants, sharing athletic facilities, assisting the county with salting school parking lots and Sam Powell Trail in winter weather and more.

Bill Wallace

Absolutely! The Middle/High School SRO is a budgeted police officer’s position in the Signal Mountain Police Department. When school is not in session, that position performs other assigned duties as a Signal Mountain police officer. The Town is blessed to fund a position that is so involved with our children. I support budgeting this position every year.

Yes, I would approve an electronic sign on Sam Powell Road if constructed in a way that reflects the character of Signal Mountain, like the “Welcome to Signal Mountain” signs. The Town is currently working on a new sign ordinance and should take into account that things have changed regarding our schools. Communication is the key to all success; and the better informed the Townspeople can be, the more successful the Town can be. I still rely on the old menu-styled board leading into the old middle school for information about what’s happening at our schools.

The key is ‘smart’ growth. The Town and schools cannot have more people than they can support. The Town needs to encourage growth that would not put undue stress on our schools; for example, developments for empty-nesters and seniors. Those would be a win-win: a new, viable, taxpaying base for the Town and new communities rich in experience and resources for our schools.

4. Would you support placing a sign at the town limits that lists championships won by SMMHS and recognizes Signal Mountain as the home of the Eagles?

Yes! For those of you who missed this year’s homecoming parade, I’ve never been more proud of Signal Mountain, the Town where I have lived for 26 years. We even called our girls to share with them what they missed because there wasn’t a high school on Signal when they were growing up. As I travel the backroads of Georgia, Alabama and Florida, that sense of civic pride is reflected in signs proclaiming the championships their schools have won. A champion sign should reflect the character of the Town like the “Welcome to Signal Mountain” signs and somehow be organized in a way so the size doesn’t get too big because of all the championships our schools will win!

5. How do you view the relationship between the town and Thrasher, Nolan and SMMHS? What would you do to strengthen this relationship?

Your Town Council needs to let the leadership at each school know who we are, where we stand and assure them that we’ve got their backs. There are sewer and traffic issues at Thrasher and the Town needs to help get these and other issues resolved. I believe the best way for the Town Council to ‘stay in the loop’ is to designate a Council member to attend advisory board and parent/teacher regularly scheduled meetings; not to talk, but to listen.

It is important for the members of the Board of Education and the County Commission to realize and understand that each member of the Town Council represents a large number of parents interested in the academic achievement of our children. Members of the Town Council should develop relationships with members of the school board and county commission and attend meetings, express concerns and support the needs of our schools.