The “alternative” to the Alternative School

Monday, October 18, 2010

The biggest item on the agenda Monday evening was an "alternative" proposal for the Alternative School.

This was a carryover item from the previous commission, as the previous commission had considered purchase of 10.41 acres in Springfield's North Industrial Park and constructing a freestanding building for the Alternative School.

Yet, what the County Commission actually ended up voted on was property near Bransford Elementary, the Water Bonnet Building, a 70,000' building that has multi-use potential and offers the opportunity for more out of the alternative school, and the versatility to do much more for Robertson County Schools later down the road.

Details "aside," I think that this effort was the best with what which we have to deal:

• Is it a good time to spend money on an Alternative School?
  
• Does anyone want to spend money an Alternative School?
  

The answer to both of those questions is "No." In this economic environment, the definition of "need" is narrowed that much more, and building an alternative school is like building a jail, no one sees the need. Yet, we must.

That being said, that is where the Robertson County Schools and Robertson County are in the "here and now."

Things came together over the past several weeks in that a federal grant will assist in paying for the entire project, and the building's availability opened in the last couple of weeks. This, after waiting to consider the project long before the current commission took office.

I think we have much to work with and I will look forward to the Education Committee's work with the School Board as this project continues to unfold.

 

Robertson County Highway Department Raises

This piqued my curiosity the other night at the Budget Reading. I know that many non-Highway Department employees left feeling a little confused, and feeling unsatisfied with the explanation as to why the Robertson County Highway Department is allowed to decide if they are entitled to raises.

I took a look and found the actual opinion from the Tennessee Attorney General.

If you are like most folks (and don't worry, most lawyers do not know either!), and do not know just what an "Attorney General's Opinion is…this page explains a little more about the process.

You can read it here.

Why.

I started "From the Blackpatch" because I wanted to continue the discussion I had with you on the campaign trail.

For anyone running for public office, I recommend doorknocking. Yes, doorknocking is the most effective way of seeking and securing votes, but what I found over this past summer was that it is the most effective way to really get to know your neighbors. It is the most effective way for a public servant to genuinely realize his or her constiuents' concerns, thoughts and ideas.

I heard everything from concerns about spending, the jail, the library and countless number of other concerns and ideas that you have about this county.

I want to continue that discussion.

That is what I hope to do with "From the Blackpatch." Of course, I want to share with you my thoughts and ideas, my vision of what is to be for all of us. But, this district, and this county would not be what it is without you.