CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – During the formal session of the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, system director Mike Harris announced the Tennessee General Assembly issued a proclamation honoring the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System’s 100 percent graduation initiative.

The formal session passed quickly Tuesday night with the weight of the many difficult weeks of work on the budget finally lifted. Among some of the CMCSS recognition was the issuance of a point of pride award to the Native Cultural Circle for the continued donation and support of Native American books to the school system.

It was also announced the system will work to reinstate the auditing system to regain ISO 9001 certification. During the deep cuts of the previous budget, CMCSS had to allow the certification to lapse. Harris, during an interview with Clarksvillenow.com, said that during the research phase for Hemlock Semiconductor, the company’s representatives had been very impressed with the certification.

David Holman, chief technology officer, reported that due to the heavy cuts in the last budget, the model classroom project remains at 87 percent. Holman went on to explain that even with the budget approved Monday night only allows for ten year replacement for computers and technology. The model classroom will not be capable of advancing to the goal of 100 percent.

In the technology officer’s presentation to the school board, Holman explained that computers in high and middle schools were at critical levels for replacement. The failure rate, reported Holman, of these computers required priority. Holman did say in response to a question from school board member George Giles that the total cost to achieve 100 percent on the model classroom would range from $800,000 to $1 million.

Senior computer programmer Joe Williams presented the results of the first large scale testing of a new data system designed by the technology department meant to replace the current program system Edusoft. According to Williams the results came immediately and were impressive. The new software, called TestDrive, will replace the Edusoft that has proven to be less than adequate for the needs of CMCSS.

In a unanimous show of support for the hard work the Montgomery County commissioners provided in support for the proposed CMCSS budget, many on the board offered words of thanks.

“I’m grateful to the county commission for the school budget,” said board member Eula Gardner Dowdy.

“I’m very well pleased for the support of our budget,” said George Giles.

School board chairman, Jimmie Garland gave praise for the courage the commissioners exhibited.

“We appreciate your courage,” said Garland.

Following the statements from the school board, director Harris announced the general assembly’s proclamation.

“A lot of people thought it was just a PR thing,” said Harris about CMCSS 100 percent graduation.

The director said the state’s recognition of Montgomery County’s work toward the goal of 100 percent graduation was a “true mark” of how exemplary the goal is.

Prior to the end of the meeting Harris said the board would have to examine the state’s new law regarding professional negotiations. According to Harris the current contract between educators and CMCSS will expire on June 30. The director was very clear to point out that no matter what the new law was, it was the main goal of the system to provide teachers with the support they need to deliver the highest quality education possible.

To find out more about the CMCSS budget, or anything relating to the Clarksville-Montgomery School System, visit them on the web at www.cmcss.net.



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