CLARKSVILLE, TN. – The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System’s school board hit a snag in the passing of the inclement weather plan for the 2011-12 school year.

Board member Horace Murphy proposed the make-up days scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. on January 16, and president’s day on February 20 be removed. Director Mike Harris reminded the board it was already August and the board had approved the proposed calendar.

After much discussion between all of the school board members, Murphy amended his resolution to clarify his intention. Josh Baggett, board member for district 7, asked the director as well as CMCSS administrators what the proposal does to the calendar.

Harris explained that taking two days from the calendar could put the school year at risk for not having enough stock days to help make up the time. Dr. B.J Worthington, chief academic officer, attempted to explain to the board that even with beginning the extra 30 minutes earlier in the year, they might be able to make up one day but never both.

“The calendar is not something that’s real fluid,” said Harris.

One after the other, board members made suggestions to Murphy’s proposal. In an attempt to get a more clear view of what the school board was supposed to vote on, board member Carol Smithson asked or clarity.

Director Harris stated, “We will never have a plan that pleases the entire community.”

At Baggett’s suggestion, Murphy amended his proposal once again to only remove MLK, Jan 16, from the inclement weather calendar. Although Harris strongly urged the board to accept the calendar as is, the motion passed in a five to one vote. Board member Smithson was the one dissenting vote.

Ending the session on a good note, Harris reminded the public of several back to school events planned for July. Donations will be accepted and matched by an anonymous donor at local banks for the Teacher’s Warehouse, Stuff the Bus kicks of July 23, and the Lincoln Homes/Summit Heights Back to School Bash is right around the corner on July 28.

Chairman of the CMCSS board, James Garland took a moment before adjournment of the formal session to thank the community for its support. The chairman recently was faced with the death of his son and through letters, emails, and words of support from the board, county commissioners, and the community Garland said the ordeal was just a little more bearable.

To find out the exact changes to the 2011-12 inclement weather calendar, or more information about CMCSS, visit them on the web at www.cmcss.net.



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