By Dr. Bill Heath
Director of Schools

Why aren?t all the schools in Phase 1 being addressed?
The Lawrence County Board of Education and the Director of Schools believe very strongly that Phase 1 of the Building Plan should be addressed in its entirety. The entire Phase 1 was sent to the County Commission as a request for funding. The County Commission reviewed the plans, evaluated the current financial situation, and sent the Plan back to the School Board with Phase 1 divided into a Part A and a Part B. All parties agree that the entire Phase 1 would address the immediate needs of the Lawrence County Schools, but funding became the issue that divided the Phase.

Does this plan look at long term issues?
YES- The Planning Study began two years ago. The Plan actually has three Phases. Phase 1 of the Plan is to address the immediate needs of the Lawrence County Schools. Phase 1 does not address long term growth needs. Phases 2 & 3 address future growth needs, aging high school buildings, and grade configuration. The entire Plan is included in a 125 plus page document entitled ?Lawrence County Board of Education Planning Study? which was presented at the January 11, 2007 meeting.

Has the restriction in enrollment made a difference at Summertown Elementary, Ethridge Elementary, and Lawrenceburg Public?
YES- In an effort to relieve the overcrowded situations at Summertown Elementary, Ethridge Elementary, and Lawrenceburg Public Elementary enrollment restrictions were put into place. School Board policy states that parents can choose the school their child attends as long as they provide transportation and the choice does not cause overcrowded conditions in the chosen school. Summertown Elementary will have one less kindergarten class next year than this year. Ethridge Elementary will also have one less kindergarten class next year than this year. In both cases the school simply does not have room for more classes. Lawrenceburg Public?s enrollment was borderline overcrowded in grades k-3. These enrollment restrictions at Lawrenceburg Public have proven to be a fiscally responsible move, saving taxpayers? dollars by preventing the need to hire an additional teacher.

Why weren?t restrictions placed on other schools such as New Prospect?
New Prospect Elementary did not meet the requirement for enrollment restrictions. The school was not overcrowded in any area. In fact, New Prospect?s enrollment for next year is currently down by 40 students. New Prospect is also LCSS only ?targeted school? based on test data. There simply was no logical reason or data evidence to place New Prospect on enrollment restrictions. None of the other elementary schools met the overcrowded status, thus they were not placed on the list.

What about students that live outside of Lawrence County?
There have been several questions posed in regards to out of county residents who attend Lawrence County Schools. It has been Lawrence County Policy for years to allow students from other counties to attend Lawrence County Schools. If they live within three miles of a Lawrence County School they may attend without a tuition charge. Outside of the three miles and they must pay tuition. There are some issues that arise in regards to out of county students. 1) These students reside in other counties, thus they are receiving educational services in Lawrence County while their property taxes are going to other counties such as Maury, Lewis, Giles, or Wayne. 2) When schools that out of county students attend become overcrowded, is it right to allow them to continue attending and enrolling when taxpaying Lawrence County families cannot? 3) Out of county students who require special services of any kind can become a financial drain on the Lawrence County taxpayers if attending Lawrence County Schools.

How much has the Lawrence County Board of Education already spent on the Building Plan and Study?
The Lawrence County Board of Education has spent no money on the study or any fees associated with the Building Plan.

Why are the portable classrooms an issue?
The portable classrooms create several issues: 1) portables are not safe and secure in regards to inclement weather and trespassers 2) portables are a financial drain on instructional dollars in regards to maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning 3) portables are not conducive to the learning environment and 4) old portables may have poor air quality causing illnesses among students