County Commission to Consider Resolution Opposing Governor’s Education Freedom Act

April 21, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

It’s on the agenda!

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the county commission is scheduled to discuss and act on a proposed non-binding resolution in opposition to Governor Bill Lee’s “Education Freedom Act” voucher plan. It will be on the meeting agenda under new business. The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Mike Foster Multi-purpose Center.

Last month, the commission failed to take up the resolution for a vote. Seventh district commissioner Beth Pafford made a motion to add the issue to the agenda for consideration under new business but during a roll call vote it failed to receive the votes needed.

Pafford, who is also a local educator and opposed to the Governor’s voucher proposal, wants the commission to take a stand on the issue and asked that it be included on Monday night’s agenda.

Pafford said the proposed resolution is modeled after one considered by the Knox County Board of Education.

“As an educator and someone who believes in the importance of a free public education system for the health of our communities, I think this is important,” said Commissioner Pafford during Thursday night’s committee of the whole commission meeting. “Our budget and our voice are the two things we have here as a commission so that’s why I am requesting that the resolution be put on the agenda for a vote and everybody can vote how they see fit,” she said.

Governor Lee has made universal school vouchers his top legislative priority. However, even with a GOP supermajority, the massive change has faced an uphill battle as many rural lawmakers are hesitant about funneling limited public dollars away from local schools. Tennessee lawmakers approved a state budget Thursday that includes $144 million to create a statewide school voucher program that Republican leaders say they’re still working to pass.

Under Lee’s plan, the state would create a new tier of school vouchers called “education freedom” scholarships. The first year of the program would offer 20,000 scholarships to Tennessee families. Half of those scholarships would be available to families who meet certain income requirements, while the rest would be open to anyone, according to the Associated Press. Lee proposes to give each recipient $7,075 this fall, which would cover about 62% of the average $11,344 cost of attending a private school in Tennessee, according to Private School Review.

The House version of the legislation would overhaul standardized testing for public school students, change teacher and principal evaluation requirements, cover more of the educators’ health insurance premiums, and phase out what are often known as turnaround districts for low-performing schools.

The Senate version would require testing for students who receive the vouchers, unlike the versions by the House and governor. It also would broadly allow families to send their children to public schools outside their current district.

Commissioner Pafford believes its wrong for the state to take money from public schools for private schools.

“I believe it’s important what our public schools do for us, and I have concerns about vouchers taking money away from public schools which would impact us financially and economically,” said Pafford. “We (local schools) get 63.1% of our funding from the state and they (state lawmakers) want to use state funds for that purpose (vouchers). Local money pays for 17% of the school budget (locally) and federal money pays 19.9%. This is the same legislature that has also talked about not accepting federal money (for education in Tennessee). Vouchers would come out of the state allocated funding,” said Pafford.

“Public schools accept all kids,” Commissioner Pafford continued. “They provide transportation. They provide specialized services for students that struggle academically and behaviorally. They have to be accountable for their budgets. They have to be accountable for showing progress and if they don’t there are certain improvements that have to go in place and be monitored. There is no accountability that follows the money for vouchers,” said Pafford. “They get to decide who they accept and who they don’t. They spend the money how they want to. There is no measure of if children being helped,” said Pafford.

Not every county commissioner agrees with Pafford on this issue.

“The money should follow the child,” said Commissioner Glynn Merriman during Thursday night’s commission committee of the whole meeting. “If parents put their child in a private school, I don’t see why the money can’t fund that,” said Merriman. “They (private schools and students there) have to meet requirements also. They have to make grades and pass tests,” he said.

“You can look at it different ways but they (private schools) don’t have to meet the same requirements as public schools,” said Commissioner Greg Matthews. “If you want to put your child in a private school, you pay for it, but this voucher (system) says we (taxpayers) would pay for your child. If you want to send your child to a private school that is wonderful but it’s not everybody else’s place to pay for it I don’t think,” he said.

Pafford further contended that state funded vouchers would mostly benefit more affluent families who are already sending their kids to private school.

“It’s not there to help struggling students or families that are struggling,” said Pafford. “Most of this money (vouchers) is going to go to people who already have their kids in private schools anyway and you would still need additional money to afford most private schools”.

Still, Commissioner Larry Green said the voucher system would give families with fewer resources the private school option. “If you have the money, right now you can put your child in a private school. This gives the same opportunity for somebody who doesn’t have the money to go to a private school,” said Green.

Commissioner Andy Pack countered that state voucher funding might not be enough to cover costs for lower income students.

“What I am afraid might happen is that those lower income families who may want to participate in the voucher system may still not be able to afford it (private school) and that child is still going to be left out. For the people who can afford it, they will benefit. I am torn with this issue. In some places this might work really well but I am not sure it is so beneficial to DeKalb County. I think it is going to hurt the children that need to be helped the most,” said Commissioner Pack.

As for the argument that state funds should follow the child, Pafford said that under the new Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula, fewer students in the public school system means fewer dollars to local education. “That new TISA formula is all about student counts and that goes into how much money a public school gets. It’s how many kids are there,” said Commissioner Pafford. “We still have to run buses and have a certain number of teachers for our students whether there are 250 kids or 200 kids at the school. With fewer students, you have less money to fund all that,” she said.

“With less state money, the county would eventually have to step up and fund the money no longer going in for the most part,” added Commissioner Matthews.

Commissioner Merriman questioned how the school district would be harmed financially if a student had always attended a private school.

“How does the school system determine how many kids are going to school? Is it based just on registration? If I already had a child in a private school, the school system would not know anything about that and wouldn’t be getting the money for that child anyway. It wouldn’t hurt the school system,” said Commissioner Merriman.

“My biggest problem with it is oversight,” said Commissioner Matthews. “If this money goes to a private school and a child should leave the private school for whatever reason and goes back to the public school, then what? “They (public schools) still have to accept them and then you are going to foot the full cost,” said Commissioner Matthews.

The proposed resolution to be considered by the county commission Monday night states as follows:

“WHEREAS, the Tennessee Constitution, Article XI, Section 12, says the legislature “shall provide for the maintenance, support, and eligibility standards of a system of free public schools;” and

WHEREAS this constitutional guarantee is heavily reliant on adequate funding to equip schools with necessary resources to serve the various needs of Tennessee’s public-school students; and

WHEREAS the DeKalb County Commission is charged with funding schools so that in DeKalb County, regardless of background, needs, or ability, all students receive the best possible educational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, DeKalb County Schools are the cornerstones of our community, serving every eligible DeKalb County student who wishes to enroll, including over 2,800 students (39% from economically disadvantaged backgrounds) and employing over 450 people; and

WHEREAS, to provide a free and appropriate education for all, public schools need all available state funding in order to continue to improve and without necessitating an increased burden on local taxpayers, reducing services for students, or weakening the capacity of the public education system to serve all students effectively; and

WHEREAS, more than five decades after introduction, vouchers remain controversial, unpopular, and unproven; and

WHEREAS, public schools are transparent due to open meetings/records laws, and state-mandated academic and financial standards, unlike private schools that do not follow state accountability standards, make budgets public, or adhere to open meetings/records laws; and

WHEREAS all educational institutions receiving public funds should have the same accountability and performance reporting expectations so that the public may understand the use and efficacy of those public funds; and

WHEREAS DeKalb County Schools offer a wide range of specialized programs including special education services, career and technical education training aligned with local workforce needs, arts programs, high school career academies, and much more; and

WHEREAS, vouchers give choices to private schools, not to students’ parents, since private schools decide whether they will accept vouchers, which students they want to admit, and what reasons they might use to dismiss students; and

WHEREAS, the proposed bill lacks sufficient oversight, accountability, and transparency mechanisms, raising concerns about misuse of public funds; and

WHEREAS the DeKalb County Commission believes public funds should be directed to public schools for the betterment of the student population and community overall.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the DeKalb County Commission urges the Tennessee General Assembly to consider the effects that Education Savings Accounts will have on local school districts and to instead seek ways to support and strengthen public schools throughout the state.

RESOLVED, DULY ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE upon passage, the public welfare requiring it”.

April 20, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Step right up and get your season gate admission passes to the fair!

The DeKalb County Fair Board of Directors has announced that a limited number of $30 season passes are now on sale for gate admission to the 2024 Grandpa Fair of the South to be held Monday-Saturday, June 24-29 . Each season pass includes six admission tickets that fairgoers can use any day during the week whether it be (for example) one admission ticket per night, two tickets for three nights, or all six tickets in one night. With general admission to the fair this year at $7.00 per ticket (except for children ages four and younger who will be admitted free) the purchase of a $30 pass is a savings of $12 for the week if you plan to attend each night of the fair.

Season passes to the 2024 DeKalb County Fair can be purchased at the offices of the Smithville Review, UT/TSU Extension at the county complex or from the following members of the DeKalb County Fair Board of Directors

Matt Boss – President
Judy Sandlin – Vice President
Jada Moss – Secretary
Pat Parkerson – Treasurer
Jeff McMillen – Fair Manager
Angie Meadows
Ron Paschal
JoDee Prichard
Johnny Barnes
Bobby Lee Hale
Caleb Taylor

The DeKalb County Fair, a non-profit organization, normally held in July, has been scheduled earlier this year featuring a new carnival James Gang Amusements based in Andalusia, Alabama.

Ride Arm Band Prices for the week of June 24-29 will be Monday-$20, Tuesday- $18, Wednesday -$20, Thursday-$18, Friday- $20, and Saturday- $20.

Although the fair won’t officially begin with all the shows and events until Monday, June 24, fairgoers can get a jump start on the fun in a pre-fair warm-up on Friday through Sunday, June 21-23 as the fairgrounds will be open (Friday & Saturday from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.) with free gate admission to anyone who wants to purchase a ticket or armband for carnival rides and games on the midway by James Gang Amusements. Armband prices for those three days only, June 21-23 will be $20 each day. Food vendors will be on site.

Since 1856, the DeKalb County Fair has been offering entertainment, Midway rides, food, exhibits, pageants, livestock shows and other action-packed events. Now in its 168th year, the Grandpa Fair of the South continues to live up to its 2024 theme of “Celebrating What Makes a Community Great.”

New fair events during the week this year include a Bump N Run Derby, Monster Truck Show, and Rodeo along with other old favorites, a demolition derby and motorcycle and ATV racing, among others. Lions Club Pavilion entertainment will feature David Turner and Friends, Center Hill Ramblers, Zone Status Band, Relentless Youth, Harvest Moon, and Square Dancing by Smithville Select, Caney Fork Circle Eight, DeKalb Dancing Delights and Center Hill Hoedown Square Dancers, among others.

The schedule of Fair events each night is as follows:

Monday, June 24:
Cattle Show-Ag Center- 6:00 p.m.
Junk Car/Bump N Run- TC McMillen Arena – 7:00 p.m.
Jr. Fair Princess (13-16)- Lions Pavilion – 6:00 p.m.
Fairest of the Fair (17-20)- Lions Pavilion – following
Miss Fair Queen (21-54)- Lions Pavilion – following
Lip Sync Battle (Round 1)- Lions Pavilion – following
Open Poultry Show (All Week)- Barn
Cash Drawing-Lions Pavilion – 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 25:
Little Mister & Miss (4-6)-Lions Pavilion – 6:00 p.m.
Mrs. Fair Queen (up to 54)- Lions Pavilion – following
Miss Senior Fair Queen (55 & up)- Lions Pavilion – following
Corn Hole Tournament- Ag Center – 7:00 p.m.
ATV/Motorcycle Racing- TC McMillen Arena 7:00 p.m.
Relentless Youth-Lions Pavilion– 8:00 pm.
Open Poultry Show (All Week)- Barn
Cash Drawing- Lions Pavilion – 9:30 p.m

Wednesday, June 26:
Lamb Grilling– 6:00 p.m.- Ag Center
Little Miss Princess (7-9)- Lions Pavilion – 6:00 p.m.
Miss Sweetheart (10-12)- Lions Pavilion – following
Kiddie Tractor Pull- Ag Center – 7:00 p.m.
ATV/Motorcycle Racing-TC McMillen Arena– 7:00 pm
David Turner and Friends-Lions Pavilion – 8:00 pm
Cash Drawing-Lions Pavilion – 9:30 p.m.
Open Poultry Show (All Week)- Barn

Thursday, June 27:
Senior Day & Century Farms- Ag Center – 9:00 a.m.
Junior Goat Show-Ag Center – 6:00 p.m.
Baby Show (up to 12 months)- Lions Pavilion – 6:00 p.m.
Zone Status Band- Lions Pavilion – 7:00 p.m.
Monster Truck Rides followed by Monster Truck Exhibition Show- TC McMillen Arena – 6:00 pm
Cash Drawing- Lions Pavilion – 9:30 p.m.
Open Poultry Show (All Week)- Barn

Friday, June 28:
Toddler Show (13-48 months) -Lions Pavilion – 6:00 p.m.
Farmer for a Day-Ag Center – 6:00 p.m.
Lip Sync Battle (Finale)-Lions Pavilion – following Toddler Show
Rodeo-TC McMillen Arena – 7:00 p.m.
Center Hill Ramblers- Lions Club Pavilion- 7:45 p.m.
DTC Games (Ages 3-12)-Ag Center –7:00 p.m.
Cash Drawing-Lions Pavilion – 9:30 p.m.
Open Poultry Show (All Week)- Barn

Saturday, June 29:
Square Dancing (Smithville Select, Caney Fork Circle Eight, DeKalb Dancing Delights, and Center Hill Hoedown Square Dancers – Lions Club Pavilion-6:00 p.m.
Harvest Moon –Lions Club Pavilion- 7:00 pm
Pet Show- Ag Center – 6:00 p.m.
Demolition Derby- TC McMillen Arena – 7:00 p.m.
Cash Drawing- Lions Pavilion – 9:30 p.m.
Homemade Ice Cream Contest -Ag Center-6:00 p.m.

Gates and Midway open at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The exhibit building is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Perishable exhibit items ONLY will be accepted Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. while non-perishables may be brought Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to the Kenneth Sandlin Center on the fairgrounds.

Parking at the fair is again free this year. Students in a DeKalb Middle School organization assist in directing the parking and that club is given a donation by the fair for their help.

Visit the DeKalb County Fair website at the link below for further information at www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com/

Fair sponsors listed in link below:

https://www.dekalbcountyfairtn.com/sponsors

2024 DeKalb County Fair – Radio Sponsors
DTC Communications
Middle Tennessee Electric
Wal-Mart
Liberty State Bank
Rogers Group
Wilson Bank & Trust
Mike Eaton – Blackwell Realty And Auction
Wilson County Motors
Heavenly Landscape & Tree Service
Three Forks Market
Farm Credit Mid-America
DeKalb Farmers Co-op
A Degree Above Heating & Cooling
Adams Dental, PLLC – Drs John & Laura Adams
Alexandria Family Care
B&G Supply
Blake Taylor Heating, Air & Electrical
Creative Graphics
Cumberland Supply
DeKalb Animal Clinic
DeKalb County Farm Bureau
DeKalb Funeral Chapel
FirstBank
Galaxy Ford in Smithville
Gina Denman – The Real Estate Team
Hawk Specialty Services
Industrial Machine Service, Inc
Junk & Jewels On The Square
Love Cantrell Funeral Home
Luke Prichard Excavating & Trucking
NHC Healthcare
Powell & Meadows
Regions Bank
Sam’s Pressure Washing & Soft Wash
Sissy Prichard Fish & Betsy Smith – Town N Lake
Slager Performance LLC, Excavation, Demoilition & Land Clearing
Southern Landscape
Stain & Seal Experts
State Representative Michael Hale
Sunbelt Rentals
Tennessee Credit
The Barn at Rowland Hills
The One Call Auction
Twin K Construction
W T Welding – Tyler Cripps
WJLE

DeKalb County Fair – Fair Sponsors
C & S Farms
Caney Fork Electric Cooperative
City Smithville AND Smithville Golf Course & Swimming Pool
DeKalb County Florist
DeKalb County Soil & Water Conservation District
DeKalb Prevention Coalition
DJs Pizza & Steakhouse of Alexandria
Gill Automotive
Grant Cedar Mill
Hosanna Farm
MARQLABS
Middle Tennessee Natural Gas
Smithville Food Lion
Swallows Insurance
The Smithville Review

DeKalb County Fair – Pavilion Sponsors
A.Vester Parsley, Attorney
Alexandria Auto Parts
Avant Funeral Home
Brown Hauling & Excavating
C&C Market and Deli
Campbell’s Garage
Cantrell’s Furniture & Appliance
Curtis Supply
David W. Lawrence, Attorney
DeKalb Ace Hardware
DeKalb County Insurance, Inc.
DeKalb County Stockyard
DeKalb Dental Center
DeKalb Elected Officials
DeKalb Title, LLC
DTC Security
F Z Webb & Sons Pharmacy
Foutch Eyecare
Gammon & Drueck CPAs
Greg Dugdale Properties
Griffin’s Produce
Keith Blair, Attorney
Lebanon Chemical Inc/The Pool’s Edge
Mid-State Precision, Inc.
Rochelle, McCulloch & Aulds
Savvy Scrubs and More / P.T.S.
Smith Farmers Co-op
Tramel CPA Group
Twisted Sifter Sweets
Webb House Retirement Center

DeKalb County Fair – Business Card Sponsors
Betty Lattimore – The Real Estate Team

April 19, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Watch your speed!

The Smithville Police Department is beginning to utilize a Tennessee Safety Office radar and message board to combat speeding on city streets.

“You will see this sign around the city periodically along with two of our own (signs) that are currently being assembled. Your police department is always looking for ways to make our city safer,” said Police Chief Mark Collins.

Pictured here is the Smithville Police Department’s THSO Officer Lane Ball with THSO’s message board.

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