What are your thoughts on K-12 school consolidation (for example, one school system per county in Tennessee – a Sullivan County school system that includes Kingsport and Bristol children)?
I am willing to have that discussion. During this time of shrinking resources we must be willing to explore all possible alternatives that might help us provide a quality educational experience for our young people.

What are your thoughts on any other type of K-12 school system (for example, a school system within a “special school district” that might be made up of students from the city of Kingsport and some Sullivan County students – a “special school district” would be managed by an elected Board of Education with taxing authority specifically for the school system, a tax rate to be approved by eligible voters within the geographic boundaries of the “special school district”)?
That is an interesting idea. As stated above I think we must be willing to entertain “out of the box” thinking as we plan for our future and I am willing to participate in that endeavor. However, I am even more committed to improving the system we currently have in place.

My goal is to ensure that we have excellent education opportunities for all our citizens and the K-12 system is a critical part of the Overall Educational System in the City. For the past decade, we have focussed much of our efforts on renovating school facilities. As a result, we are in much better shape that many other system, but increases in school operating funds have come primarily from other sources. Given the problems at the State level, we need to closely examine the operational needs of the School System this year. I have asked the BOE to tell us specifically “What differences will our citizens see next year if we fully fund their request? Or, conversely what negative impacts would we see if we do not fully fund their request?” This information will give us a better ability to evaluate the school needs within the upcoming City budget process.

As things change, we should look into alternatives that make sense. However, many of the alternative organizational arrangements have significant initial costs, even if there are long term efficiencies. In addition, we should recognize that there are differences in needs and perceptions that must be resolved before any significant organizational change can occur. Ultimately, the lead agency for such change is the BOE.

What are your thoughts on K-12 school consolidation (for example, one school system per county in Tennessee – a Sullivan County school system that includes Kingsport and Bristol children)?
It sounds good, but economically and politically it probably will not happen. I have felt for some time that representatives from the city and county school boards should discuss how the two systems could cooperate to better utilize the facilities. The city needs space and the county has extra space. We need to seriously discuss how sharing of facilities can be accomplished to lower the overall cost of education.

What are your thoughts on any other type of K-12 school system (for example, a school system within a “special school district” that might be made up of students from the city of Kingsport and some Sullivan County students – a “special school district” would be managed by an elected Board of Education with taxing authority specifically for the school system, a tax rate to be approved by eligible voters within the geographic boundaries of the “special school district”)?
I am in favor of the school boards of the city and the county working together to establish some “special schools” or “magnet schools” that will be educationally beneficially to students who want to attend. For example, I have heard talk about North High School becoming a magnet school. Some potential curriculums included music, art, or vocational education.

Based on the discussions I have had with citizens, I do not feel that the citizens would approve a separate higher tax rate for schools.

What are your thoughts on K-12 school consolidation (for example, once school system per county in Tennessee—a Sullivan County school system that includes Kingsport and Bristol children)?
With state funding to equalize teacher salaries, the time is getting closer for school consolidation. This type of endeavor will require time and persistence to provide the best education for all students involved.

What are your thoughts on any other type of K-12 school system (for example, a school system within a “special school district” that might be made up of students from the city of Kingsport and some Sullivan County students—a “special school district” would be managed by an elected Board of Education with taxing authority specifically for the school system, a tax rate to be approved by eligible voters within the geographic boundaries of the “special school district”)?
At the present time with both state and local budget restraints, educators have more than enough on their plate. However, I do believe it will be necessary in the future to allow by legislation school districts to provide and have the authority for their own funding. At the present time in our city, the School Board makes all its own budget decisions and then comes to the BMA for funding. This situation puts all the heat on the BMA rather than allowing the School Board to sell their budget to its constituency.

Ken Marsh

Is the city of Kingsport’s present funding for K-12 education enough, too much or should it increase? Without a dramatic property tax increase we are doing all we can

What are your thoughts on K-12 school consolidation (for example, one school system per county in Tennessee – a Sullivan County school system that includes Kingsport and Bristol children)? A great idea but economically impractical

What are your thoughts on any other type of K-12 school system (for example, a school system within a “special school district” that might be made up of students from the city of Kingsport and some Sullivan County students – a “special school district” would be managed by an elected Board of Education with taxing authority specifically for the school system, a tax rate to be approved by eligible voters within the geographic boundaries of the “special school district”)? This is worth examining.

When balanced with other pressing needs of the city, I think the funding for K-12 education has been more than generous down through the years, including the present. Having said that, I recognize that with the reductions in state funding, there is a legitimate need for more operating funds from the city of Kingsport. I am supportive of additional funding, when balanced with the other needs of the city.

What are your thoughts on K-12 school consolidation (for example, one school system per county in Tennessee - Sullivan county school system that includes Kingsport and Bristol children)?

While consolidation sounds feasible and is looked upon by many as a solution to most problems in education, I think there are some real problems with that idea as far as the city of Kingsport is concerned. First of all, I think the initial cost of equalizing teachers’ salaries and doing the other things required in a consolidation would far exceed any savings that might be realized in a reasonable time period. Also, I think a consolidation would have a negative impact upon the quality of education in Kingsport, to a large degree negating that fact that for many years we have been willing to put significant amounts of local money into education.

What are your thought on any other type of K-12 school system (“for example ............”)?

I am very open minded regarding a “special school district” or any similar idea that would benefit our students and our city. Although I do not have enough information on the pros and cons to have a position on the idea of giving taxing authority to a “special school district” or to the Board of Education on a much broader basis, I think it is probably time for us to have a community discussion on that subject.

Wayne Case

Is the city of Kingsport’s present funding for K-12 education enough, too much or should it increase? I would like to see more funding directed specifically to improve the quality of the education services provided to our children rather than so much being spent of "bricks and mortar" projects.

What are your thoughts on K-12 school consolidation (for example, one school system per county in Tennessee – a Sullivan County school system that includes Kingsport and Bristol children)? The citizens of Kingsport pay more property taxes to Sullivan County than to the City of Kingsport; and we need to pay more attention to the deteriorating education program in the County. I feel that it is very important that there be a much closer relationship between the City and County BOE organizations. These organizations need to determine the best solution for obtaining the most effective service for the tax dollar that we invest in both areas.

What are your thoughts on any other type of K-12 school system (for example, a school system within a “special school district” that might be made up of students from the city of Kingsport and some Sullivan County students – a “special school district” would be managed by an elected Board of Education with taxing authority specifically for the school system, a tax rate to be approved by eligible voters within the geographic boundaries of the “special school district”)? I do not favor giving the board of Education taxing authority. The current system between the BMA and BOE provides a good way to insure that we are getting the most value for our education dollar. The BMA acts as an independent "board of directors" to listen to the BOE's needs and provide the necessary funding.

Is the city of Kingsport’s present funding for K-12 education enough, too much or should it increase?
Absolutely I would like to see more funding for K-12. However, currently, it will have be enough due to State budget cuts combined with critical basic needs facing Kingsport.

What are your thoughts on K-12 school consolidation (for example, one school system per county in Tennessee – a Sullivan County school system that includes Kingsport and Bristol children)?
I do not support this type of “consolidation”.

What are your thoughts on any other type of K-12 school system (for example, a school system within a “special school district” that might be made up of students from the city of Kingsport and some Sullivan County students – a “special school district” would be managed by an elected Board of Education with taxing authority specifically for the school system, a tax rate to be approved by eligible voters within the geographic boundaries of the “special school district”)?
I am always open to new ideas to increase efficiency and provide beneficial enhancements to our community. However, I have not seen any information that would convince me that a “special school district” would be beneficial at this time.

Consolidated school systems for counties are normal across the country, but I believe it will be a long time before we can work through the process of consolidating Kingsport, Bristol, and the Sullivan County schools. I believe we should work towards consolidation because it would save needed money that could be spent on education, but all effort must be made not to lose any of the quality of the Kingsport school system.

Assuming the special school district would benefit children with special capabilities, it is an interesting concept. At this time, I feel that the system we have is working well and I would have to see how a special school district would make a difference.

With regard to school consolidation, I believe if consolidation occurs it must come from the people, not by mandate.

We all want the best for our children. There may be other types of K-12 school systems that are viable alternatives to our current system. For example, there could be opportunities around the charter school legislation that passed last year, but currently I am not aware of a need to change to a different system.