Parents 'silenced' with index cards during school closure meetings
I reported during the 5:00 news on Thursday that SCS Supt. Dorsey Hopson announced some format changes for community meetings concerning proposed school closures. One of them was to allow "open mic" comments. But parents who showed up to two more meetings were given index cards again. There was no opportunity to make comments publicly. Some said they'd been "silenced."
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Germantown's Goldsworthy On Retirement Decision
Germantown mayor not seeking re-election
We got word Tuesday night that longtime Germantown Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy decided to retire after her fifth four-year term. She sent emails to some 60 city staffers and friends. We confirmed it and got it on the air. I decided Wednesday to call and ask for a sit-down interview. I was surprised that the formation of municipal schools was not, in her opinion, the biggest accomplishment of her tenure. Mayor Goldsworthy is always very welcoming and warm. Unlike many politicians.. She seems sincere.
We got word Tuesday night that longtime Germantown Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy decided to retire after her fifth four-year term. She sent emails to some 60 city staffers and friends. We confirmed it and got it on the air. I decided Wednesday to call and ask for a sit-down interview. I was surprised that the formation of municipal schools was not, in her opinion, the biggest accomplishment of her tenure. Mayor Goldsworthy is always very welcoming and warm. Unlike many politicians.. She seems sincere.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Parents Brave Cold For Better Education
Parents camp out, brave cold for education
A handful of Shelby County Schools outperform all others. That's the reason parents line up every year for the optional program. They want their kids in high-preforming schools that are outside of their own attendance zones. I've never seen folks line up so early when it's been so cold. The district wishes they'd play by the rules. But parents and others are committed to doing whatever it takes.
A handful of Shelby County Schools outperform all others. That's the reason parents line up every year for the optional program. They want their kids in high-preforming schools that are outside of their own attendance zones. I've never seen folks line up so early when it's been so cold. The district wishes they'd play by the rules. But parents and others are committed to doing whatever it takes.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Free Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner for ALL SCS Students
SCS: Free lunch for students could safe district money
Shelby County Schools Nutrition Services officials announced during a work session Tuesday night that free breakfasts, lunches, and dinners could be provided to every child in the district next year. It's quite a concept and somewhat surprising since it will supposedly save money. More than 80% of the district's students will be free or reduced lunch eligible once municipal districts break away. Officials say it makes sense to take advantage of a new USDA program targeting high poverty areas.
Shelby County Schools Nutrition Services officials announced during a work session Tuesday night that free breakfasts, lunches, and dinners could be provided to every child in the district next year. It's quite a concept and somewhat surprising since it will supposedly save money. More than 80% of the district's students will be free or reduced lunch eligible once municipal districts break away. Officials say it makes sense to take advantage of a new USDA program targeting high poverty areas.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Easy-Way Owner Remembered For Philanthropic Work
Community remembers Easy-Way co-owner as leader
I owe this story to anchor Joe Birch. He is involved in the "Green Machine" project at his church and thought murdered grocer David Carter's involvement was worth reporting. Carter's company provided expertise, food, and a place to keep the produce market on wheels. Organizers say the project would not have happened without Carter's input. We've also since learned that Carter has more than 3 sons.
I owe this story to anchor Joe Birch. He is involved in the "Green Machine" project at his church and thought murdered grocer David Carter's involvement was worth reporting. Carter's company provided expertise, food, and a place to keep the produce market on wheels. Organizers say the project would not have happened without Carter's input. We've also since learned that Carter has more than 3 sons.
Friday, January 17, 2014
School Closure Plan Prompts Community Outcry
Community speaks out against possible closure of 13 Shelby County schools
People get riled up when you start talking about closing neighborhood schools. It's a process some suggest should include more than 13 schools. But that's the number currently being considered. This story is from the first ever district-wide meeting dealing with proposed closures. I expected a crowd.. But I was surprised so many showed up to speak out.
People get riled up when you start talking about closing neighborhood schools. It's a process some suggest should include more than 13 schools. But that's the number currently being considered. This story is from the first ever district-wide meeting dealing with proposed closures. I expected a crowd.. But I was surprised so many showed up to speak out.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Pizza Hut Employees, Customers Robbed During Dinner
Customer runs from Pizza Hut robbery, calls police
This was one of those stories that start with a blurb in the newspaper. We saw that three guys were arrested for holding up a Pizza Hut during dinner. Not only was the alleged gunman charged with robbing employees.. But customers as well. I didn't think the story would amount to much without getting one of the victims. I was able to track more than one of them down using information from a police report I picked up at 201 Poplar. Fortunately, one of the victims was willing to talk on camera.
This was one of those stories that start with a blurb in the newspaper. We saw that three guys were arrested for holding up a Pizza Hut during dinner. Not only was the alleged gunman charged with robbing employees.. But customers as well. I didn't think the story would amount to much without getting one of the victims. I was able to track more than one of them down using information from a police report I picked up at 201 Poplar. Fortunately, one of the victims was willing to talk on camera.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
2 Wrongful Death Lawsuits Target MPD
$3 million in wrongful death lawsuits filed in killings involving officers
My colleague Nick Kenney knew these lawsuits were going to be filed Wednesday afternoon. They came in just before the 5:00 news. Nick was able to detail what they allege. I picked up the story after turning a separate piece for an early newscast. I was actually on the scene of one of these police-involved shootings. Both came soon after an MPD officer was shot and killed. The suits claim the "heightened alert" officers were on made them trigger happy.
My colleague Nick Kenney knew these lawsuits were going to be filed Wednesday afternoon. They came in just before the 5:00 news. Nick was able to detail what they allege. I picked up the story after turning a separate piece for an early newscast. I was actually on the scene of one of these police-involved shootings. Both came soon after an MPD officer was shot and killed. The suits claim the "heightened alert" officers were on made them trigger happy.
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