Officials: Despite vacancies Metro schools ready for upcoming year

By Tarana Burke
Diversity Institute Fellow

08.11.04

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Metro Nashville schools are well prepared for the start of the new school year but still need to fill a few teaching vacancies and fix minor glitches in the computer system, school officials told school board members Tuesday night.

Less than a week before students and teachers return to class on Aug. 16, the board heard updates from school administrators on improvements and progress made in metro schools for the upcoming year.

Director of Schools Pedro Garcia said he visited 47 schools over the summer, including 13 in the last two days.

"We've had an extremely busy summer," he said. "We're making progress; we're great."

The human resource department reported that 1,200 teachers were hired over the summer.

"The number may seem extra high," said June Keel, head of the human resource department, "but it is in line with our need."

Keel said about 25 teaching positions remain open, but that number is low compared to normal vacancies this time of year. Vacancies include one high school math and four elementary positions that are typically difficult to fill.

The news registered well with the board members.

"That is amazing. That is absolutely terrific!" Board Vice Chairman Kathy Nevill exclaimed.

Other progress included the implementation of a centralized computer system called Chancery, which will allow teachers to use their classroom computers to access a student database, an electronic grade book and a central attendance process.

Lance Lott, the administrator charged with information technology, said there were some preliminary glitches with the system over the weekend, but he anticipated the kinks will be worked out before school starts Monday.

"We're not out of the woods, but we're doing well," Lott said.

Sandra Johnson, chief instructional officer for Metro schools, told board members that new teacher orientation was held early last week.

According to Johnson, teachers were trained in several areas including teaching children of poverty and classroom organization and management.

She also said a teaching method known as the "Pow-Wow" will be introduced to classrooms this fall.

Johnson explained that K-4 teachers will begin each day talking to students about what happened in their lives the previous evening.

"We're really excited about this program and seeing how well it works," Johnson said.

Parents with questions or concerns about the coming school year should call (615) 259-INFO, school officials said, or attend the mayors First Day Festival on Sunday, Aug. 15 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center. The board will have volunteers on hand to answer questions.

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