Topic Of Merging Rush Strong and Piedmont Schools Packs Courthouse
The Jefferson County School Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Rumors of a the potential closing of Rush Strong School and the merging of that student body with the Piedmont student body in a new building location, as well as the merging and closing of Talbott school and merging with Jefferson Elementary, brought a full house to the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Several members of the Rush Strong community spoke in opposition to the potential closing of the school. Board Members were presented with three options for discussion regarding the recent needs assessment. Ultimately, following extended discussion, the decision was made to direct Dr. Shane Johnston, Director of Jefferson County Schools, to bring back information on building two new schools ( Piedmont and Jefferson Elementary) and renovating three others ( Maury, Jefferson Middle School and Rush Strong) as well as other school needs. The motion was for information only and the exploration of the possibility of building two new schools and was not a decision by the Board on the avenue that it will take to address across county needs in the various schools. The motion for information on two new schools was offered by Board Member Pinkerton and 2nd by Board Member Jarnigan ( 6-0 with Cox absent). Board Member Solomon offered the motion to include renovation costs and was 2nd by Pinkerton ( 5-1-1 with Fair voting No and Cox absent).
Board Member Denise Fair brought a motion to reinstate Drivers Education as a class offering at Jefferson County High School. The question of reinstating Driver Education was raised during the recent Board retreat. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Board Chair Potts brought a motion to extend the contract of Director Johnston until June 20, 2024. Her motion was 2nd by Board Vice Chair Bradley and was approved 5-1-1 with Fair voting in dissent and Cox absent.
Additionally the Board approved two resolutions and several budget amendments, as well as setting the date for the next work session which will be held on March 12, 2020 at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.
