Budget, Construction and Textbooks Discussed at Community Meeting
Published February 25, 2015
WCS parents, staff, School Board and community members came together February 24 for the first of two Let’s Talk School community meetings to be held this semester.
The event began with an introduction by Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney who shared some exciting news. While official results from the state have yet to be released, Looney said WCS can expect another record-breaking year for ACT scores.
During a budget update, WCS Budget Director Leslie Holman said the anticipated budget for the upcoming school year will be approximately $289 million. The Board will meet to discuss the budget Saturday, February 28 at 8 a.m. in the Carolyn Campbell Room at the County Administrative Complex. Holman also gave a shout out to parent teacher organizations for their fundraising efforts.
“Parent Teacher Organizations in Williamson County raised approximately $7 million for their schools last year,” said Holman. “I think that’s incredible.”
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Assessment Tim Gaddis discussed the textbook adoption process, which is more than halfway complete for the year. Recommendations for math textbooks will be brought to the Board in March, and the Board will decide in April whether to purchase.
Deputy Superintendent Jason Golden gave an update on construction projects around the district. According to Golden, progress continues on the district’s three new schools – Mill Creek Elementary, Mill Creek Middle and Nolensville High – with all three set to open in fall 2016. The district will request funds for the second half of construction on those facilities at the March 9 County Commission meeting, along with funds for an eight-classroom addition to College Grove Elementary and auditoriums at Fairview High, Page Middle and Heritage Middle. In addition, the district will request money for a land purchase to build a new elementary school and possible middle school in the Brentwood area.
Following the budget update, Looney asked Board members to assemble for an exercise similar to “speed dating” in which parents and staff could meet one-on-one with the nine attending Board members. For approximately 45 minutes, Board members took turns meeting with each attendee and discussing the future of the district.
The district’s next Let’s Talk School meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at Brentwood High School. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the library. Parents, students, staff and community members are encouraged to attend.