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State Approves Increased Flexibility for WCS

Published October 2, 2014

Good news for Williamson County Schools! The district received word October 2 that the Tennessee Commissioner of Education has agreed to approve several requests aimed at improving WCS operations. Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney says the requests were made several weeks ago.

“I am pleased to report the Governor’s staff and Commissioner Huffman gave thoughtful attention to our request and subsequently approved several specific items,” said Looney. “I truly believe these approvals are an acknowledgement of the superior work of our teachers, administrators and support staff.”

The following requests were approved by the Commissioner:

  • We request permission to develop independent rigorous local standards meeting or exceeding Tennessee curriculum expectations and aligned to state assessments.
  • We request permission to make local adjustments to the school calendar. This would include daily, monthly and annual school schedules and calendars based on local needs relating to parent conferences, seat time requirements, activity requirements and length of school day, professional development and inclement weather day management.
  • We request streamlined approval of school/district improvement plans and Federal Program plans to include any related amendments.
  • We request permission to manage the improvement process of the district’s single “Focus School” (Fairview Middle School) without external oversight and support.

The district’s request to grant teachers tenure at the end of their fifth year of employment with or without consideration of TVAAS data was denied. In his letter to Looney, Tennessee Commissioner of Education Kevin Huffman said he looks forward to partnering with WCS to provide flexibility where possible.

“Williamson County Schools has a strong record of achievement in this state, and I commend you and your staff for the tremendous work to improve student outcomes in your community,” said Huffman. “Your success serves as a model for the rest of the state in proving both high achievement and strong growth can take place in each of Tennessee’s school districts.”