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- [S113] Manes Funeral Home, (http://www.manesfuneralhome.com), 15 Feb 2011.
Emma Dean Carver obituary
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 17 Jul 2008.
NEWPORT-Beginning July 1 Manney Moore's life changed dramatically.
On that day he officially stepped into his new role as Cocke County Director of Schools.
"I've not caught my breath since," he said Tuesday morning as he looked over mountainous piles of paperwork covering his desk. "It's taken me five days to mow my yard this week."
"Before I know it, it's 5:30-6:00 o'clock and by the time I get out of here and drive home, I just have time to mow a portion of the yard," he laughed.
As the opening of the school system's 2008-2009 year looms, Moore's most immediate concern centers around the staffing of the county's nine elementary schools, two high schools, and various other departments.
"This time of year we receive several resignations as people leave our system for jobs elsewhere," explained Moore. "Two resignations came in yesterday."
According to Moore, approximately 10-15 teaching positions must be filled before the system's August opening. One is these is that of principal at Cosby Elementary, a position vacated by Moore when he became director.
"That position was officially posted yesterday," he said.
In regard to other positions, such as teaching assistants, secretaries, and maintenance personnel, Moore said, "Normally the schools' principals recommend people for positions within their individual schools."
Currently Moore has opted to "take one day at a time" is adjusting to his new job.
"I take home one thing each night to study," he said. "I'm trying to learn one new thing about the job every day."
Moore has high praise for the Central Office staff."They have been wonderful, invaluable, welcoming, and helpful," he said. "We have an excellent group of people here."
"The community has also been very supportive,"he continued. "I know I'm still in the honeymoon period," he laughed,"but I do appreciate everyone's assistance. I want to hear from as many people in our community as possible."
Moore's "to do" list is short but impressive.
"First I want our school system to continue our successful work," he said. "Cocke County's schools have move forward tremendously and I want to see that progress continue."
Second on his list is the addressing of what he termed"problem areas."
"In a system as big as ours," he explained,"there will always be areas of concern. And that's a great part of my job."
Another goal is to foresee and address future problem areas. "With the spiraling costs of fuel, supplies, and other expenditures, all school systems face funding problems in the future. We'll have to deal with them," he said.
Tied in with the future problem areas are what educators such as Moore refer to as "unfunded mandates."
"Recently Tennessee adopted higher standards for our future high school graduates to meet," said Moore. "At the same time these higher standards are being put into place, Tennessee schools face less funding from the state. Successfully meeting those standards while operating with less money will be challenging."
Currently Moore and his staff continue working on the system's budget for the coming year. "We're like everyone else in that we're playing a guessing game," said Moore. "For example, last year,Mr. (Larry) Blazer and his staff allocated $250,000 for diesel in an attempt to prepare for the increased costs. When the year ended, the system had spent about $300,000."
"We're just praying that diesel and gasoline prices will only go up a $1 per gallon this next year," said Moore.
Other future expenditures include the need to hire additional teachers to help the system meet the state's higher standards for graduates. "It looks like we'll have to hire more math and science teachers," said Moore, "to meet the state's added requirements."
Currently the system's growth continues to demand added personnel. "Last year, we were up 67 students for the year," said Moore. "That's two full teaching positions."
Moore also pointed out that both local high schools graduated record numbers of students last spring. "CCHS graduated 244,while Cosby graduated 91, the largest groups ever for both schools," he said.
Both schools also had large freshmen classes beginning their high school careers last year. "At CCHS, 410 students enrolled as freshmen," according to Dennis Balch, Cocke County Schools Attendance Supervisor. "That means that they were there at some time or other. Some transferred elsewhere. At Cosby, 137 freshmen were enrolled."
"These numbers indicate larger classes up the line," said Moore.
Building maintenance costs also loom in the future."Some of our schools will need new roofs," said Moore. "They've been well cared for, but they are old."
"I've also been asked about the possibility of our system going on a four-day work week," said Moore, "in an attempt to cut energy costs. But the state won't allow that, because a four-day week won't meet Tennessee's 180-day requirement. Right now, that's just not an option,unless the state adjusts the requirements."
What has been Moore's biggest surprise as director?
"This job has been much more 'hands-on' than I expected," said Moore. "But I want to emphasize that my door is always open and the telephone is free."
"I plan to visit every school early in the year," he added, "and match faces to names. I also plan to attend as many community meetings as I can to learn to know as many of our citizens as possible."
In closing, Moore said, "I ask for everyone's continued patience, support, and prayers as I begin this new job."
- [S113] Manes Funeral Home, (http://www.manesfuneralhome.com), 5 Jan 2015.
Ernest Anderson Lunsford obituary
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