Coffee County’s Board of Education on Monday narrowly voted to give a contract extension to director of schools Charles Lawson.
On Monday, the board voted 4-3 to offer a 4-year extension to Lawson. Board members Robert Gilley, Freda Jones and Pat Barton voted against an extension. Meanwhile, members Brett Henley, Gary Nester, Larry Crabtree and Sandra Klonaris voted in favor of the extension, which also comes with a $5,000 raise. Lawson was originally hired in at $115,000 per year. It’s unclear if he has received raises since then.
Hired in 2019, Lawson’s contract was set to expire next June.
Manchester Trees of Christmas to return for 45th anniversary
Manchester Parks and Recreation Department presents 2021 Trees of Christmas – themed “Christmas Through the Years.” This event will return this year for its 45th Anniversary. The display will run Monday, November 29 – Sunday, December 5. The display will be open Monday from 12-6pm, Tuesday through Friday from 9am-1pm and 3-6pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon – 5pm.
The Christmas Tree is one of the world’s most beautiful and expressive holiday themes. View decorated trees at this delightful holiday event. The theme “Christmas Through the Years” lends itself for one to imagine how Christmas was (or will be) celebrated in another time. The event is free and will be held at the Ada Wright Center located at 328 N. Woodland St., Manchester, TN. All are welcome to partake in this wonderful family-oriented display.
For more information you may contact the Manchester Parks and Recreation Department at 931-728-0273 or email Claire Jolley, cjolley@cityofmanchestertn.com or Becki Johnson, bjohnson@cityofmanchestertn.com.
Job fair & expo is Wednesday in Manchester
Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce has organized a Job & Resource Expo for Wednesday, October 13, at the Manchester Coffee County Conference Center, located at 147 Hospitality Blvd.. This is a multi – county, employer, and resource event.
Multiple employers will be on hand, as well as colleges and technical career centers. Priority service will be given to eligible veterans. The fair and expo is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Black Rifle Coffee Company will be on hand serving coffee, a food truck will be on site and water will be provided.
Tennessee Highway Safety office to launch ‘slow down Tennessee’ on Oct. 15
On Friday, October 15, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) launches its speeding prevention campaign called “Slow Down Tennessee” in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), AAA – The Auto Club Group, the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and local law enforcement agencies. From October 15 – 29, participating agencies will increase public education and enforcement efforts to reduce speeding-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities statewide.
“The initial launch of ‘Slow Down Tennessee’ in April made a tremendous impact on local communities,” said Director Buddy Lewis of the THSO. “During National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 17 – 23, the THSO and partners will emphasize teen safety while promoting the ‘Slow Down Tennessee’ campaign. This effort will include a stronger grassroots effort than before.”
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 2,042 traffic fatalities nationwide involving a teen driver (age 15 to 18 years old) in 2019. According to Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network, there were 100 traffic fatalities statewide involving a teen driver (age 13 to 19 years old) in 2019. For a county-by-county breakdown of Tennessee traffic crashes involving speeding teen drivers (age 13 to 19) from 2016 to 2021, visit https://bit.ly/3aniOEa
“Teen drivers tend to speed and engage in aggressive driving behaviors because they feel overly confident behind the wheel,” said Tennessee Regional Manager Gavin Gill of SADD. “Lack of experience puts them at a higher risk of making unsafe choices. SADD is joining the grassroots efforts of ‘Slow Down Tennessee’ to increase SADD chapters statewide, reach more young drivers, and help prepare them for the roadway.”
The “Slow Down Tennessee” campaign includes a multi-pronged approach. The public is encouraged to participate by using #SlowDownTN on social media to help spread awareness. Participating law enforcement agencies statewide will increase saturation patrols, conduct high visibility enforcement, and/or utilize other tactics to curb speeding drivers.
Outdoor signage will display “Slow Down Tennessee” as visual reminders for speeding drivers. This includes the use of large banners, TDOT’s digital message boards, and yard signs provided by AAA – The Auto Club Group. Visit www.AAA.com/locations to find AAA Offices providing “Slow Down Tennessee” yard signs in your area. Teens can request free customized “Slow Down (School Mascot)” signs for their schools by using this link: https://reducetncrashes.org/activities/slow-down-signs-your-school
For more information, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org/speeding.
School board narrowly votes to extend director of schools Lawson
Coffee County’s Board of Education on Monday narrowly voted to give a contract extension to director of schools Charles Lawson.
On Monday, the board voted 4-3 to offer a 4-year extension to Lawson. Board members Robert Gilley, Freda Jones and Pat Barton voted against an extension. Meanwhile, members Brett Henley, Gary Nester, Larry Crabtree and Sandra Klonaris voted in favor of the extension, which also comes with a $5,000 raise. Lawson was originally hired in at $115,000 per year. It’s unclear if he has received raises since then.
Hired in 2019, Lawson’s contract was set to expire next June.
Nearly 30 cars broken into overnight Sunday in Coffee County
Coffee County Sheriff’s Department officials are working vigorously to track suspects who are responsible for nearly 30 break-ins overnight Sunday and early Monday morning.
Authorities say that a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe was stolen off of Richland Farms Rd. in the New Union community. An additional 28 vehicles were broken into between the Richland Farms and Riddle Rd. area.
According to Coffee County Sheriff’s Department authorities, they were able to track the Tahoe to the Chattanooga area and recover it. As of Monday afternoon, detectives are working to find the suspects and recover more property.
According to detectives, area residents may have actually witnessed and made contact with the suspects, but did not alert authorities.
“We strongly encourage citizens to be vigilant about their surroundings,” said Coffee County Sheriff’s Department investigator James Sherrill. “If you see something, please call and let us know.”
Police investigating shooting death in Bedford County
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Bedford County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a deadly shooting that happened Sunday evening on Sims Rd.
According to authorities, Peter Souphom, age 52, was discovered shot dead on a lawn mower in the yard of his residence. Family members discovered his body at approximately 11 p.m.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities.
In unrelated news, Emmanuel Topps, age 41, is reported to have drowned in a swimming pool at a residence – also on Sims Rd.
Tennessee gas average over $3 for first time in 7 years
For the first time since October 2014 the Tennessee gas price average rose above $3.00 per gallon. Over last week, Tennessee gas prices jumped nearly 12 cents to the most expensive gas price average so far this year. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.01 which is nearly 12 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.07 more than one year ago.
Average price in Coffee County is at $2.98, 3 cents below the state average and 29 cents below the national average of $3.27
“The key driver for this recent rise in the price of gas is crude oil, which typically accounts for between 50% and 60% of the price at the pump,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “And last week’s decision by OPEC and its oil-producing allies to not increase production further only exacerbated the upward momentum for crude oil prices.”
Quick Facts
· 67% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.85 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.24 for regular unleaded
·
Tennessee moved to the 9th least expensive market in nation
National Gas Prices
The national average price for a gallon of gas rose 8 cents on the week to reach $3.27. This is the highest price since October 2014 and is primarily due to the surging price of crude oil, which crept above $80 bbl before edging slightly lower.
Crude prices rose quickly following OPEC+, which comprises the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia, and their allies, choosing not to move forward with an agreement to produce 800,000 b/d in November. Instead, OPEC+ decided to maintain a previously agreed upon 400,000 b/d production increase.
According to new EIA data, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 3.3 million bbl to 225.1 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand also increased slightly from 9.40 million b/d to 9.44 million b/d—the slight increase in gas demand aided in the national average’s rise. However, the main culprit for rising pump prices remains high crude prices above $74 per barrel.
Meanwhile, a breach and spill in a key pipeline supplying fuel to parts of the southeastern U.S. led to tightened regional supplies. Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) said it expected repairs to its southeastern products pipeline to be completed October 9, with a restart afterward. The repairs were slowed by the recent heavy rain and flooding around Birmingham, Alabama. The spill took place on October 1. The pipeline serves various metropolitan areas, including Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Washington, D.C.
Today’s national average of $3.27 is 10 cents more than a month ago, $1.09 more than a year ago, and 63 cents more than pre-pandemic in 2019.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $1.05 to settle at $79.35. Alongside the actions of OPEC+ last week, prices increased after the U.S. Department of Energy dispelled speculation that the Biden Administration would ban crude exports or sell crude oil held in the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The sale could have put more crude into the domestic market, but it is unlikely to have had a sustained downward impact on oil prices. Prices have increased last week despite EIA’s latest report showing that total domestic crude inventories increased by 2.4 million bbl to 420.9 million bbl last week. For this week, crude prices could continue to climb if supply tightens.
TAX TIPS TUESDAY: Thinking of selling your home?
H&R Block Presents – THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME?
Need more room? Downsizing? Relocating? Want something different?
If you have been thinking about selling your residence, there’s good news where income tax is concerned. A home sale often doesn’t affect your taxes. If you have a loss on the sale, you can’t deduct it from income. But, if you make a profit, you can often exclude it. This is called “home sale exclusion”, or less commonly “sale of a personal residence exclusion”.
Current tax laws provide an exclusion of gain on the sale of your primary residence up to $250,000 or $500,000 if married filing a joint return. That means you can sell your residence for $250,000 (or $500,000) more than what it cost you to purchase or build and pay no tax on the sale! If your gain exceeds the excludable amount, the remaining taxable amount will be taxed as a long term capital gain which is usually a lower tax rate.
To qualify for the exclusion, you generally must have owned the property for at least 2 years and the property must have been your primary residence for 2 of the last 5 years prior to the sale.
The gain on the sale is determined by taking the gross selling price less your cost basis in the property. Cost basis is the total of the original acquisition cost plus improvements made during your ownership and plus many of the costs you incur to sell the property.
If you used a portion of your home for business or rental purposes during your ownership. This type of usage may affect your gain or loss calculations.
If you have questions about the tax impact of selling your residence and would like help from the Tax Professionals at H&R Block, please call 931-728-9462. H&R Block has your back in Manchester!
Gov. Bill Lee calls for review of education funding formula
On Friday, Oct. 8, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn invited Tennesseans to participate in the full review of the state’s education funding formula and explore possibilities for a more student-centered approach.
“We will pursue a rigorous review of our state’s education funding to ensure we are properly investing in students and stewarding our resources well,” said Gov. Lee. “I invite every Tennessee parent to tell us about their current experiences as well as their hopes for the education, environment and experience in our K-12 public schools.”
The state’s current school funding framework, also known as the Basic Education Program (BEP), has not been meaningfully updated in more than 30 years.
“Tennessee’s students are the future of our state, and we’ve got to be sure our public schools are well-equipped to prepare each and every one of them for lifelong success,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Consistent with our focus to continuously improve the academic achievement of all Tennessee students, we are excited to open public conversations and discuss an investment strategy that aligns with those goals and values.”
District and school leaders, elected officials, families, education stakeholders and members of the public will be engaged in the coming months through committees, survey opportunities, local meetings and more. Public engagement will focus on a student investment strategy that incorporates the following:
- Prioritizes students over systems
- Empowers parents to engage in their child’s education
- Incentivizes student outcomes
- Ensures all students, regardless of location or learning needs, are served at a high-level
- Reflects Tennesseans’ values
- Creates flexible funding that prepare students for postsecondary success
“How we fund education is one of the most important conversations that we can have as a state,” said House Education Administration Committee Chairman Mark White. “Today’s announcement and the engagement opportunities to follow will better equip leaders at all levels as we ensure that school funding works to serve all students. I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues in the General Assembly, the administration, local officials, educators, and parents on this important topic.”
“Opening up the opportunity for conversations to look at funding for education in Tennessee is vital to continued growth of not only the academic but also nonacademic needs of students across the state,” said Dr. Joey Vaughn, Director of Schools, Manchester City Schools. “Tennessee has been a leader in education and focusing on strategic investments for our kids and their futures is essential to continue the great work in our district and statewide.”
“The education landscape is constantly evolving, as well as the different challenges educators face in providing quality instruction to students,” said Dr. Jared Bigham, Senior Advisor on Workforce & Rural Initiatives, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “It’s critical that our investment in K-12 education supports the best individual student experience possible and prepares students for success upon graduation. Our state’s continued success in the future depends on our good stewardship of resources today.”
“With Tennessean’s commitment to becoming one of the strongest states in the nation for education, it is timely for us to examine this ambitious and worthwhile goal to invest in our students and our state,” said Dr. Cathy Beck, Director of Schools, Cheatham County Schools. “The state needs a funding strategy reflective of the needs of all our students, educators and communities, and we are thrilled to be part of these robust conversations.”
“As the chief funding mechanism for our public schools, the BEP formula is an essential part of our education system. I am glad that through this listening tour and working groups, we will be able to receive feedback from various stakeholders across the state on ways to potentially enhance public education funding. Any future improvements will focus on our students to find innovative solutions for better student outcomes,” said Senate Education Committee Chairman Brian Kelsey. “I applaud this effort to bring greater clarity to this widely misunderstood and complicated system. I look forward to working with the Tennessee Department of Education, educators, parents and local leaders throughout this process to ensure our education system offers a top-quality education to all Tennessee students.”
“I am supportive of the call from Governor Lee to convene a special exploratory committee to dig deep into the steps necessary to rewrite the Basic Education Program formula,” said Dr. Russell Dyer, Director of Schools, Cleveland City Schools. “The current BEP has served Tennessee educators, families, and students for a number of years. However, now is the time to actually move past the rhetoric, sharpen our pencils, and make real changes that will benefit Tennesseans for years to come. I feel confident that together we can and will make this take place and I look forward to working with Governor Lee, Commissioner Schwinn, members of the General Assembly, my fellow Superintendents and others to make this happen.”
“The timing is right in Tennessee to take a comprehensive look at the way we fund K-12 education,” said Teresa Sloyan, President, Hyde Family Foundation. “A funding formula that better supports the diverse needs of individual students could have an important impact in accelerating academic outcomes. We support Governor Lee, Commissioner Schwinn and state policymakers in advancing this important conversation.”
“The BEP as it exists was formulated many, many years ago. Since that time, the needs of our state and its schools have changed drastically,” said Dr. Shawn Kimble, Director of Schools, Lauderdale County Schools. “I appreciate Governor Lee’s efforts in working to find a more equitable and adequate funding formula. This is important work that is needed for meeting the many needs of our students, our employees, and our communities.”
“Tennessee students deserve better than a nearly three-decades-old education funding formula. We applaud today’s announcement and view this action as an appropriate step in elevating the conversation around public school funding,” said Adam Lister, CEO, Tennesseans for Student Success. “As this process advances, Tennesseans for Student Success looks forward to challenging those involved to prioritize solutions that serve all of Tennessee students.”
“The needs of our students are much different today than they were fifteen years ago as are the expectations and responsibilities placed on Tennessee’s educators,” said Dr. Ted Horrell, Director of Schools, Lakeland School System. “A thorough reexamination of our state’s K-12 funding formula is both necessary and welcome as we strive to provide the best possible education to Tennessee’s students.”
“I am looking forward to hearing from our local districts in regards to Governor Bill Lee and Commissioner Penny Schwinn’s important announcement on school funding,” said House Education Instruction Committee Chairlady Debra Moody. “Since our districts are so unique their collective input is vital to begin the conversation.”
“With last week’s announcement of Blue Oval City, Governor Lee and Commissioner Schwinn’s call for an exploratory committee on education funding comes at a critical time for our community, region, and state,” said Joey Hassell, Director of Schools, Haywood County Schools. “School districts play a key role in community development, economic development, and workforce development.”
“While Tennessee continues to place the highest priority on quality education for our state’s children, the time is definitely overdue to examine our current method of K-12 educational funding,” said Dr. Nancy Dishner, President and CEO, Niswonger Foundation. “Our decades-old method includes a number of issues that are causing unnecessary difficulty for school district leadership. Educational needs and opportunities have changed since the last major reform. We need to make certain that funding is equitable and adequate for all demographic areas of our state. It is time to listen to those concerns and seek the solutions that ensure the best quality education for Tennessee’s children and our future.”
“We are excited to engage in conversations about the state’s funding formula and the important work around providing additional needed supports for students in Tennessee,” said Kristy Brown, Director of Schools, Jackson County Schools. “This is a great opportunity for districts large and small.”
“In order to advance student learning, Tennessee needs a modernized school finance system that reflects the education needs of today,” said David Mansouri, President and CEO, State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE). “This prioritization from Governor Lee and state leaders comes at the right time as we all help students and schools urgently recover from the disruption of the pandemic. We should consider the individual needs of Tennessee students and work towards a way of funding education that is more transparent and better supports those unique needs.”
“The pandemic and extended school closures have had a massive impact on students, particularly on the economically disadvantaged and Black and brown students who were already most at risk of falling behind academically. We need a bold approach for the future, and we can’t pay for that approach with an outdated funding system that prioritizes where a child lives over who a child aspires to be,” said Victor Evans, Executive Director, TennesseeCAN. “So we applaud Governor Lee, Commissioner Schwinn, and our legislative leaders for their leadership at this critical time to explore ways to adjust and modernize school funding for the future and to help quickly close the learning gaps that too many of our students now face.”
