Chapman attends last board meeting; Battle named interim Director of Schools

Director of Schools George Chapman received accolades at the school board meeting Tuesday night, the last meeting he will attend before he begins leave time on Friday. His retirement is effective in August. Taking the helm as interim director will be Doris Battle, Chapman’s assistant for eight years.

The June 10 meeting of the Haywood County School Board was packed with action as board members said thanks and good-bye to Director of Schools George Chapman and named his assistant, Doris Battle, as the interim director. They also took action on several other issues, including finalizing budget amendments before the fiscal year-end and voting to operate on a continuation budget until the county’s budget is approved.

Before addressing the issue of naming an interim director, two gentlemen, Albert Harris and Jimmy Donald, requested to speak to the board and its packed house about the selection of the interim director and the director after the interim period. Basically they each expressed their disappointment in the selection process and the need for the board to take action. They both felt the assistant, who they felt was most qualified and trained for the job, should be moved into the interim position. Furthermore, Donald, who said he was speaking on behalf of African-American parents in the community, asked for more inclusion in the selection process.

Board Chairman asked Harold Garrett and Pearlie Hess for their recommendation for the interim director, and Harold Garrett said they had chosen Doris Battle. The board’s vote was unanimous for Battle to have the position. She has been in the Haywood County School System since 1983.

Members welcomed the Haywood High Class of 2008 Valedictorian and Salutatorians, Joanie Evans, Chris Bradford, and Melanie Dennis. Each student honored the teacher that they believe made the biggest difference in their lives. Joanie selected to honor Gail Chapman and Chris honored Eddie Keel, both high school teachers, and Melanie honored her kindergarten teacher, Suzie May.

In other business, the board agreed to give the town of Stanton the use of a bus to conduct their “Stuff the Bus” campaign on July 26. This is an effort by the town’s city council and other Stanton citizens to collect school supplies and donations to be given to needy Haywood County students.

The board also agreed to give the Brownsville-Haywood County Community Action Committee surplus tables per the committee’s request.

Director Chapman presented to the board the system’s Tennessee Comprehensive System-Wide Planning Report that had been submitted to the State Department of Education for approval. This document takes the place of the system’s five-year plan.

Chairman Gruenewald also gave board members a copy of the Timeline for Selecting the Director of Schools she received from the TSBA. The board approved the first meeting in the process that will begin on August 19. Representatives of the TSBA will hold meetings beginning at lunchtime with local government officials and business people, then meet with school staff members, teachers and auxiliary personnel, before hosting a community forum that night.

The meeting ended with Chairman Gruenewald presenting Director Chapman with two resolutions, one from the Tennessee legislature, and one from the board members, thanking him for his service. Chapman’s last day in the office will be Friday, June 13, and his retirement goes into effect in August.

To view the Board's Proclamation honoring Director Chapman, click here.

Salutatorian Chris Bradford selected HHS math teacher Eddie Keel as the teacher that has made a difference in his life. In addition to guiding Chris in his academics and with good advise in all matters, Mr. Keel was the coach of the Mock Trial Team at HHS. “When I entered high school, I had no direction or true plans for the future,” Chris said. “Now, however, I plan to pursue a career as an attorney or math teacher.”

Valedictorian Joan Evans says her French II teacher Gail Chapman has had the most impact on her educational experience. “She’s gone above and beyond being just a teacher to me; she was my mentor,” Joanie said of Mrs. Chapman. “Knowing Mrs. Chapman brought out the best in me, supported me, and showed me that I can and should be proud of myself.”

Anderson teacher Suzy May is the choice of Salutatorian Melanie Dennis as having the most influence in her life. “If I am to honor only one teacher, I must go back to basics and honor Mrs. Suzy May. The book All I Really need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum says it all,” Melanie said. “I thank Mrs. Suzy May for the strength of my educational foundation.”