By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was an eventful meeting of the Henry County Schools board of education Tuesday night, with Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins formally presented with the Northwest Region Superintendent of the Year Award, two Henry County college students were awarded the first-ever school board scholarships, COVID protocols for the upcoming school year were reviewed and a board member resigned.
Board Member Junior Staggs presented his letter of resignation to Dr. Watkins and Board Chairman Jill Coker. His resignation is effective July 31. Dr. Watkins said she would notify County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway there is an opening on the board, which will have to be addressed by the County Commission at a future meeting.
At the meeting’s outset, Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents Assistant Executive Director Barry Olhausen presented Dr. Watkins with a plaque in honor of her designation as Superintendent of the Year.
Olhausen noted that Henry County has had “such a legacy of strong superintendents over the years”, specifically mentioning Frank Gallimore and William Atchison. “Your current superintendent is not just smart, but she’s well-informed and purposeful in what she does.”
He said Dr. Watkins is “as articulate a spokesperson as they come and there’s no better Ambassador for this county than Leah. Like I said, Henry County has a history of strong superintendents and she doesn’t just hold her own, she stands out among them.”
The COVID procedures that will be undertaken for the upcoming school year which begins August 2 will include social distancing, hand sanitizing, school sanitizing, and limiting field trips.
Dr. Watkins said, “We will be guided by the State Department of Health and we’re not in a state of emergency in the state of Tennessee like we were last year at this time. We’re encouraged to keep schools open and have in-person instruction and that’s what we’re planning.”
She noted that the COVID situation in Henry County was quiet over the summer, “but more activity is picking up right now. “ (COVID cases have increased drastically over the past week, with Henry County now at 64 active cases, which is some 20 more than a few days ago).
She said the governor and the CDC are recommending that kids be taught in schools for right now. Overwhelmingly, district teachers and staff “want normal. They want a good, solid normal school year,” she said.
In other business:
The school board’s first scholarships for future teachers were awarded to Ethan French, who is currently attending Bethel and Brooke Marr, who is a student at UT Martin. French is aiming to teach math and Marr is seeking elementary education certification.
Renea Wade made the announcements of the scholarship winners, noting that they were selected out of seven applicants and both had impressive resumes.
–Dr. Watkins said online registration has been a positive for the district. She said 565 already have registered, with 123 pending. “It’s saved a lot of time for everyone,” she said.
–The board approved first reading of a long list of policies covering emergency closings, security, instructional standards, Famil Life Education, graduation requirements, teacher tenure, home schools, alternative education, and more.
Top photo: Dr. Watkins, left, receives Superintendent of the Year Award from Barry Olhausen.
Ethan French receives board scholarship from Board Chair Jill Coker.
Brooke Marr receives board scholarship.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin