Patti Bounds for School Board - Blog

MY REACTION TO BILL DUNN'S ANNOUNCEMENT

9/18/2019

Like everyone else, I was surprised by Bill Dunn’s announcement to not seek re-election. I appreciate Representative Dunn’s service. We have maintained a friendship even though we didn’t agree on all issues...especially education.

We are still in it to win it, and will continue to campaign hard throughout the remainder of this year and the next.

To read more, click on the links below...
* http://tnedreport.com/2019/09/dunn-done-done/

* https://www.brianhornback.com/?p=25805

* https://www.knoxtntoday.com/bounds-leaps-and-dunns-done-in-that-order/

DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH

5/5/2019

With the recent passage of the Educational Savings Account, I have been approached by a wide variety of people from across my district about running for the seat currently held by Bill Dunn. A seat Bill Dunn has held for 25 years--since he was elected in 1994. It would be a big challenge--like David defeating Goliath--and one I am prayerfully considering. It will take a lot of financial resources but more importantly it will take a host of volunteers willing to call, text, and go door to door.

Prior to running for school board originally, a former school board member and friend told me that I would be surprised at how much was determined at the state level for our local schools. Back then, I was so busy in my classroom taking care of--and teaching--the children in my class that I had not noticed all the terrible decisions being forced on our schools at the local, state and national level. I had had enough. I decided I would try to begin to change what I could locally. I was given that chance by being elected as the District 7 School Board Representative and am so grateful. Some of the more important changes that have occurred while serving on the Board of Education over the last five years:

1. Eliminating the t-cap standardized test for K-2 in Knox County
2. Eliminating the Leadership Academy that was costing Knox County over a million dollars
3.The change in leadership of Knox County Schools. This year our superintendent produced a balanced budget that included pay raises for certified AND classified employees, and requested three much needed new schools. I am excited that the Board voted to make Adrian Burnett a priority. There are some additional projects at some of the other schools in district 7 scheduled, too.

While serving on the Board, I have been to Nashville twice to speak before a subcommittee: once on the failed TN Ready testing and once concerning the Kindergarten Portfolios.

Most recently, I traveled once again to Nashville with other board members and superintendents for a private meeting with Governor Lee to explain the harm vouchers would have on our counties and plead with him to reconsider his decision.

I have worked tirelessly to defeat the Charter Authorization bill and the Education Savings Account bill (better known as educational vouchers) at the state level. I have called, emailed, texted and made visits to the Capitol. Unfortunately both of these bills were passed by a legislature that succumbed to bribery, promises and gifts in exchange for votes. This vote was also passed without an accurate understanding and description of financial costs to taxpayers.

The citizens I have spoken with are very angry about the vouchers (ESAs) being passed and the way they were passed. Time will tell how mad. Pray for Tommy and I as we seek to serve and do what is best for the students, parents, teachers, taxpayers and all Tennesseans.

Maybe now is the time to consider running for State Representative and try to effect change?

May 03rd, 2018

5/3/2018

A PICTURE COLLECTION FROM AN EVENTFUL ELECTION DAY

5/1/2018

A FEW PERSONAL REMARKS ABOUT THIS WEEK'S BOARD MEETINGS

4/12/2018

Perception is reality. Never has this become more true than with the controversial proposed cuts to this budget based on one inaccurate, disingenuous opinion piece that was purposely shared on social and print media.

1. This Board has labored over this budget and proposed cuts by meeting, asking questions and requesting information. This Superintendent and staff have responded in an unprecedented and timely way with urgency...let me repeat that. This Superintendent and staff have responded in an unprecedented and timely way with urgency.

BECAUSE WE CARE

2. This Board has read hundreds and hundreds of emails...and answered phone calls. I started personally responding to each one as I always do, but have not been able to keep up given the sheer volume received. I know board members have personally met with people at their request.

BECAUSE WE CARE

3. This Board stayed and listened until 1:00 am so that everyone’s voice could be heard.

BECAUSE WE CARE

4. This Board continued to work up until the moment we walked into the City County Building by appealing to the Mayor, County Commission, and even our state representatives for a workable solution.

BECAUSE WE CARE

We are often criticized for being a board primarily made up of educators...but I want the public to know that this is exactly why we have done all that I mentioned above. We ran for this position at great sacrifice to ourselves and to our families...to live and serve all the children and students of Knox County regardless of what has been said or shared on social media, print media, and the news this week. Even though we all have different life experiences--and come from varied backgrounds--I know these women and men on a personal level. As chair, I know their hearts and their desire to make good decisions. We chose education as our life work because we love children...ALL GOD’s CHILDREN.

Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification...do not destroy the work of God” in others lives.

PATTI BOUNDS SEEKS RE-ELECTION TO BOARD OF EDUCATION

2/19/2018

For Immediate Release

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 19, 2018) – Today Patti Bounds launched her campaign to run for re-election to represent the 7th District on the Knox County School Board.

Bounds, who is currently serving her second term as Chair of the Board, has made it a priority to visit all 89 schools.

Bounds joined the school board in 2014. The non-partisan election for the 7th District seat is set for May 1. Bounds has no opponent.

“I believe everyone has a stake in the success of public schools. When schools are strong and students succeed everyone benefits. Together we are investing in the future of our children, community, and nation.”

Bounds partnered with other board members and legislators to push for an end to K-2 testing successfully eliminating it for Knox County students.

As a board member, Bounds is responsible for helping to oversee a $471 million budget, which included a raise for certified and non certified employees last year.

If re-elected, Bounds plans to continue to ensure high student achievement, continue to improve KCS culture, and work to close the gap in disparities.

Bounds is a member of the Knox County Retired Teachers Association, Tennessee School Board Association, the National School Board Association, serves on the Great Schools Partnership Board, serves on the YOKE Board, is a member of the Halls Business and Professional Association, is a member of the Powell Business and Professional Association, is a member of the Halls Crossroads Women's League and attends Calvary Baptist Church.

For more about information, check out: www.pattibounds.com.

You also can follow her on Twitter @pattibounds1 or email her at pattibounds8@gmail.com.

STRENGTHS WITHIN KNOX COUNTY SCHOOLS AS WE MOVE INTO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

7/18/2017

Principal Windy Clayton at Beaumont Elementary and I talk.

Being retired, I am fortunate to have had the time to accomplish my personal goal as Chairman of the Knox County Board of Education to visit every school in all nine districts. That's a total of almost ninety schools! It proved to be a big challenge, but also an invaluable learning opportunity. Here are some things I learned...

I saw first hand excellent schools, administrators, educators, support staff, students, parents, and communities.
I saw very diverse communities, but they all share a common pride in their heritage and commitment to the students they serve.
Our county is far reaching. It borders Jefferson County to the east, Loudon County to the west, Blount County to the south, Anderson County to the north. Many of the districts in Knox County are as large as other outlying school systems.
Each school is unique in multiple ways because every administration, school staff, and community is different.
Knox County Schools greatest resource is its people--administrators, teachers, food service workers, custodians, and security personnel.
Knox County Schools has multiple pathways (defined by programming based on an individual student's academic interest and unique needs) with the Career Magnet Academy, International Baccalaureate, the Paul Kelly Academy, and Magnet Schools with different concentrations.
Our facilities vary. This was most obvious in my visit to District 8 with back to back visits to Gibbs Elementary (one of our newest schools) and Corryton Elementary (one of our oldest schools.) This is also true in District 5 with Blue Grass Elementary and Northshore Elementary. In each school great learning is taking place. Facilities do not dictate good teaching.
All communities value the past...especially District 9. Visiting Gap Creek, New Hopewell, and Bonny Kate, I learned that these schools have multiple generations. Many kids attend the school their parents, grandparents, and great grandparents attended. Some of these schools have staff members who have worked 30 years at the school they attended as a child. In another district a teacher was teaching in the same classroom and the same grade level he was in as a student.

I am very grateful for the welcome I received at each school. I am grateful for the time each Principal took from their busy days to show off their school. They shared great things that were happening as well as some of the needs and challenges they face each day.

As I approach the 2017-2018 school year (my fourth year of my four-year term) in just a few short weeks, I believe I have a better understanding of the entire system I serve as well as District 7 (the district that elected me.) I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity and the responsibility that comes with it.

Partnering together and looking forward to this next school year,
Patti Bounds

Principal Ashley Jessie and BOE member Lyn Fugate at West High School.

Principal of Farragut Primary, Gina Byrd, with Mrs. Trent.

Principals demonstrate unique learning at Vine Middle

MY REFLECTIONS ON THE SUPERINTENDENT SELECTION

3/20/2017

The Chair and Vice Chair congratulate newly elected superintendent Dr. Bob Thomas.

During my teaching career, I taught under five of Knox County's superintendents.Fresh out of college as a new teacher, I served under Mildred Doyle. When I went back to the classroom after having my children, Earl Hoffmeister (who served 16 years) had been elected superintendent. After Mr. Hoffmeister's retirement, Allen Morgan was elected superintendent. Dr. Lindsey came to Knox County and I experienced Dr. Lindsey's "world class school system" first hand. I experienced the federal, state and local Race to the Top implementation under Dr McIntyre. Because of this history, the superintendent search was and is very important to me.

When I was elected to the school board, I knew there was a possibility that I could be part of a superintendent selection at a future date. When Dr. McIntyre chose not to remain as Knox County's superintendent that process became even more important. I wanted to be involved because I knew that choosing a new superintendent would be one of the most important decisions I would help make as part of the school board. It was a decision that would impact Knox County Schools and thousands of families across this district. I would be one of nine votes that would determine who would replace Dr. McIntyre.

As Chairman of the Board, I have had the privilege of appointing the search committee. While I was asked to be on the committee (and even to chair it) I refused because I believed it would be self serving. I felt serving as Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Superintendent Search Committee would be an unhealthy consolidation of power that I believed wouldn't serve the process well.

Instead, I requested that board members who were interested in serving on the committee email the board's administrative assistant. The search committee selected was comprised of an excellent range of talents and skill sets. Ms.Rountree brought her independent thinking and strong resolve as Chair of the committee. As a doctoral student at the University of Tennessee she had access to educational research and people involved in higher education to consult with as needed. Ms.Horn is articulate and well spoken with a passion for children and teachers as a PTO parent who has been actively engaged in the schools. Mr. Norman brought his expertise of the political climate of Knox County having served on County Commission (which is the schools' funding body.)

After the selection committee was in place, every meeting was conducted publicly with complete transparency. Timelines were developed and the process by which to proceed was determined with the help of Human Resources, the Law Department and the BOE's administrative assistant. The search ran smoothly, and the best part was that we saved Knox County Schools up to $80,000 by not hiring a search firm.

We were pleased to have 24 applicants which was narrowed to five finalists with a sixth being added.The six finalists were narrowed down to the final two. Those two finalists appeared before the Board and the community. Both of these meetings were open to the public. Every board member had access to all the information on all the candidates which I believe is better than a hired firm presenting their top candidates. I went into the special called meeting not knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by a unanimous decision (9-0) in support of Dr. Bob Thomas.

Personally speaking, Buzz Thomas started the healing process for our school system, but we still have a long way to go. Dr. Bob Thomas has the institutional knowledge and the steadiness to continue the healing process. He has worked under multiple superintendents and has had time to formulate what has worked and what hasn't worked. He has time now to devote to steadying the ship or system and yet because of his passion for Knox County (and the time that he has spent in the system) he isn't going to move elsewhere.

Thank you to everyone who called, texted, emailed, and stopped me in the schools to give input. A special thank you to my district...the 7th district.

On a side note:
I found strength for this process by reading 2 Kings 19: 14-34 and Romans 12:2. The Voice of Truth and City on a Hill by Casting Crowns and God of This City by Chris Tomlin were songs that express my heart as a board member for Knoxville and Knox County Schools.

NEW SCHOOL BOARD PREVIEW...CAN WE REUNITE KNOX COUNTY?

8/17/2016

Our last election cycle has generated much discussion from news outlets and political pundits about the reversal of the Board of Education from a McIntyre "rubber stamp" board to a pro-educator board. The continued framing of this discussion about the Board being pro-teacher concerns me.

The question is often asked, "Will these former educators be able to move beyond defending their colleagues--and advocating for teachers-- to overseeing a school system the size of Knox County Schools?" The people who continue to pursue this train of thought show how little they know about education. (This was even a major point made in one of the more recent campaigns for a school board seat, and fortunately the public voted otherwise.) I can speak for myself and whole-heartily believe the people elected to serve on the current board are the very ones in our community who have been putting children first for years. Those educators elected to the Board chose putting children first and doing what is best for the students of Knox County as their life occupation. It certainly wasn't for the status, money, or the working conditions the past ten years. So why would they not continue to be the best advocates for children? Many educators often sacrifice personal health, wealth and their own families to meet the needs of the children entrusted to their care in the classroom.

What those outside of the education sphere do not understand--or choose not to realize--is that teachers are the primary care givers to students for eight or more hours of the day. Teachers are the ones who model, challenge, and encourage. They educate, listen, bandage boo-boos, and buy needed supplies.

Let the community rest assured that those you have elected will do what is best for all the children of Knox County Schools. And who knows better than those whose life mission has been and will always be what is best for students?

So let's move past this rhetoric and the "us versus them" mentality that has been part of Knox County School's leadership and do what is best for kids. I am ready.....are you? Let's reunite Knox County!

JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD

5/12/2016

Just because your child qualifies to attend kindergarten doesn't mean they should. Children develop at different times...most people don't know the "magical kindergarten date" is just an arbitrary date set by TN legislators. Knox County recently held kindergarten round up. What you should know as a parent is that even if you register your child, it IS possible to NOT start them.

During the time I worked for KCS I saw three distinct phases.

Phase One
During the 80's, KCS had transition classes which served as a bridge between kindergarten and first grade. Teachers could speak freely about the advantages of kids waiting to start kindergarten.

Phase Two
In the 90's, KCS phased out transition classes and kindergarten teachers were basically somewhat silenced. There was an under lying understanding that teachers weren't supposed to talk to parents about holding their kids back if their birthday was too close to the cutoff.

Phase Three
This current phase I call the "don't ask don't tell period." In recent years--and even again this week--I have had parents say they did not know that they didn't have to start their child according to their birthday. Parents, you CAN hold your child out a year and let them mature.

As an educator for 40+ years, a mother of four, and grandmother of 12, I can speak both professionally and personally to this. I had two sons: one with a July birthday and one with an August birthday. I made the mistake to start them and not to wait. Later--with much difficulty--we corrected the decision but not without some drastic measures.

From life lessons learned, our oldest grandson (who has a June birthday) waited a year. This year I have three more grandchildren that qualify to go to kindergarten based on the age set by the state, but NONE of them will be starting. Two of them have May birthdays and one has a July birthday.

As a first grade teacher for 13 years, and a kindergarten teacher for ten, there is a whole lot more I could say professionally. But because of time and space I wont. However, if you would like to discuss this further, email or call me. Remember just because your child can start, does NOT mean your child should.