OUR COUNTY

D. Gary Davis

County Mayor

This week is American Education Week. First observed in 1921, American Education Week presents an opportunity to honor individuals who are making a difference to ensure that every child receives a quality education.

The theme for this year, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility", highlights the importance of bringing together teachers, school staff, parents, students, and communities in a unified effort to build great public schools.

American Education Week honors teachers, education support professionals, parents, community members, and substitute teachers for their commitment to providing a quality education to children. The weeklong celebration provides opportunities to spotlight the different people who are critical in building great public schools.

As part of American Education Week, today is National Invite Parents to School Day. Schools are encouraged to invite parents into the classroom. Many local schools are hosting career days for parents to present to students.

Tomorrow is National Education Support Professionals Day. It is a special day to honor school support staff — the secretaries, maintenance people, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and others — whose services to schools are essential to education.

Teacher for a Day on Thursday is an opportunity to encourage individuals from the community to experience schools and assist in the classrooms. This activity is designed to enhance understanding among educators and community leaders.

Friday is a day to acknowledge the role of substitute teachers. Substitute teachers provide a critical link in the education of public school children by serving in the temporary absence of regular classroom educators.

We are extremely fortunate in Cleveland and Bradley County to have excellent public schools. I am very proud of this fact. I would like to thank Bob Taylor and Dr. Rick Denning for the leadership they provide each school system.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the principals, teachers and support staff. These jobs don’t necessarily begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Those involved in our education system spend many extra hours inside and outside the classroom to ensure a quality education for all our children.

I would like to congratulate two Bradley County teachers for recent achievements. Luajean Bryan of Walker Valley High School was named a USA Today All-American Teacher of the Year. Bradley Central High School’s Barbie Buckner is the East Tennessee Grand Division Teacher of the Year Finalist. Congratulations to both of you and thank you for your outstanding service to our community.

At the recent County Commission Retreat, commissioners continue to make education a top priority. The County Commission has spent over $75 million since 1998 to build new schools, to build additions or to improve facilities at existing schools.

I encourage everyone to make an effort this week to show your appreciation to those involved in educating our children. I urge parents to volunteer at schools to observe your child’s education firsthand. I would like to thank the current businesses and industries that partner with the schools and encourage those not currently doing so to get involved. Cleveland and Bradley County citizens working together will continue making our public schools some of the best in Tennessee.