NEWPORT-Beginning July 1 Manney Moore's life changed dramatically.

On that day he officially stepped into his new role asCocke County Director of Schools.

"I've not caught my breath since," he saidTuesday morning as he looked over mountainous piles of paperwork covering hisdesk. "It's taken me five days to mow my yard this week."

"Before I know it, it's 5:30-6:00 o'clock and by thetime I get out of here and drive home, I just have time to mow a portion of theyard," he laughed.

As the opening of the school system's 2008-2009 yearlooms, Moore's most immediate concern centers around the staffing of thecounty's nine elementary schools, two high schools, and various otherdepartments.

"This time of year we receive several resignationsas people leave our system for jobs elsewhere," explained Moore. "Tworesignations came in yesterday."

According to Moore, approximately 10-15 teaching positionsmust be filled before the system's August opening. One is these is that ofprincipal at Cosby Elementary, a position vacated by Moore when he becamedirector.

"That position was officially postedyesterday," he said.

In regard to other positions, such as teachingassistants, secretaries, and maintenance personnel, Moore said, "Normallythe schools' principals recommend people for positions within their individualschools."

Currently Moore has opted to "take one day at atime" is adjusting to his new job.

"I take home one thing each night to study," hesaid. "I'm trying to learn one new thing about the job every day."

Moore has high praise for the Central Office staff."They have been wonderful, invaluable, welcoming, and helpful," hesaid. "We have an excellent group of people here."

"The community has also been very supportive,"he continued. "I know I'm still in the honeymoon period," he laughed,"but I do appreciate everyone's assistance. I want to hear from as manypeople in our community as possible."

Moore's "to do" list is short but impressive.

"First I want our school system to continue oursuccessful work," he said. "Cocke County's schools have move forwardtremendously and I want to see that progress continue."

Second on his list is the addressing of what he termed"problem areas."

"In a system as big as ours," he explained,"there will always be areas of concern. And that's a great part of myjob."

Another goal is to foresee and address future problemareas. "With the spiraling costs of fuel, supplies, and otherexpenditures, all school systems face funding problems in the future. We'llhave to deal with them," he said.

Tied in with the future problem areas are what educatorssuch as Moore refer to as "unfunded mandates."

"Recently Tennessee adopted higher standards for ourfuture high school graduates to meet," said Moore. "At the same timethese higher standards are being put into place, Tennessee schools face lessfunding from the state. Successfully meeting those standards while operatingwith less money will be challenging."

Currently Moore and his staff continue working on thesystem's budget for the coming year. "We're like everyone else in thatwe're playing a guessing game," said Moore. "For example, last year,Mr. (Larry) Blazer and his staff allocated $250,000 for diesel in an attempt toprepare for the increased costs. When the year ended, the system had spentabout $300,000."

"We're just praying that diesel and gasoline priceswill only go up a $1 per gallon this next year," said Moore.

Other future expenditures include the need to hireadditional teachers to help the system meet the state's higher standards forgraduates. "It looks like we'll have to hire more math and scienceteachers," said Moore, "to meet the state's added requirements."

Currently the system's growth continues to demand addedpersonnel. "Last year, we were up 67 students for the year," saidMoore. "That's two full teaching positions."

Moore also pointed out that both local high schoolsgraduated record numbers of students last spring. "CCHS graduated 244,while Cosby graduated 91, the largest groups ever for both schools," hesaid.

Both schools also had large freshmen classes beginningtheir high school careers last year. "At CCHS, 410 students enrolled asfreshmen," according to Dennis Balch, Cocke County Schools AttendanceSupervisor. "That means that they were there at some time or other. Sometransferred elsewhere. At Cosby, 137 freshmen were enrolled."

"These numbers indicate larger classes up theline," said Moore.

Building maintenance costs also loom in the future."Some of our schools will need new roofs," said Moore. "They'vebeen well cared for, but they are old."

"I've also been asked about the possibility of oursystem going on a four-day work week," said Moore, "in an attempt tocut energy costs. But the state won't allow that, because a four-day week won'tmeet Tennessee's 180-day requirement. Right now, that's just not an option,unless the state adjusts the requirements."

What has been Moore's biggest surprise as director?

"This job has been much more 'hands-on' than Iexpected," said Moore. "But I want to emphasize that my door isalways open and the telephone is free."

"I plan to visit every school early in theyear," he added, "and match faces to names. I also plan to attend asmany community meetings as I can to learn to know as many of our citizens aspossible."

In closing, Moore said, "I ask for everyone'scontinued patience, support, and prayers as I begin this new job."