Photo by Duay O'Neil Retiring Cocke County Director of Schools Larry Blazer, back center, attended his last school board meeting as director last night. With him are board members, seated from left, Richard Coggins, Marty Denton, Otha Rolen, Jerry Ramsey, and Randy Shults. Standing with Blazer are Dr. Ken Johnson, left, and board chairman Pat Proffit, right.

NEWPORT-In their last meeting of the fiscal year, members of the Cocke County Board of Education unanimously approved a program to facilitate graduation for students at Cocke County High School and Cosby High School who "currently cannot meet the requirements of the Cocke County School System."

According to Kathy Holt, Curriculum Supervisor, the Graduation Alternative Program (GAP) will see that students meet the minimum Tennessee graduation standards. "The program will give students hope, access to a high school diploma, and additional skills to be successful in our community," Holt said.

Local students must earn 20 credits for graduation: 4 in English, 3 in math, 3 in science, 3 in social studies, 1 in wellness, and 6 electives. Additionally they must pass all three Gateway exams: English II, Algebra I, and biology.

A committee will determine which students qualify for GAP. First priority will be give to 17-year-old students who "are significantly behind on credits and are therefore at risk to drop out," said Holt. "Other at-risk students will be assigned to the program by the GAP committee as space is available."

In other action, board members unanimously approved Otha Rolen's motion to sign a contract with KBM and Automated Logic Control Systems to install an energy management system for $505,500, plus $3,000 for a bond.

Funds for the system will come from a $500,000 energy grant and BEP monies. The $500,000 comes in the form of a zero-interest loan, which must be paid back over a seven-year period.

KBM representative Wayne Rose told board members, "An ultra-conservative estimate is that the system will save you $109,00 per year in energy costs. After the loan is paid back, you will move into a cost avoidance situation."

Rose said that thermostats will maintain temperatures in the system's buildings both winter and summer.

"Many schools run 24/7," said board member Randy Shults. "Will this system help schedule usage of energy there?"

Rose assured him that it would and went on to say that with the system's software, when energy bills are entered each month, they will be compared to those of the base year (2006-2007). "The system will be adjusted if more units are installed to match the added consumption," he said.

"Your maintenance team will use this a great deal," Rose said. "It can be checked from their homes at any time, and if problems arise, you can disperse your mechanics early to fix the problems, even before most of the people know there is one."

Rose also said the system will monitor gasoline and propane costs.

On a motion by Rolen, seconded by Richard Coggins, board members gave their stamp of approval to purchase 19 Promethean Interactive White Boards with LCD projector, ceiling mount, and installation from PC Systems, Inc. at $2,863 each. Funds will come from 2008-09 BEP monies and federal vocational funds.

The board also approved the purchase of 23 Computer Lab Workstations costing $819 each from the same company to upgrade Cosby High School's business education lab, and 25 computer lab workstations at $819 each to replace old stations in the Teacher Training Center.

After a short discussion, the board postponed taking any action on the purchase of violent event response insurance.

Cocke County Director of Schools Larry Blazer, in his last meeting as director, told the board that work on the Cosby ball fields continues. "As far as we know, the National Guard and Army Reserves will be working together on this project. There's more paperwork to fill out, but we are closer."

"This project won't be done overnight," Blazer said, "but they will do it as quickly as they can. With them doing it, the county will save about a million dollars."

Third district board member, Jerry Ramsey, who recently announced his decision not to seek re-election, addressed the board and audience.

"This has been the hardest decision I have ever had to make," Ramsey said. "Physically I had no choice. Emotionally I didn't want to do it. I have put 12 years of my life into this job and tried my very best to do what was right. I've had the best people around me."

"We have one of the best school systems in the state of Tennessee," Ramsey added. "I felt like I had to stay in there through the process of selecting a new director."

At the end of the meeting, Blazer thanked the board for their support over the past decades. "I will be back to meetings," he laughed, "and sit in the audience."

Board chairman Pat Proffitt read a statement honoring Blazer.

"I would like to take a minute to express my gratitude to Mr. Blazer for his past 20 years of leadership for education in Cocke County. Larry's strengths have been in supplying information and listening to the board and employees. He never told a board member how to vote on any issue.

"Board members gather information from our communities, employees, and the director, and each one is left to make his own decision.

"Larry has surrounded himself with a wonderful staff that is invaluable to Cocke County's school system. Choosing a great staff is a mark of any good leader.

"Larry and I have had many strong differences over the years, but we have never held a grudge. We have agreed to disagree.

"I will miss him as a director, but I hope our friendship will last forever. Maybe someday I'll beat him fishing!" Proffitt ended.

Other board members also expressed their appreciation and admiration of Blazer's work.

Fifth district member Randy Shults said, "I'll admit that when I was first elected, I didn't understand the process, but Larry helped me to get settled in. We've butted heads several times, but we're friends. The school system would not be what it is without his dedicated efforts."

Otha Rolen, the only board member to have served the same amount of time as Blazer's tenure, called the retiring director "dedicated."

"I've enjoyed working with him. We've disagreed at times, but we are friends. I appreciate what he stands for," Rolen added.

Marty Denton told Blazer, "I appreciate what you've done. And don't forget, we've still got Wilbur West to pick on!"

Richard Coggins thanked Blazer for "what you've done for the system. I have to like you because my daughter loves you."

"On a more serious note," Coggins added, "you served as long as you wanted and could have served longer. That speaks volumes."

Dr. Ken Johnson called Blazer a "true gentleman. It's been a pleasure to be on the board with you as director. I'd like to remind everyone that all our schools are accredited because of Mr. Blazer's leadership."