Staff Writer

The Claiborne County Board of Education voted unanimously to end operation of the Renaissance Center at the regular board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 9.

Board members completed the vote without fanfare. Disappointment in the audience was obvious. The board completed all items on the agenda and then heard comments from the floor.

The general consensus within the audience was that students at the school often change their lives for the better because of the way the school is operated. Dr. Roy C. "Doc" Ellis emphasized that the affected students must get alternative education.

"It is a deterrent to bad behavior," he added.

Dr. Eddie Shoffner, director of schools, said the board will hold a workshop to plan alternative placement of the Renaissance School students. He said the school will remain open until Sept. 1 and that the workshop will be held before that date.

Substitute teacher Mary Barker told the board that Renaissance student's behavior improved 100 percent. She said the students appreciated the school.

"I'm proud of those kids," she added.

Renaissance teacher Travis Bailey estimated an annual $4,500 cost per student at the school. He compared that with about $45,000 to keep someone in prison.

"We do an excellent job," he said.

Sharon Parkey protested the closure as well.

"Alternative education is for kids that have problems. They're not mean kids," she said.

Carl Nichols, head of the school, asked the board to reconsider some type of program. He read a letter describing the school as a model for the state. According to Nichols, the Renaissance Center has set the standard for similar schools across Tennessee and even out of state. Nichols expressed a willingness to relocate as long as the program could continue.

"We treat these students with the respect they deserve," retired teacher Sherry Claiborne told the board.

"We are always doing what we think is best for every student in the county," said Michelle Huddleston, board chair.

Billy Sivils asked, "Then why are you shutting it down?"

Huddleston replied that the decision was made to meet budget restraints. She pointed out that the new tobacco tax money for schools is earmarked for "at risk" student programs and not to simply increase the general budget.

One unidentified woman stressed, "The as risk students are at the Renaissance School."

In other business the board approved the sale of the Neal property located behind Soldiers Memorial Middle School. Shoffner said a lawsuit would be filed regarding problems with the two high schools before the end of the permitted six-year timeframe since construction. The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 to discuss the lawsuit. The official budget was approved with revisions to reflect the 13-cent property tax increase allotted to the school system.

Jackie Minton presented a brief regarding attendance policies and reporting. She emphasized accuracy and consistency. Minton also reported that all schools will accept up to three parent written excuses for absence per semester for minor illness, family emergencies and similar situations. Previously, each school established its own policy regarding parent excuses.

After adjournment Ellis told the Progress that he will work to ensure the Renaissance students would continue to receive a beneficial education. Board member Elizabeth Wilmoth echoed the comments of Ellis. Asked about the future of the old Claiborne County High School, where the Renaissance Center is currently located, Shoffner said a workshop will be scheduled to discuss the matter.

Ed Baldwin is a staff writer for the Claiborne Progress. He can be reached via e-mail at ebaldwin@claiborneprogress.net.