Weather won’t delay James Clemens opening

Since January, the site for James Clemens High School has received 18 inches of rain, but the inclement weather won’t delay opening for Madison’s newest school.

The weather “impacted steel and roofing work, but we’re still bringing this job in on time,” Kevin Gunnison, senior construction manager at James Clemens, told the Madison Board of Education at its Feb. 23 meeting.

Work in progress at James Clemens includes grading, sidewalks, completion of curbs and gutters, along with landscaping with about 300 trees.

Several teachers and administrators reported on the system’s professional development day on Feb. 17 with the theme, “Engaged and Empowered Professional Learning.”

Board member Connie Spears appreciated “the way (professional development) layers. All is focused on student achievement. As long as we keep that focus, we will improve.”

“Professional development is not a one-time thing. It needs to revolve” with benefits to teachers, Mill Creek Principal Melanie Barkley said.

Michelle Turner reported on the faculty advisory committee, which recently discussed virtualization, technology and questions about substitute teachers. “Each school sends a representative to the advisory group,” Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler said.

Central Office staff reviews the advisory committee’s concerns and works on resolutions. “Then, it’s time to refresh and bring new challenges,” Fowler said.

The board approved purchases for a generator at the Central Office from Madison Electric Inc., $79,600; and James Clemens Band instruments from Sam Ash Quikship Corporation, $54,161.60 for percussion and $107,117 for wind instruments.

Heather Donaldson, James Clemens assistant principal, introduced transferring teachers: Shannon Bentley, family and consumer sciences; Robin Hodges, science; Patrice O’Donnell, social studies; Clay Combs, English; Betty Jane Herndon, English; Leah McRae, biomedical; and Lucas Powell, English.

“These teachers will bring so many wonderful things to the table,” Donaldson said.

Head coaches hired for James Clemens are Bradley Medlen, baseball; Jackie Freelend, softball; Phillip Perkins, golf; Drew Bell, boy’s track and cross-country; Zachary Woodfin, boys’ tennis; and Jeffrey Zmistowski, girls’ soccer.