Harriman School Vote

[swamp]

Harriman voted by a margin of nearly 2:1 to dissolve Harriman City Schools today. Roane fans, what do you think?

[goosevol]

In my opinion, it's good for Harriman, but the rest of Roane County probably will not be very happy.

[Guest bluebonnet]

Will the students at Harriman still go to that school or will they go to kingston? Thats a dumb question i'm sure but nontheless.

[OSHSman]

Ofcourse, the difference will be in the 2003-04 school year when Harriman joins the county system and the Board of Education re-draws the district boundries to give Harriman it's own district in the county.

[OSHSman]

My only concern is that it will effect the enrollments of Oliver Springs (my almamater) and Rockwood. I guess students could still fill out the out-of-county/district forms and go where they want.

[swamp]

Bluebonnet, that's yet to be determined...The changes will not take effect until next year.

[OS91]

We are about to see some HEATED debates concerning this topic. Enrollments and each school's zoning is going to change to make for a larger Harriman zone, so its seems that may be the direction Harriman would want a piece from OS ( would possibly drop 50-70) Kingston/Emory area ( 70-90) Possibly Rockwood, but I doubt it because Rockwood enrollment is only 365. This would leave Harriman at possibly 540. Kingston at 720 or so. And OS would drop to 440. IN theory, this might not be a bad solution, but without question the county residents should have a huge imput on what they want and how they want this handled. If it is shown that Harriman academics would not be devestated in any way by an enrollment declining, then I am all about letting this trend continue. Harriman put its self in this position long ago when it was prosperous, so I am a firm believer that you reap what you sow, so with that.. Let them in, but keep zoning as is. Other communities and county residents should not change their alleigences at for the expense of HHS.

[swamp]

I agree with your conclusions OS 91...

[yellowdog]

Earl Nall, who works at the TSSAA and does the Prep Performance Ratings is a member of the Roane County school board. I would think that would be good for the county as far as someone who has a pretty good handle on enrollments and how they affect athletics.