Holley Roberts, Charger Staff
After a few short weeks of summer, school is back in full swing. I sat down
to interview Principal Wayne Shanks about the new school year and his plans
for the future of CHS.
Who are the new members on the CHS staff this year? “We have sixteen
new members, mostly from the Tennessee area. We have had quite a few leave
CHS for other places, such as Georgia, because of the higher pay down there.
We did, in fact, gain a staff member from Georgia this year; Trisha Frasier
came to us and works in the Business Department.”
Comments on the staff? “We have been able to take in some really
good new people this year. Some of these people are first year teachers,
and I am very pleased with what I have witnessed thus far.”
What about the new federal restriction, which states that teaching assistants
must have a certain amount of post-secondary schooling before they are able
to work? “Right now, that applies to those schools that are Title-One
funded, and CHS is not one of those schools. I think we will eventually
be hiring those “qualified” teaching assistants, but as for now that
does not apply to us. Although, we do search out the most highly qualified para-professionals
we can find.”
Who are our school sponsors? “Clear Channel Communications, First
National Bank of the Cumberlands, McDonald’s, and Lucky-B are our primary
sponsors. We do have businesses that sponsor specific clubs. For
example, Premier Imaging sponsors The Charger, and Kiwanis Club sponsors the
CHS Academic Team.”
What are some major changes for the year? “We are in the early stages
of developing an International Baccalaureate program here at CHS. The IB program
will not interfere with honors and AP courses but will provide students the
opportunity to engage in a more rigorous study program.”
What are your goals for the school year? “We want CHS to be in the
top-ten percent in every category in the state. For us to reach this goal, we
must respect and maximize our instruction time. That is the only specific
goal. I think last year was great and this year will surely follow suit.”
Has the budget plan caused any significant shortfalls for us? “For
the past year we have had to carefully control our funds and were not able to
hire new teachers as quickly as we would have liked. The Board seems to
be working in a positive direction, though.”
What are the details of the rebel flag incident on Wednesday, Aug. 7?
“Some students have given us possible names of the culprits, and we appreciate
them doing so. We are not sure the culprits are CHS students, but that
is still under investigation.”
How do you feel about the incident and about possible punishment? “I
was disappointed; it misrepresents CHS, and I know that. We are working
with our SRO officers to get to the bottom of this. For someone to take
down an existing American Flag and replace it with a rebel flag is something
we will not tolerate.”
Any final comments? “I appreciate everyone’s efforts in preparing for the school year. I am proud to say this is one of the best beginnings we have had, and I hope it will continue thus.”
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Article prepared for web by J. Wheeler 6-Sept-2002