Staff photo by Randall Higgins.
Johnny McDanielCLEVELAND, Tenn. - Bradley County school board members used a new process Tuesday to evaluate their schools director.
For two hours Director Johnny McDaniel reviewed the "state of Bradley County schools" and along the way addressed the board's previously submitted questions. Board members marked their scores on each section of the evaluation during the address.
"It's hard to tell the story of all we do in one sitting," McDaniel said.
From high and improving test scores to innovative programs in reading, math, child nutrition, conservation, gifted students, challenged students and more, McDaniel attributed the success to teachers, administrators and other personnel.
"We deliberately try to hire the best people for the job and let them do their jobs; and they do," McDaniel said, noting 84 percent of the school system's budget goes to personnel.
McDaniel addressed future building needs, as well, including the tornado-destroyed Blue Springs Elementary.
"Park View gave us some space," he said of the school that opened last year. "Now we are back to full. And we can't stay there."
Although the official evaluation won't be announced until Thursday's regular monthly board meeting, some members paid their compliments Tuesday.
Noting that Cleveland school board member Richard Shaw on Monday night called the county system's reaction to the tornadoes that also damaged Michigan Avenue Elementary a miracle, county board member Richard Baker told McDaniel, "that was you. You are awesome, and I don't mind saying that publicly."
Board member David Kelley complimented McDaniel's leadership by noting last week's announcement of preliminary test scores showed marked improvements for the county system.
Board Chairman Troy Weathers said the board will review McDaniel's contract at its August meeting.