tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62186937487303751542011-07-30T18:41:51.687-05:00Dedicated to keeping the residents of Williamson County's premier city informed by asking questions others don't ask, sharing facts others choose not to, finding the untold stories, and encouraging healthy discussion about Brentwood's historic past, vibrant present, and possibility-filled future.Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.comBlogger361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-18910286366201891532009-09-02T22:06:00.004-05:002009-09-02T22:15:15.402-05:00

The Williamson County School Board voted unanimously Wednesday night to offer Michael Looney the position of Director of Schools at a base salary of $168,000. Contract negotiations will now begin with Looney, currently the Butler County School District Superintendent. The board chose Looney over Dennis Dearden.According to the Greenville Advocate's online edition, Looney informed the Butler

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-61144906351464194502009-09-02T11:51:00.006-05:002009-09-02T12:28:38.945-05:00

When the Williamson County School Board convenes tonight at 8pm to (hopefully) bring the eight-month search for a new Director of Schools to a close, it's likely that former Marine Michael Looney will be offered the job over Dennis Dearden.Looney, now in his fifth year as Butler County School Superintendent in Alabama, has placed first in two non-binding matrix evaluations conducted by the WCS

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-11597697819271746702009-08-26T13:20:00.007-05:002009-08-26T13:41:49.606-05:00

Two members of the Williamson County School Board will visit Alabama's Butler County School District Thursday, August 27, to get feedback from individuals there regarding the possibility of Michael Looney becoming Williamson County's next Director of Schools.According to a story by Kevin Pearcey in Tuesday's Greenville Advocate, a third Williamson County School Board member will check Looney's

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-18712007291028260492009-08-11T21:21:00.002-05:002009-08-11T21:46:02.238-05:00

The three finalists for Director of Schools in Williamson County will each spend a day next week touring the district, visiting schools, and participating in a second interview with the School Board. The public is invited to a morning reception all three days (August 18, 19, and 20) from 8:15am until 9:15am in the Carolyn Campbell Conference Room at the Central Office. In addition, the evening

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-6125990453806422352009-08-10T06:26:00.002-05:002009-08-10T06:26:00.346-05:00

Dennis Dearden, one of three current finalists for the Williamson County Director of Schools position, was an applicant for a superintendent's position in Florida the SAME DAY his resignation became effective in Arizona in 2008.Dearden's letter of interest for the Pinellas County School District in Florida is dated June 30, 2008 -- the same day his resignation from Marana Unified School District

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-23985067612348152042009-08-07T11:15:00.002-05:002009-08-07T11:15:00.922-05:00

Dennis Dearden, one of three finalists for the Williamson County Schools Director position, wrote a special column dated September 24, 2008, for The Explorer newspaper in Marana, Arizona. Entitled "How to Make a Difference in K-12", the column promotes a public "community conversation" presented in conjunction with the Tucson Chamber of Commerce.In the column, Dearden writes:As a former

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-15856809417988865932009-08-06T20:52:00.005-05:002009-08-06T21:43:24.918-05:00

Michael Looney, Dennis Dearden, and Dr. Barry Carroll are the three finalists chosen by the Williamson County School Board to be invited back for a second interview. Eliminated from consideration during the special board meeting were Interim Director Dr. David Heath and James Wilson of Georgia. The three finalists will be invited to schedule tours and interviews August 18-20.The Board members

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-76147684461835766852009-08-05T11:35:00.003-05:002009-08-05T12:03:52.727-05:00

James Wilson, the fifth and final semi-finalist to interview for the Williamson County Director of Schools position, faces the WCS Board tonight at 6pm at the Administrative Complex in Franklin.Georgia's Appen Newspapers ran an interesting article on James Wilson upon his resignation as Superintendent of Fulton County Schools in January of 2008.The article, by Candy Waylock, cites a "grinding

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-49231777672948181102009-08-05T04:00:00.002-05:002009-08-05T05:02:14.709-05:00

Dr. Barry Carroll and Michael Looney comprised the second night of interviews among five semi-finalist candidates for the position of Director of Williamson County Schools. The two candidates answered the same slate of 25 questions posed on Monday night to candidates Dennis Dearden and Dr. David Heath, the current Interim Director.Sparks flew during the night's second interview as powerful storms

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-86431793802339152972009-08-05T03:00:00.010-05:002009-08-05T03:44:30.096-05:00

The Williamson County School Board interviewed two of the five semi-finalist candidates for the Director of Schools position on Monday night. Current Interim Director Dr. David Heath was up first followed by Dennis Dearden. Each candidate responded to the same set of 25 questions asked by various board members.Dennis Dearden's 20-year history of teaching experience includes time as a teacher, a

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-45458755591835453432009-07-28T18:48:00.005-05:002009-08-05T03:40:39.856-05:00

According to an update on the online version of The Tennessean, State Senator Paul Stanley (R - Germantown) resigned this afternoon in the wake of a scandal involving a former intern, the intern's boyfriend, and an apparent relationship between the intern and the Senator.The intern, McKensie Morrison, is a 22-year-old student at Austin Peay State University. Morrison graduated from a Florida high

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-26087290399872545772009-07-27T14:25:00.005-05:002009-07-27T22:20:10.884-05:00

The five semi-finalists vying for the position of Director of Williamson County Schools are scheduled for public interviews next week in the Carolyn Campbell Room at the WCS Central Office located at 1320 West Main in Franklin.Local residents are invited and strongly encouraged to attend these interviews and hear directly from the individuals seeking to lead Williamson County Schools as they are

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-28603539456532831762009-07-20T22:42:00.006-05:002009-07-25T12:30:33.131-05:00

Dr. David Heath, the interim director of Williamson County Schools, is one of five candidates the Williamson County School Board intends to interview August 3-5 in the ongoing search for a replacement director following the Board's decision to remove Dr. Rebecca Sharber late last year.Search firm Ray & Associates presented the five candidates to the Board Monday night during a special meeting.

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-54372334311152615292009-07-08T20:38:00.004-05:002009-07-08T22:42:07.882-05:00

The Brentwood City Commission's meeting agenda for Monday, July 13, at 7pm includes a vote on a resolution that if passed by simple majority (4 of 7) would prohibit handgun carry permit holders from bringing weapons into the city's parks. In addition, Resolution 2009-56 would prohibit handguns on "bicycle pedestrian trails and greenways that are part of the City's park system" according to a note

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-18741322534501178122009-07-02T19:41:00.003-05:002009-07-02T20:12:10.457-05:00

Reporter Maria Giordano gets credit for her update in today's Tennessean regarding Interim Director of Williamson County Schools David Heath officially applying for the post formerly occupied by Dr. Rebecca Sharber prior to her ouster in January at the hand of the School Board. If you missed our post from late May regarding the issue, you can still find it here.Consulting firm Ray & Associates

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-44278513976163582062009-06-23T04:40:00.002-05:002009-06-23T04:40:02.368-05:00

Monday night's Brentwood City Commission meeting included a vote on the city's annual employee recognition dinner scheduled for this coming November 13. The dinner is budgeted at just over $12,000 of taxpayer funds. The motion passed unanimously among the seven commissioners during the evening's New Business portion (after a resident requested that it be removed from the consent agenda where it

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-39418010220857433672009-05-28T08:49:00.006-05:002009-05-28T09:59:19.345-05:00

The following email was sent to BrentwoodWatchdog@gmail.com earlier this month:to: BrentwoodWatchdog@gmail.comdate: Thu, May 14, 2009 at 9:36 PMsubject: Great job!mailed-by: gmail.comWe enjoyed the series on the School Board.  Appreciate your time and dedication.  About time we get some straight talk! We have no facts on this, and want to be kept anonymous, but we've heard some disturbing rumors

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-84481112286825076242009-05-21T21:36:00.006-05:002009-05-21T23:45:11.307-05:00

The Williamson County School Board currently has its hands full with the ongoing saga to find a replacement for the ousted superintendent Becky Sharber. As is well-known throughout the area, the 12-member board voted in December to fire Sharber effective January 1, paid Sharber full pay and benefits through the end of her contract in June, hired a search firm for $24,000 to find a new director,

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-37072951349603935792009-05-18T16:43:00.004-05:002009-05-18T17:04:13.020-05:00

Brentwood City Manager Mike Walker recently made the assertion that if Brentwood's City Commissioner elections were held in conjunction with state elections in the fall rather than as stand-alone elections in May they would be "relegated to the same status on the ballot as, for example, voting for a state Supreme Court judge or court of appeals judge."Actually, under Tennessee's current system

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-5572783708771735612009-05-13T17:23:00.006-05:002009-05-14T01:06:06.175-05:00

Well, perhaps the "Brentwood Watchdog Jinx" is real. Or, perhaps not. A few weeks ago we made Brian Blavatt the very early favorite to be named the new Williamson County Schools Director from among the three semi-final candidates. We based our choice in part on the fact that Blavatt was the only one of the three candidates with previous experience as director of schools -- the other two

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-57928946660660620832009-05-07T09:58:00.005-05:002009-05-07T10:30:43.239-05:00

Susan Leathers' BrentWord blog did some investigating on why Brentwood doesn't hold its municipal elections in conjunction with state or federal elections in November to attract more voters than the 14%-15% that typically come out on the first Tuesday in May.Included among the responses to her question was this gem from Brentwood City Attorney Roger Horner:Susan –The City Charter allows the

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-74109578026774700272009-05-05T13:33:00.001-05:002009-05-05T13:33:00.284-05:00

Searching the pre-election campaign financial disclosure statements for today's Brentwood City Commission election showed a couple items that piqued our interest. We'll delve into more of them as time permits, but here are two not mentioned previously:Incumbent Mayor Joe Reagan and Vice Mayor Paul Webb both received a $250 contribution from the Home Builders Association PAC. The address listed is

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-70877168197868170922009-05-04T07:45:00.001-05:002009-05-04T07:45:00.563-05:00

In less than 24 hours polls will open for the Brentwood City Commission election. Polling places are open from 7am until 7pm on Tuesday, May 5.Those of you still undecided on how to cast your four possible votes from among a field of 10 candidates still have time to search out valuable information presented during the candidate forums.WC-TV will air the candidate forum taped April 16 at Ravenwood

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-18518396752453563262009-05-03T23:33:00.003-05:002009-05-03T23:49:30.827-05:00

Just a quick note to say a word of thanks to Truman over at Truman's Take. If you've followed our exchange of late regarding the Brentwood City Commission election you'll understand why. If not, you've got some catching up to do -- and you can do it through a search on his site or mine.Anyway, my point is that the growing number of bloggers in Brentwood can become a real strength for the people

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-75985073723385648202009-05-03T23:07:00.003-05:002009-05-03T23:31:47.718-05:00

Brian Blavatt, retired Boone County (KY) Schools Superintendent, was the first of three semi-finalists for the Williamson County Schools Director position to be eliminated following public interviews last week. This is noteworthy given that Brentwood Watchdog made Blavatt the early favorite based on being the only candidate with experience at the top of a school system and the similarities

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-38667604927878342392009-04-30T11:22:00.002-05:002009-04-30T11:27:26.094-05:00

Just sent this to the Truman's Take blog in response to some incorrect assumptions they have made regarding our work. Thought it might clear things up for others as well. Truman -I am writing to clarify an assumption you have made incorrectly because I respect your work as a blogger. The Brentwood Watchdog is NOT affiliated with Citizens for Town Center. Unequivocally and without reservation this

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-55404797632647211162009-04-30T00:22:00.006-05:002009-04-30T00:45:16.447-05:00

During the April 13, 2009 Brentwood City Commission meeting, Commissioner Regina Smithson spent a few minutes at the conclusion of the meeting attempting to set the record straight about an answer she gave to a question during the first candidate forum in March. (An important move in what will likely be a close election with 10 candidates running for four seats. Don't forget, Election Day is

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-53305186188406906912009-04-27T23:19:00.003-05:002009-04-27T23:34:13.853-05:00

Prior to Monday night's Brentwood City Commission meeting, a reception in honor of the city's 40th anniversary of incorporation welcomed past city commission members, city managers, and other influential city officials back to where they once served.Forty years from now, when the city celebrates 80 years of incorporation, one of the special guests may be Laurie Jewett. The Vanderbilt University

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-27856717872191452372009-04-24T15:57:00.005-05:002009-04-24T16:56:12.303-05:00

Received another flyer from one of the Brentwood City Commission incumbents in the mail today and once again they are touting the following: "It is estimated that over 80% of US cities have financial troubles."At least two of the incumbents (and possibly all three) have used this statistic as a reason for their re-election but they fail to cite the source of the data. We wanted to look into

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-56264088542453742362009-04-24T04:30:00.001-05:002009-04-24T09:40:48.513-05:00

Brentwood's Free Summer Concert Series line-up was recently announced and the schedule includes returning favorites from last year and some anticipated new attractions. All concerts are at 7pm at the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater in Crockett Park. The schedule and links to performing bands are below:Sunday, May 10: Nashville Symphony OrchestraSunday, June 7: Riders in the SkySunday, June 14: Seven

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-82468841573844022522009-04-23T14:34:00.005-05:002009-04-24T09:49:24.027-05:00

The future of the public schools in Brentwood and around the county will be guided by one of three semi-finalists named by the Williamson County School Board during a lengthy Wednesday night meeting.The three semi-finalists, selected from a pool of six chosen from 57 total applications, will be brought in to interview with the School Board on Wednesday, April 29, and Thursday, April 30. The

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-5573151788183104032009-04-22T14:15:00.009-05:002009-04-22T18:15:11.565-05:00

According the the agenda for the April 27 Brentwood City Commission Meeting, the City has been notified that as part of the federal stimulus act the Department of Energy is offering Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to states, counties, and cities.Brentwood, based on population size, is eligible for $164,500 just for completing the application. It's not a competitive grant. Ask and

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-9552874971366665632009-04-21T13:23:00.007-05:002009-04-21T14:09:56.186-05:00

Two weeks from today, on May 5, Brentwood voters will head to the polls to choose four new City Commissioners from among a field of 10 candidates. Of course, early voting is already open at the Brentwood Library and Brentwood Municipal Building, so if you've made up your mind about which candidates will get your vote you can cast your ballot between now and April 30.If, however, you're still

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-70884543727531304042009-04-21T09:43:00.002-05:002009-04-21T09:46:23.614-05:00

Charles Durning earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of a Texas Governor in the film adaptation of this Dolly Parton musical. If you haven't seen it in a while (it has been 27 years since the film was released), take a look at a talented performer at work.

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-28441959167588858022009-04-20T20:00:00.006-05:002009-04-20T21:04:19.157-05:00

"The very aim and end of our institutions is just this: that we may think what we like and say what we think." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes Watching the coverage of last week's "tea parties" in downtown Nashville and Franklin, I was struck once again by the wisdom of our forefathers and the brave founders of this country. We have the Freedom of Speech and a Freedom to Assemble to make our voices

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218693748730375154.post-34482024794930922362009-04-19T17:06:00.007-05:002009-04-19T23:52:24.479-05:00

The 10 Brentwood City Commission candidates recently filed financial disclosure statements covering January 1 through March 31, 2009. Examination of the filings reveals some interesting information -- doesn't it always?How much did the candidates spend at Brentwood businesses on campaign expenses?Rhea Little spent $5946.92Paul Webb spent $3465.85Rod Freeman spent $2492.61 Other than federal

Brentwood Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06692871716245141633noreply@blogger.com0