Latest news with #MadisonCounty
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
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Madison County nonprofit holds back-to-school readiness program Saturday
HAZEL GREEN, Ala. (WHNT) — As hard as it is to believe, it's almost time for children in the Tennessee Valley to head back to school. The Caring Link, a nonprofit, held its second annual back-to-school readiness program at Flint River Baptist Church. The two-day event provided over 400 children from Madison County with essentials like five new outfits, socks, shoes, underwear, school supplies, haircuts and even hearing and vision screenings, free of charge. Caring Link President Kate O'Neal said that helping kids brings her joy, but more importantly, helps set them up for success as they start the school year. 'It's really important for us to provide these resources for children because it helps them focus in the classroom, and we know that education is a cycle breaker of poverty, but it's really hard to focus on getting a quality education when you don't have your basic needs met,' O'Neal said. 'We want to meet those basic needs so they can thrive in the classroom and then beyond that.' The event also featured several other nonprofits that offer a variety of services for families in need. This isn't the only way the Caring Link helps students in Madison County. Throughout the year, they have care closets in different schools that help students with essential items. To find out more about the Caring Link, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jackson-Madison school board denies museum school's charter application
The Jackson-Madison County School Board approved, 6-2, a resolution to deny Jackson Museum School's amended charter school application on July 10. Glen Gaugh, District 2, and Debbie Gaugh, District 3, were the opposing votes. The application was initially denied with stipulations in an 8-1 vote at the April 30 board meeting, giving the school's founder/CEO, Jean Little, 30 days to amend and resubmit the application. Vivian Williams, JMCSS Deputy Superintendent and Charter Review Committee Chair, shared at the July 7 work session that the application still "presents significant areas of concern" despite the application meeting most of the rubric standards set by the Tennessee Department of Education. More: Jackson-Madison superintendent offers alternative to charter school proposal More: Jackson's newest K-6 charter school applicant: 'I see a need and I think I can meet it' More: Jackson-Madison County school board tables decision on museum charter school "Based on the criteria from the state of Tennessee, we were able to evaluate based on those demands, and we did find some good points, and we found that they met or exceeded, as well as some partially met," Williams said. "Some of the things that were partially met were concerning. The deficiencies in those particular areas, in particular, the budget, which has been mentioned, in making a lot of assumptions about funding when you do not have the money, makes a difference." JMCSS Attorney Dale Thomas read the resolution to the board following public comment. Cited reasons for denial included an insufficient staffing plan, underfunded teacher salaries, an inadequate professional development plan, and concerns over the financial viability of the school's operations budget. Little said she still believes in bringing school choice to Jackson. "Obviously, we are disappointed in their vote, but we do still remain committed to our overall goal of bringing an innovative school choice like Jackson Museum School to West Tennessee, specifically to the families of Jackson, Tennessee," Little said. "I think all concerns are valid, and we're always open to the discussion about what's best for students. I do think that based on my experience, and even the comments that I made tonight, that I do have the experience to work with students, to lead a school, to turn around achievement scores, and I have worked with the most underserved populations in the 20 years that I've been a teacher." Just before the vote, board member Glen Gaugh voiced concern over voting to deny the school's amended application, referencing the new state law regarding local authorization. Senate Bill 1310, which went into effect on July 1, 2025, states that a local school board is allotted three separate denials of a charter school application in three years. If they reach three denials, any prospective charter school can bypass the local authorizer and apply directly to the Tennessee Public School Charter Commission. "With more charter applications promised in the future, I have no doubt there will be an application at some point that I just cannot vote to accept, and a program that would not be conducive to academics, learning, participation, or ideals of civic engagement, growth, or patriotism even, in our schools and in our community," Gaugh said. "This is not that charter school that I can say I'm willing to risk my no vote, or my disapproval of rather, and so in spite of all that concerns, this is one that I'm willing to take a chance on, so I'll be voting against the resolution to deny and hope that we can work together for this to succeed." In October 2023, the state charter school commission overturned the board's denial of American Classical Education's proposed charter school, prompting swift legal action by JMCSS, which was eventually dropped. School Board Chairman Harvey Walden, District 4, Position 1, addressed the implications of the law with the media following the meeting's conclusion. Speaking to whether JMCSS would find itself in a similar legal situation if the commission approves Jackson Museum School, Walden says he "doubts that very seriously." "I would imagine if the state approves them, they will be here in Jackson, Tennessee," Walden said. Walden added he doesn't believe the denial of ACE's application would count against the district because the law wasn't in effect at the time. Andrea Givens-Moore, District 6, Position 1, expressed strong disapproval of Jackson Museum School. The possibility of a charter school being established in the community would be a disservice, Givens-Moore says. She went on to allege that she had received "fraudulent" emails in support of the school, which she said she found to be "disturbing." "Taking a chance on our children is something that I am not welcoming at all for my community," Givens-Moore said. "There has been some emails that I received, and there were some family members that were added in these emails that were fraudulent, that were sent to me personally, and those people can be named as well. So I'm disturbed at those emails that were saying yes to this charter school, because those people did not send those emails, and there were over three that I can vouch for, and they can vouch for themselves." After the vote when asked about the accusation of fraudulent emails, Little shared the following statement. "I find that surprising, and I'm certainly willing to look into it although my confusion is based on the fact that the email platform that we used is generated from the email users," Little said. "So, if I send in an email, it automatically says that it is from me. I can not send in an email for someone else because it shows where it's generated from. I don't really see how that's possible, but I'm certainly always willing to look into a concern." On July 11, Little noted that the claims made by Givens-Moore were investigated and that no evidence of fraudulent behavior was found. She says the emails in question were sent using the Tennesseans for Student Success platform, which TSS offered its free support to JMS. Through the platform, 42 emails were sent to board members, while only five were generated from outside of Madison County, according to Little. Now that the charter school's amended application has been denied for a second time, Little has 10 days to appeal to the state charter commission. When asked if and when she still intends to appeal, Little said, "tomorrow." Former educators, Jackson Museum School proposed board members, county commissioners, and community leaders spoke during public comment ahead of the vote, expressing strong concerns, support, and some taking a neutral stance. Debbie Swacker asked the board to vote no on approving the Jackson Museum School. "I have always been a strong advocate for fully-funded public school systems and adamantly against any diversion of public funds into any charter school," Swacker said. "That said, the goals presented by the Jackson Museum School proposal are very appealing. Reconciling these conflicting points of view has been challenging for me. In the end, however, I don't think we should risk our students' education, hoping that the success rate for this one will be different and not lead to further inequities in our education system." Many of those who encouraged the board to vote for approval were JMS's proposed board members, like JMS Board Chairman Brent Bowker. "I implore you to be open to change," Bowker said. "Us being in Jackson, Tennessee, the Hub City, we've got BlueOval coming, we've got a lot of big things coming here, and a lot of [those] things are going to bring in new, diverse careers. We've got tech companies starting up here, a lot of different things. So having those options for those people is going to be big... I'm here, like I said, as proposed chair, to tell you that we will make this work. Believe in us, because we can do it, and we will." Earlier in the week at the July 7 work session, JMCSS Superintendent Marlon King asked the board to consider JMS as a school-within-a-school model, rather than approving it as a standalone charter school. He provided the example of Star Academy, which opened its school-within-a-school at North Parkway Middle School in September 2024. The STEM-centered curriculum caters to students who have fallen behind or don't learn as well in conventional classroom formats. Little previously noted that she was unaware that King would be proposing a school-within-a-school model to the board. "In response, I currently lack detailed information on what the 'school within a school' proposal would entail. However, my initial thought is that if our application and model are robust enough for such a partnership, they should also suffice for local authorization," she said. Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here. This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson-Madison Co school board denies Jackson Museum charter school
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Our View: Privatization of Adult Protective Services troubling
Privatization has a role in helping governments reduce costs. The Public Consulting Group, a Boston-based firm, has contracts across America to assist local governments with implementing health, human services and education programs. In our state, PCG-Indiana, as it is known, has made millions — nearly $35 million from the Department of Education alone — by working with such agencies as Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration, the Department of Workforce Development and the state's Department of Child Services. It is not unusual for PCG-Indiana to evaluate programs and offer a list of best practices to use. In the past few years, the firm has worked with FSSA's Division of Aging, which has, as one of its missions, the goal of preventing adults 18 and older from being victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. That is the role of Adult Protective Services, which has investigators working out of 15 units based in the offices of county prosecutors through an agreement with the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council. The Madison County prosecutor's office covers a seven-county area with five investigators. But the contract between FSSA and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council will expire at the end of June. So, with familiarity of the Division of Aging's operation, it is little surprise that PCG was chosen to fulfill another Aging Division contract. However, the surprise is in the three-year, $19 million contract, which will shift the operation of Adult Protective Services to PCG. Some local prosecutors are concerned about the loss of local control over Adult Protective Services. The new contract, under which PCG will farm out responsibilities to a market research firm, a staffing firm and another consulting firm, came as the state faces a budget shortfall. There were also signs of discord among prosecutors. Prior to the 2024 legislative session, some prosecutors told FSSA they would not renew their Adult Protective Services commitment. In turn, legislators permitted FSSA to contract with groups that could provide protective services. But that arrangement didn't provide consistency around the state. In 2023, Adult Protective Services units across Indiana received 20,990 service calls resulting in 11,635 cases. The remaining reports were resolved by phone or referred to other agencies. That year, there were 1,903 substantiated claims made for neglect or self-neglect. There is a definite, critical need for government-funded Adult Protective Services. It is unfortunate that prosecutors, perhaps at the misstep of only a few, have lost control and uniformity in the process. Based on PCG's record of serving as an intermediary between funding sources and state programs, it also seems that PCG might better be suited to making assessments and recommendations. PCG might not be equipped to field 20,000 calls, let alone respond with immediacy, compassion and competency in providing protections to local communities. Privatization has a role in helping governments reduce costs; however, the responsibility of protecting Hoosiers would be better fulfilled by organizations trained to safeguard the vulnerable.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Yahoo
Judge sets $1M bond for Huntsville man charged in infant's death
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Court records show a Madison County Judge set bond at $1 million for a man charged with murder and aggravated child abuse in the death of an infant. Victavious Tarez Dennis, 24, was charged with aggravated child abuse on May 8 after officers responded to a local hospital following reports that an infant had been injured. The department told News 19 that the infant who suffered critical injuries and was being treated at the hospital later died from those injuries. Dennis was then charged with murder. Dennis appeared in court Tuesday for an Aniah's Law hearing and a preliminary hearing. Following that hearing, Madison County District Judge set Dennis's bond at $1 million. If he does post bond, Dennis will have to be electronically monitored by authorities and have no contact with the siblings of the victim. Court documents say Dennis was 'too aggressive with [the] child [and] dropped her on her head.' The document says the infant sustained serious physical injuries from the drop, causing 'trauma to her brain and brain bleed.' Police said the investigation determined that Dennis was alone with the infant in his home when the injuries occurred. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Yahoo
After mother's alleged murder, Anderson woman starts non-profit to help train law enforcement
ANDERSON — For more than seven months, Megan Tomlinson worked to bring justice to her mother, who was reportedly murdered by her husband. Leslie Hope Houston died on Oct. 17, 2024; her husband, John Daughtery, was charged with her murder on May 27. Tomlinson spent time after her mother died reviewing medical records, autopsy results and police reports seeking answers. 'There was an ongoing investigation,' said Andrew Hanna, chief deputy in the Madison County Prosecutor's Office. 'During the course of the investigation in this case, Megan provided essential evidence in the form of documents, recordings, and other information that helped bring criminal charges. We will continue to work with Megan in the prosecution of this case to ensure justice is served.' On what would have been her mother's 47th birthday, June 14, Tomlinson publicly launched a nonprofit called Silver Lining of Hope, Inc. 'Silver Lining of Hope was created in memory of my mom, Hope, a woman who loved deeply, survived so much, and was ultimately killed by the person who should've protected her the most,' Tomlinson said. 'I refuse to let her become just another domestic violence statistic.' Hanna said he supports the creation of the not-for-profit organization. 'Megan is making the best of an incredibly difficult situation to both prevent these kinds of cases from happening in the first place and to help provide training and information law enforcement needs to solve these cases when they do occur,' Hanna said. 'Their work bridges the gap between policy and lived experience, between research and reform,' he added. Tomlinson spent the months after the death of her mother trying to get law enforcement and prosecutors to file murder charges against Daugherty. One goal of Silver Lining of Hope, Tomlinson said, is to build trauma-informed resources for families, provide forensic case reviews with the support of professional volunteers, and train law enforcement and medical professionals to recognize signs of abuse, with an emphasis on strangulation. Tomlinson said the night before her mother died, she requested a welfare check. She didn't learn until two days later that her mother had been admitted to the hospital and was determined to be brain dead. 'I want ensure my mother is more than just a statistic,' she said. 'I want to prevent another person (from being) murdered by a loved one.' Tomlinson said because the charges against Daughtery are still pending, there is a lot she can't discuss publicly. 'I wish there had been a way that she could have gotten some help,' she said. 'It's about seeing justice done.' Tomlinson said Daughtery was a 'highly manipulative person, and extremely violent.' According to a probable cause affidavit, Anderson police officers were dispatched for medical assistance on Oct. 11, 2024, at the residence and found Houston on the floor where paramedics were performing CPR. The court document states Daughtery was at the residence and told police he returned home from work and Houston had fallen and fell asleep in the kitchen. The court document states that a CT scan at St. Vincent Hospital located a massive intracranial injury. A neurosurgical team in Indianapolis determined Houston's injuries were not survivable. She died on Oct. 17, 2024. Indianapolis doctors noted Houston had numerous bruises and other injuries in various stages of healing, including on her feet, arms, legs, neck and breast, according to the court document. 'The extent and nature of the findings were consistent with domestic abuse and possible strangulation,' according to the doctors. An autopsy showed Houston had an elevated level of ethanol in her system and listed the cause of death as an intracranial hemorrhage. Several family members told Anderson police that Daughtery had been physically abusive toward Houston and at times hit her head on the floor since 2019, according to the probable cause affidavit. Daughtery denied any physical abuse between the couple during an interview with police. His brother Lonnie Daughtery was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2012 in Kentucky for the murder of his wife and her cat at a hotel in Elizabethtown, according to an article in the local newspaper. Daughtery, of Noblesville, pleaded guilty to charges of murder and second-degree animal cruelty. He told police he strangled his wife, Michele D. Daughtery, because she wanted to commit suicide but could not complete the act herself. He claimed to have acted out of compassion and at the request of his wife, whom he believed was depressed as well as 'terminally ill and in pain.' The couple had been married for 10 years at the time of her death and were in Elizabethtown on vacation. Hardin County Coroner Dr. Bill Lee said Michele Daughtery's autopsy showed no signs of a life-threatening condition. Although there were some gall stones and a high level of drugs in her system, Lee said there was nothing that would require medical treatment.
