“It is unfair to hold teachers responsible for the progress of persistently disruptive students in their evaluations”

(NASHVILLE, TN), February 6, 2012 – State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) today said he is a co-sponsor of two bills filed in the Tennessee General Assembly to give teachers more authority and protection in disciplining students. One proposal, Senate Bill 3122, would give teachers protection from civil liability when defending themselves or when they have to intervene in a physical altercation. The other measure, Senate Bill 3116, gives teachers basic rights to control their classroom and remove consistently disruptive or violent students.

“Teachers cannot teach when they have persistently disruptive students in their classroom,” said Senator Yager.  “It is also unfair to hold teachers responsible for the progress of disruptive students who are out of their control.  This legislation establishes a procedure to remove a student to an alternative educational setting if they continue with disruptive behavior.”
 
Senate Bill 3116 requires local Boards of Educations to clearly establish a complete policy regarding a teacher's ability to remove a student from the classroom and relocated the student to another educational location for the student's safety or the safety of others.  The bill also allows teachers to intervene in a physical altercation between tow or more students or a student and another school employee if necessary to end the fight.

“Teachers can risk being sued if they step in to stop a fight,” said Senator Yager.  “This should not be the case.  If a teacher intervenes in a physical altercation to break up a fight while students are under their watch, or if they are simply defending themselves, they should not have to fear being sued.”
 
The legislation applies to altercations on school property, as well as at official school functions or sporting events.  The bill requires principals to support the authority of teachers who take such action if it is done in accordance with the proposed law and the school's policies.
 
“We must give our teachers the tools to maintain discipline in the classroom,” added Yager.  “These bills would go far to accomplish this.”

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Teachers can access valuable resources from state’s CERI center

(NASHVILLE, TN), February 3, 2012 --  Next week’s 200th anniversary of Tennessee’s powerful New Madrid earthquake should serve as a reminder of the need to prepare according to State Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill).  Tennessee was the site of three great earthquakes that have occurred in the Upper Mississippi region, including a major quake on February 7, 1812 which ranks among the most significant geological events in U.S. history.

Senator Faulk is a member of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.

Although West Tennessee’s location on the New Madrid fault presents the most serious concern for the state, the U.S. Geological Survey reports activity has occurred in the eastern part of the State as well.  A strong shock centered at Knoxville on March 28, 1913, was felt over an area of 7,000 square kilometers in eastern Tennessee. Two shocks were felt in many places. In addition, an earthquake sequence consisting of one foreshock, a magnitude 4.6 main shock, and more than 30 aftershocks occurred south of Knoxville during the latter part of 1973. 

“The anniversary of one of the greatest geological events in U.S. history right here in our state should serve to remind us of how quick and severe natural disasters can strike,” said Senator Faulk.  “It also gives us an excellent opportunity to look at our state’s geological history and study the factors which make our state vulnerable to any future event.  But most of all, it reminds us that we need to be prepared.”

Faulk said the University of Memphis has the premier institute in the world for seismic study. CERI (Center for Earthquake Research & Information) which provides all the proof one needs to recognize east Tennessee is also a seismic hotspot.  The Center provides valuable resources to teachers and students regarding earthquakes and preparedness. 

"We have an obligation to let folks know that East Tennessee, too, is in an active seismic zone so we should recognize the signs of earthquake." said Faulk. "In the coming weeks I'll be sharing information with East Tennessee first responders about seismic activity just to make sure we keep our preparedness edge."

For additional information, contact CERI at 3890 Central Ave., Memphis, TN 38152.  Information regarding Tennessee can also be obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey at:  http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/tennessee/history.php.

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(NASHVILLE, TN), February 3, 2012  --  “I am very pleased that these jobs are coming to Hamblen County,” said Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown).  “I congratulate OTICS and all our state and local officials who helped secure these jobs.  We will continue to make job creation our top priority.”

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The text of the release from Governor Haslam is below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2012                                                                    Media Contact:  Shannon Sumrall, ECD
                                                                                                Office: (615) 253-4897
                                                                                                E-mail:  shannon.sumrall@tn.gov

OTICS USA, INC. TO EXPAND MORRISTOWN LOCATION
Automotive Parts Manufacturer to Invest $24.8 Million, Create 67 New Jobs in Hamblen County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with representatives from OTICS USA, Inc. announced the company will expand its Morristown, Tenn. facility.  As a result of increased market demand, the automotive parts manufacturer will invest an additional $24.8 million and create 67 new manufacturing jobs.

"Established Tennessee companies such as OTICS USA, Inc. are the driving force behind all new job creation in Tennessee," Haslam said. “I appreciate the company's continued commitment to and investment in the Morristown community."

“There is a clear competitive advantage for the automotive industry in Tennessee, which is evident by OTICS USA, Inc.’s decision to expand in our state,” Hagerty said.  “Under Governor Haslam’s leadership, our department will continue to work to foster a business friendly environment that gives companies the confidence to invest and grow in Tennessee.”
OTICS USA, Inc. manufactures automotive parts for major corporations in the automotive industry.  The company’s Morristown facility is located at 5555 Interstate View Drive in the East Tennessee Progress Center. OTICS USA, Inc. is the first Japanese transplant company in the United States for the OTICS Corporation.  This expansion marks the company’s third expansion since its foundation in 2001.
“For over a decade, Morristown has been the perfect fit for OTICS Corporation’s first U.S. facility, OTICS USA, Inc.,” Charlotte Jennelle, general manager, general administration, OTICS USA, Inc., said.  “We look forward to continually growing in Hamblen County and to many more successful years in Tennessee.”

“We appreciate the continued investment by OTICS in their workforce and our community,” John Stroud, president, Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, said.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.

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(NASHVILLE, TN), February 2, 2012 -- The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation to extend a $25,000 death benefit currently provided to local police officers or sheriffs’ deputies to state employees engaged in the detection and prevention of crime.  Senate Bill 2204, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville), would provide a death benefit to Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agents, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers, Park Rangers employed by the Department of Conservation and Environment, and bomb and arson officers in the Department of Commerce and Insurance.  The death benefit would apply to employees who are killed in the line of duty.
 
“This is a benefit I hope Tennessee never has to pay.  We pray for the safety of all our officers,” said Senator Norris, “but we recognize the dangers that many of them face. History involving the death of officers while performing their duties proves the need for this benefit.” 
 
State law currently limits the $25,000 death benefit to sheriff’s deputies or any police officer employed by a municipality whose primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of crime and apprehension of offenders.  The bill simply adds law enforcement officers employed by the state to those covered under that law. 
 
“We certainly need to make sure that the families of Tennessee’s law enforcement employees have the same death benefit currently provided to local police officers,” added Norris.  “We have many brave officers who work for Tennessee.  They need to know their families will be considered if they die in the line of duty."

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(NASHVILLE, TN), February 1, 2012  -- State Senator Rusty Crowe and Representative Kent Williams said today they were very pleased that Governor Bill Haslam included improvements for Roan Mountain State Park and the historic Sabine Hill House in the state’s 2012-2013 state budget.  The local lawmakers made the announcement as the General Assembly began looking at the details of the budget in anticipation of hearings on the proposal by each department beginning next week.

“We were delighted to see these two projects were included in the budget,” said Senator Crowe.  “This is very important to many local citizens.”

The $1.26 million for Roan Mountain State Park will be used to upgrade the campground, including leveling sites, improving electrical service, new campsite equipment, bathhouse renovations, and roadway repairs.  The $1.1 million for the historic Sabine Hill House will be used for the restoration and repairs to both the interior and exterior of the structure and landscaping enhancements.

“It is very important that we provide the repairs to our parks that are needed as tourism is a vital part of our economy,” added Williams.  “We must also preserve our historic structures which are such an important part of our community.  These funds will help us accomplish those goals.”  

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(NASHVILLE, TN), February 1, 2012 -- Union County Eagle Scout Caleb Branum was recently honored with a Senate Proclamation congratulating him for obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America organization.  The proclamation was sponsored by Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) and signed by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey.

Caleb is the son of John and Rhonda Branum.  He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 401, where he has earned 39 merit badges.  Part of his public service activities included development of a Memorial Butterfly Garden at Horace Maynard Middle School in honor of Nakisha Williams, a student who passed away while in the eighth grade.

“Caleb is a shining example of the wonderful characteristics associated with Boy Scouts,” said Senator Faulk.  “There are many attributes and skills associated with achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.  Caleb overcome all obstacles and has met all of them to achieve this rank.  I am very proud to sponsor a proclamation honoring his achievements.”

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(NASHVILLE, TN), January 31, 2012 – Rutherford County’s legislative delegation, Senators Bill Ketron (R—Murfreesboro) and Jim Tracy (R—Shelbyville), and Representatives Joe Carr (R—Lascassas), Mike Sparks (R—Smyrna), Rick Womick (R—Rockvale), and Pat Marsh (R-Shelbyville), today praised Governor Bill Haslam for putting the proposed MTSU Science Building in the state’s 2012-2013 budget. The local legislative delegation has pushed for inclusion of the building project, including leading a group of key state leaders on a tour of the campus last year. Rep. Carr said the tour, and conversations with Governor Bill Haslam, Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, Speaker of the House Beth Harwell (R—Nashville), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Randy McNally (R—Oak Ridge) and House Finance Committee Chairman Charles Sargent (R—Franklin) was a turning point in getting the project funded in this year’s budget.  Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess and Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg have also pushed for funding the project.

“We wanted to show key leaders in the House and Senate the need for this project first hand,” said Rep. Carr. “This and our conversations with Governor Haslam was the turning point in getting this project funded.”

“I am very pleased that this project has finally been included in the budget,” said Senator Ketron. “I also appreciate Mayor Burgess and Mayor Bragg for their unwavering support for this project.”

“This project has been a priority of mine for many years,” added Senator Tracy. “We thank Governor Haslam for finally seeing that it is built.”

Although the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) can make recommendations regarding projects, the Governor is responsible for inclusion in the budget. The General Assembly then is responsible for finalizing any proposed projects by passing it into law through approval of the appropriations bill.

“We have worked very diligently with the Governor, Speaker Harwell, Lt. Governor Ramsey and our Finance Chairmen to make sure that we finally see this project to fruition,” added Representative Sparks. “We look forward to seeing the results of this work.”

“This building is very important to our goal of increasing the number of graduates in Tennessee with science and math degrees,” added Representative Womick. “This project should help us obtain these goals. The inclusion of the project in this year’s budget and the support of key lawmakers pretty much ensure its passage in this year’s budget.”

“All of our delegation members have talked to key state officials about getting this project started,” added Rep. Marsh.  “We are all thrilled that we will finally have the opportunity to see this building become a reality on our MTSU campus.”

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(NASHVILLE, TN), January 26, 2012 -- Two bills have been filed in the Tennessee General Assembly to give teachers more authority and protection in disciplining students.  One proposal, Senate Bill 3122 sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chairman Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) and Representative Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), would give teachers protection from civil liability when defending themselves or when they have to intervene in a physical altercation.  The other measure, Senate Bill 3116, sponsored by Gresham and Representative Harry Brooks (R-Knoxville) gives teachers basic rights to control their classroom and remove consistently disruptive or violent students.

“As I have listened to teachers, I have found they are afraid to even defend themselves if a student gets out of control for fear of liability,” said Senator Gresham.  “This legislation ensures that teachers have this right so they do not have to fear being sued when defending themselves.”

"I am happy to sponsor this legislation in the House", added Representative Hensley. "This bill will give teachers the ability to remove disruptive students for the safety and well being of the remaining students and will ultimately give teachers more control of their classrooms to improve the learning environment. It will also allow the disruptive student to receive the help they need to learn to be able to control or alter their disruptive behavior."

Senate Bill 3116 requires local Boards of Educations to establish clearly a complete policy regarding a teacher’s ability to remove a student from the classroom and relocate the student to another educational location for the student’s safety or the safety of others.  The bill allows the use of reasonable or justifiable force as long as it is done in accordance to school policy and Tennessee law.  The bi-partisan bill also allows teachers to intervene in a physical altercation between two or more students or a student and another school employee if necessary to end the fight. 

The legislation applies to altercations on school property, as well as at official school functions or sporting events. Under the proposal, the teacher must file a brief report with the principal regarding the situation and actions taken.  The student would then be subject to additional disciplinary action that could include suspension or expulsion from school. Finally, the bill requires principals to support the authority of teachers who take such action if it is done in accordance with the proposed law and the school’s policies.

 “I have also found in listening to teachers that many are at a disadvantage in being able to maintain discipline in the classroom due to rules on removal of consistently disruptive students,” added Gresham.  “This not only hampers student progress, but puts teachers at a disadvantage in achieving their evaluative goals.  It would be unfair to expect a fair evaluation when the teacher is not given the resources and support to control disruptive students. Senate Bill 3116 would give teachers the ability to manage their classrooms and even remove a student if it gets to the point where the behavior is persistently disruptive.”

"This will allow our teachers to concentrate on teaching and less on classroom hassles," added Rep. Brooks.

“Teachers must have the authority to discipline students who are disorderly in order to maintain order in the classroom," added Gresham.  “We will continue working with teacher organizations, school employees and other education stakeholders as we work to perfect this bi-partisan bill during the legislative process.”

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(NASHVILLE, TN, January 25, 2012 – State Senator Ken Yager (R- Harriman) has received an award of appreciation from the Tennessee Telecommunications Association for his efforts to protect rural consumers.  The certificate of appreciation was awarded to Yager in his office in Nashville as the Tennessee General Assembly began its third week of legislative action.

The Tennessee Telecommunications Association is an industry trade organization formed for the purpose of promoting telecommunications service in Tennessee.  Currently, the Association is comprised of eighteen Tier I members employing approximately 1,000 people and serving approximately 240,000 access lines.

 “I am very honored to receive this recognition,” said Senator Yager, who is Chairman of the Senate State and Local Government Committee. “We must support policies that recognize the need for building and maintaining communications infrastructure in rural communities in our state.  I am glad to partner with our telephone coops and other rural service providers to help improve telecommunications in rural communities in Tennessee and protect access for consumers.”

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(NASHVILLE, TN), January 25, 2012 -- The Tennessee General Assembly today approved a resolution sponsored by Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill), honoring Marine Lance Corporal Cody Evans who was injured by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan.  Evans, who is from the Speedwell Community in Claiborne County, is a graduate of Powell Valley High School.  He is attached to the United States Marine Corps 4th Combat Engineer Battalion out of Knoxville, Tennessee.

“Cody Evans’s courageous service stands as an enduring example of all the characteristics that have ensured the continued freedom of our Nation and the preservation of its ideals over the course of our history,” the Resolution states.  “It is appropriate that the members of this General Assembly recognize Cody Evans, commending his innumerable personal sacrifices to serve this country.  We hereby honor and commend Lance Corporal Cody Evans for his stalwart service to the United States Marine Corps and to the people of Afghanistan during his deployment, applaud his unwavering dedication to pursuing the highest ideals of military service, and extend to him our sincerest gratitude and best wishes for a healthy recovery.”    

“It was a great honor to sponsor Senate Joint Resolution 511 for this courageous local hero,” said Senator Faulk.  “This is small token of our state’s appreciation for protecting the freedoms that all Americans enjoy.”

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