The Tennessee State Board of Regents Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kandi Hill-Clarke, recently notified Donnie Cherry, the Clay County Director of Schools, that the petition for formal recognition of the Clay County PreK-16 Council has been approved. Cherry reported that the PreK-16 Council was formed to promote public awareness of the
important link between an educated community and a healthy economy.

The newly-formed PreK-16 Council is made up of leaders representing the Clay County School System, Tennessee Technological University, Volunteer State Community College, Tennessee Technology Center at Livingston and other educational and workforce development organizations. At regular meetings these representatives will address educational issues concerning students of the county’s school system.

Lines of communication will be kept open between these organizations and institutions so they won’t duplicate efforts. Addressing challenges using a structured approach, aligning organizations and institutions around a common vision, mission and goals should develop ownership of the process and implement a successful, sustainable action plan.

Ray Norris, Executive Director of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, expressed his congratulations to Cherry for this
accomplishment which unites the planning efforts of the school system and the Three Star Program Initiative. He stated that the PreK-16 Council serves as an integral part of the on-going Clay County Three Star planning and will greatly assist in the community economic development effort to find jobs for our citizens.

Serving on this committee are: Susan Birdwell, Clay County Circuit Court Clerk; Paula Boone, Administrator Clay County Manor; Karen Brown, Regional Development Specialist, State of Tennessee; John Denton, Clay County High School Principal; Dr. Susan Elkins, Vice President for Extended Programs and Regional Development, Tennessee Technological
University; Betsy Holtam, Director of Special Education Clay County Schools; Debbie Johnson, Pharmacist Cumberland River Hospital; Anna Locke, Director of Special Programs for Clay County Schools; Ray Norris, Executive Director of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce; Mike Powell, Director Volunteer State Community College-Livingston Center; Dale Reagan, Clay County Mayor; Dick Roberts, Chairman of the Clay County Board of Education; Dr. Myra West, Tennessee Technology Center at Livingston Assistant Director; and Dr. Doug Young, Chair Clay County Three Star Program Initiative.