RESOLUTION NO. RS2003-1477

A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Board of Public Education to establish a political science/history magnet program at McGavock Comprehensive High School.

WHEREAS, the McGavock Comprehensive High School represents the largest single investment in the Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County Public School System; and

WHEREAS, McGavock Comprehensive High School is 456,100 square feet in size, comprising 137 classrooms, two (2) gymnasiums with a total seating capacity of 2,200, and a large auditorium capable of seating 560; and

WHEREAS, McGavock was originally constructed to house 3,000-3,500 students; and

WHEREAS, recent alterations to the public school zones have removed students from McGavock, resulting in a projected 2003-2004 school year enrollment of approximately 2,000 students; and

WHEREAS, the reduction in enrollment has made available substantial unused classroom space at McGavock; and

WHEREAS, the unused classroom space is capable of housing a proposed magnet program at the school to accentuate the already wide variety of comprehensive programs offered from this public school; and

WHEREAS, these programs include Advanced Placement courses in English, American History, Calculus, Biology, German, French, Spanish, Government, Economics, Chemistry, and Psychology, a Scholars Program, Honors classes, Computer Labs, Drama and Forensic classes, and Journalism classes; and

WHEREAS, two of the more notable courses offered from McGavock include Advanced Placement courses in History and Government; and

WHEREAS, the history and administration of McGavock Comprehensive High School promotes a unique educational environment among public schools; and

WHEREAS, McGavock Comprehensive High School was established by a federal judicial mandate in 1971; and

WHEREAS, McGavock is situated on the historical Spence McGavock properties; and

WHEREAS, McGavock is located in close proximity to numerous other historical sites in the Donelson-Hermitage community including the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, the Tulip Grove Mansion, the Two Rivers Mansion, the Governor Roberts home, the Belair Mansion, the McCampbell home, the Clover Bottom Mansion, the Stone Hall Mansion, the Buchanan log home; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Historical Commission is headquartered in the Donelson-Hermitage community (Clover Bottom Mansion); and

WHEREAS, the McGavock facility and its campus grounds have been jointly administered by the Metropolitan Board of Education and the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation since its opening; and

WHEREAS, this administrative arrangement offers a somewhat unique political environment among the public schools serving Metropolitan Nashville; and

WHEREAS, the massive size of the McGavock facility will accommodate the proposed magnet program and will not interfere with the primary use of McGavock as a general comprehensive high school; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of a magnet program will enhance both the McGavock Comprehensive High School and the public school system in general by reinvigorating citizen enthusiasm toward the school and the programs that if offers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUCIL OF THE METROPOITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Board of Public Education to take the action necessary to establish a political science/history magnet program at McGavock Comprehensive High School.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the Mayor, the Director of Schools, each member of the Board of Education, and each member of the Tennessee Delegation to the United States Congress.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Bruce Stanley

AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
RESOLUTION NO. RS2003-1477

Mr. President:

I move to amend Resolution No. RS2003-1477 by deleting the phrase “take the
action necessary to establish”, wherein it appears in Section 1, and substituting in lieu thereof the phrase “research the possibility of establishing”.

Sponsored by: Bruce Stanley