Lowe In The News

SEN. FINNEY WANTS MORE SCHOOLS LIKE CARROLL ACADEMY

Carroll Academy Blueprint Studied

By: Lauren Linney/WBBJ-TV





"We don't need less Carroll Academies. We need more," said Randy Hatch, Senior Administrator of Carroll Academy in Huntingdon. That is just what the state of Tennessee could receive thanks to Senator Lowe Finney.

"The rate that the state pays per day is lower at a Carroll Academy than it would be in DCS custody and the outcomes are better," said Finney. Senator Finney is proposing a bill that would form a task force to ultimately create schools like Carroll Academy all over the state.

Saving money is not his only reason for the bill. "When you look at the students who go into a school like this. They tend to graduate and in some cases they go on and get a 2 year or 4 year degree," said Finney.

Why Carroll Academy? For starters, the school has the highest daily attendance rate in the country. "96% everyday," said Hatch.

Hatch believes one of the main reasons for Carroll Academy's success is the strict rules. "Pants worn above the waist with a belt. Grades are expected. They're subject to random drug screenings at any moment," said Hatch.

Even though there are rules, Hatch believes the kids like them. "Kids like structure and discipline. They won't admit that, but they do like it," said Hatch.

Hatch thinks more Carroll Academies would mean less crimes involving juveniles because the school gets kids off the streets and gives them hope. "This will be one of the best decisions, regardless of party affiliation, that they [legislature] could ever do," said Hatch.

Finney's ultimate goal is to get permanent funding for the school. Hatch believes this bill could help Carroll Academy achieve that goal.