Adam Bragenzer

All Jackson County school districts are hosting community forums on the balanced calendar concept being considered for the 2016-17 school year.  Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Beal will be hosting the next JPS forum on March 2 at 6pm at Sharp Park Academy.  Frost Elementary Principal Jeremy Patterson encouraged parents to attend as the districts are seeking community input.  Other guests:  Amy Reimann, Executive Director, Ella Sharp Museum;  National Engineers Week with Robert Uddin, Commonwealth Associates and Jonathan Wicks, GAI Consultants (Young Engineer of the Year);  Jessica Mitchell and Therese Hesslau, Jackson Kiwanis Club,  Teressa Delph Essay and Oratorical Contest organizers Alice Lewis and Jonathan Greene, City of Jackson Human Relations Commission.

Congressman Tim Walberg will be headed back to Washington tonight and will be urging Senate Democrats to begin debate on a funding bill. The House already passed a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Now, Senate Democrats are filibustering to block debate. The congressman also reported on the House passage of new "No Child Left Behind" legislation that provides states more freedom in education decisions.    Other guests:  64th District State Representative Earl Poleski;  Cindy Lyons and Kim Medlock, Jackson Area Career Center (Open House, February 26);  Jack Travioli, Cork N Cap;  Rod Malloy, Dahlem;  Steve Trosin, JSO Affinity Series.