| Sources |
- [S104] Cocke County, Tennessee, and its People, Cocke County Heritage Book Committee, (Walsworth Publishing, 1992), 28, 59, 155.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 6 Nov 2005.
Schools Director Blazer in serious condition
By: David Popiel
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
11-06-2005
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Cocke County Director of Schools Larry Blazer remains hospitalized in serious condition and is being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Last Friday he was admitted at Mayo for tests to determine the cause of his failing kidneys–a problem that was diagnosed by Knoxville doctors several months ago.
His wife, retired educator Phyllis Blazer, said that she, family members, and their church pastor have been with Larry Blazer because of his failing health.
Before he went to Mayo, he had been taking powerful chemotherapy medication, which depressed his immune system, said Phyllis, and this caused infections. This worsened his condition early last week.
“A lot has gone on since we got to the hospital,” she said. He is at the St. Mary’s Hospital of the three-hospital Mayo Clinic complex.
“We came up here for a second opinion,” she said. Months ago doctors determined that he had lost most of his kidney function, but the cause of this was uncertain.
“We had waited three weeks for this meeting,” she said late on Friday, adding that his condition quickly declined after infections set in.
Late on Friday physicians had determined he was suffering from a viral infection in the lining around his heart, and a bacterial infection of his lungs. The infections have been difficult to treat, and doctors are using a combination of antibiotics.
“He can squeeze your hand,” she said of his semi-conscious condition. He is also on a ventilator and kidney dialysis after his kidneys failed during the week.
“We’ve been so overwhelmed with one thing after another,” she said, but they have been uplifted by the great concern shown by Cocke County people.
“We are truly comforted by how much the people care,” she said, offering her thanks to all those who have been calling and supporting the family.
Their pastor, Frederick Long and wife, Judith, of First Methodist Church, drove to the hospital to be with the family.
They are hopeful that once his heart rate can be stabilized medications will control the infections. Long-term, Blazer will have to have a kidney transplant, she said.
Once his condition improves enough for travel, he will be able to return home, she said.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 11 Nov 2005.
Blazer recovering and still in charge
2005 NPT PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHETT Cocke County Board of Education Transportation Maintenance Supervisor Carroll Hoaglan presented the Cocke County Board of Education with a 'Certificate of Appreciation' from the Tennessee Army National Guard 2/278th Troop E Armored Cavalry Regiment and their families at the board meeting on Thursday.
By: STEVE BLANCHETT
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
11-11-2005
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NEWPORT-The Cocke County Board of Education met at the school system's central office on Thursday and opened with prayer for Director of Schools Larry Blazer, Instructional Supervisor Wilbur West, and the people involved in Tuesday's tragedy at the Campbell County High School.
Cocke County Board of Education (CCBE) Chair Jerry Ramsey said Blazer is recovering and doing fairly well and that West had open-heart surgery and was also recovering well from that.
"We've had several questions from the community as to Larry's condition and what is going to happen now," said Ramsey during the board's workshop. "Nothing's going to happen right now. We're going to stay the course because the people in place at the central office know what to do and are doing it well. "We all need to pray for Mr. Blazer and get him back as soon as we can," said Ramsey. "He has always taken a lot of burden off us and we want him back. We are going to continue to operate just the way we are until his return and if something else happens, then we'll worry about it then." Ramsey said he has been in touch with the Tennessee School Board Association and Vickie Hall has given him direction concerning what to do, but that this is a precedent-setting situation.
In other business, CCBE Maintenance Supervisor Carroll Hoaglan presented the board with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Tennessee Army National Guard 2/278th Troop E Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Hoaglan, who retired from the 2/278th with more than 23 years of service, said the troop wanted to show its appreciation for all the Board of Education has done for them during the deployment.
The certificate read as follows: Troop E 2/278th and their families are honored to recognize the Cocke County Board of Education in appreciation for your support during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The board also approved amending its policy on overnight field trips. The policy was that a chaperone had to be in each room with three students and that security had to be in the hall overnight. The board amended the policy to state that security must remain in view of all the doors in the hallway overnight, but that a chaperone did not have to stay in each individual room. Ramsey said the reason for the change is because it would make it to difficult on larger field trips to have a chaperone in every room, but the board decided it is absolutely necessary to maintain security in the hallways overnight.
The board approved Tamara Carver and Scott Byrd to serve as athletic trainers at Cosby High School, as well as approving Dr. Carol Thigpin to serve as Reading First cadre for Northwest Elementary School, and the agreement between the CCBE and the Cocke County Education Foundation for the Governor's Book from Birth Foundation.
"The Governor's Book from Birth Foundation is a wonderful program," said Ramsey. The board also approved 37 field trips and Transportation Supervisor Jim McNabb said the transportation department is now breaking even on fuel prices with the recent decrease in fuel costs.
"We were in the red, but I think we're going to be all right now," said McNabb. The board approved the consent agenda, including the purchase of 50 computer upgrade kits at $428, for a total of $7,849.65 from PCS, Inc., to be installed in Bridgeport Elementary School's computer lab and 25 teacher station upgrades.
Board members present were Richard Coggins, Otha Rolen, Marty Denton, Randy Shults, Dr. Ken Johnson, Pat Proffitt, and Ramsey. The next scheduled school board meeting is Thursday, December 8 at 6 p.m.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 30 Nov 2005.
Blazers offer thanks for support
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
11-30-2005
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Cocke County Director of Schools Larry Blazer, who has been ill in a Minnesota hospital, and wife Phyllis are expressing thanks to everyone who has supported them during their time away from home.
In a letter sent to the Plain Talk last week, Phyllis Blazer said she and her husband spent Thanksgiving at Saint Mary's Hospital, which is part of the Mayo Clinic. She said Larry Blazer is having dialysis and she is passing time in the hospital library.
Phyllis Blazer said Rochester, Minnesota isn't where they would choose to spend a holiday, but added she is grateful that Larry is in a regular room and they were able to share a meal together on Thanksgiving-"even if it was two renal diet trays."
She said their hospital tray table was brightened by a beautiful Thanksgiving arrangement from the Central Office staff.
She added, "Other flower arrangements, gifts, and cards make Larry's room seem less sterile and serve as a reminder to us of what Thanksgiving is really about-taking time to reflect upon our blessings.
"At this time in our lives-unlike ever before-we're so thankful for the love, concern and support of the Newport/Cocke County community. The long and often frightening days have been bearable because of the many cards, telephone calls, and prayers that have been sent our way. We have truly felt your love all the way up here.
"We continue to pester the medical team about the possibility of allowing us to return to Fort Sanders for the remainder of Larry's recuperation time, but we're not sure how much progress we're making in that area. "Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers."
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 8 Dec 2005.
Larry Blazer back at home By: David Popiel Source: The Newport Plain Talk
12-08-2005
Cocke County Director of Schools Larry Blazer is at home recuperating from an extended illness and is anxious to return to work.
Last Tuesday he arrived at Ft. Sanders Medical Center from St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, where he had been treated after his kidneys failed.
On Monday he was strong enough to leave the hospital and is at home spending time opening and reading hundreds of letters and cards.
While at the Mayo Clinic, he was treated for infections, which have cleared up, though he is still taking antibiotics.
“I’m starved to death,” said Blazer, who lost 30 pounds since early Nov. after spending a month at St Marys. He said his appetite is good and he is getting stronger.
However, he is using a walker to get about because his legs and arms are still weak.
Earlier this week he took his first dialysis treatment at the Fresenius Medical Care center off Hedrick Drive–not far from his office at the Cocke County Materials Center.
Earlier in the year, Blazer was diagnosed with a rare kidney disorder, which ultimately caused both kidneys to fail. He had already lost 25 pounds when he entered Mayor Clinic during the first days in Nov. “I will be looking at a kidney transplant when I get stronger,” he said.
“I’m thankful to be here,” he said looking back over his bout with serious lung and heart infections weeks ago.
“I’m working some at home–catching up,” he said, with a plan to return to work sometime after the Christmas holidays.
“I thank the people so much for their prayers and thoughts. It meant so much to me,” he said.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 9 Dec 2005.
2005 NPT PHOTO BY STEVE BLANCHETT Cosby High School Math Department Head Tina Williamson, at left, and some of her trigonometry students presented a special program to the Cocke County Board of Education on Thursday. The class showed how it has designed and created actual working robots. Board members, seated from left, are Richard Coggins, Marty Denton, and Randy Shults.
By: STEVE BLANCHETT Source: The Newport Plain Talk
12-09-2005
NEWPORT-Cocke County Board of Education co-superintendent Donnie Frazier informed the board that Director of Schools Larry Blazer returned home from the hospital and is preparing to return to work after the Christmas break. Frazier read a letter sent to the board by Blazer, which reads as follows: "First of all thank you for you thoughts, prayers, and concerns. I truly am a lucky man and have many blessings. It's wonderful to be back home.
Secondly, I want you all to know that I would never knowingly do anything illegal. I have sick leave like every other employee. I must also follow the same rules to use this sick leave. At the present time I have 256 sick days plus two personal days. I will need to use some of these days in the coming months as I must have dialysis two half-days each week.
I appointed Donnie Frazier, Kathy Holt, and Paul Cogburn to oversee the day-to-day business of the office including the signing of necessary paperwork. At this time I would like to include Eddie Surber and Andre Collier to act as assistants on my behalf. Hopefully, Mr. West and I will be able to return to work after the Christmas break. I am very lucky to have such a competent staff that can handle the day-to-day business of the system and keep things moving forward.
I want to thank you for your support during this difficult time. As I told the hospital staff in Minnesota-I love my work and look forward to returning to it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity."
In other business, the board unanimously approved a request by co-superintendent Holt for the Cocke County Credit Recovery Program.
Holt said to meet the state and federal accountability plans of No Child Left Behind, students must graduate within four years and one summer of their entry in high school," said Holt. "With this program, students are able to gain a credit without having to take the complete class over again. A full class is 133 hours of instruction, while this program can provide a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 45 hours to receive credit for the course."
Holt said to be eligible the student must show they are proficient enough to take the program by having at least a 50 average in the class.
"This shows they have some knowledge of the materials," said Holt. "We have a conference with the student and parent and then work with them until they can master 80 percent of the skills necessary to receive the credit."
Holt said it's a way to work with students that might otherwise dropout of school because they weren't going to be able to graduate in the required time frame.
The board also approved changing its child abuse and neglect policy to conform to state regulations. The new policy states that all teachers must report suspected child abuse or neglect cases directly to the Department of Human Services not just to the principal of the school, as it has been in the past. Frazier said this will keep children from possibly falling through the loophole. "If a teacher told the principal and then for some reason the principal forgot to contact DHS, the child could be forgotten about and this new policy should ensure that doesn't happen," said Frazier.
Cocke County High School Cross-Country head coach Mark Hawk requested that he be allowed to start a middle school cross-country program for runners and the board unanimously approved Hawk's request.
"The other schools in our conference have feeders program and it makes a great difference in the students running abilities with three more years of experience," said Hawk.
The board approved five student transfers including two to Cosby High School. One of the transfers' father said he wanted his son to play football at Cosby High and thought his son would have the best opportunity to do that at Cosby. After a lengthy discussion, the board approved the request for transfer by a 4-2-1 vote. Chair Jerry Ramsey and Pat Proffitt voted no, Dr. Ken Johnson abstained, and Richard Coggins, Marty Denton, Randy Shults, and Otha Rolen voted yes to send the student to Cosby.
Both high school principals had approved the transfer and signed off on it. Coggins said it puts the board in a bind when a situation arises like this one because both principals approved the transfer and the board doesn't like to go against the wishes of the principals.
"If they don't want a student athlete to transfer, then they shouldn't sign off on the transfer form and we wouldn't approve it," said Coggins. "We have always tried to approve transfers when both principals agree."
Frazier also reported to the board that the Cocke County Schools Activity Funds Audit was completed and the auditor bragged on the audit.
Cosby High School Math Department head instructor Tina Williamson and some of her trigonometry students presented a program on how they designed and created working robots.
The students presented a movie on how the designed and built the robots, while Williamson showed the board two of the robots in action.
The board congratulated the students on their efforts in building the robots. Frazier also reminded the board of the upcoming negotiations with the teachers union and that the full contract will be up for negotiations for the 2006-07 school year this time. Frazier gave each board member a copy of the teacher's contract to review.
"He said we did an exceptionally well on keeping our books and we are in good standing," said Frazier.
The board also approved the low bid by Jay Pro for bleachers at Edgemont Elementary for $20,600 and at Del Rio for $28,507, as well as approving 10 field trips.
A discussion took place on the use of personal communication devices at the high schools during school hours and it was decided by the board to leave the policy as it is at the present time, but Ramsey requested that the two high school principals discuss the matter to see if a solution can be reached. The board agreed to revisit the policy this year, if the problem continued to get worst at the high schools.
Tim Pack presented a new program, the Scholastic Clay Target, to the board for its approval.
"Safety is our number one priority and we hope to get the program established like any other sport such as football or basketball," said Pack.
Frazier requested that Pack provide more documentation on the program to the board, such as the range rules and the procedure they follow in transporting weapons, and Pack agreed to gather the information requested and return to the board once he has it.
The next schedule meeting of the board of education is set for Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 6 p.m.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 13 Jan 2006.
Glad to be home
2005 NPT PHOTO by GARY BUTLER Cocke County School System Director Larry Blazer said his spirits are buoyed by being back home and at work after spending several weeks in the intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Blazer is back at work at the school system's central office, off Hedrick Drive, but he is taking dialysis treatments periodically at the Fresenius Medical Care Center, not far from the central office.
By: GARY BUTLER
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
01-13-2006
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NEWPORT-Following the most harrowing experience of his life-several weeks in and out of intensive care from kidney failure-Cocke County School System Director Larry Blazer said the desire to get back home had a "profound healing effect." "The will to return home definitely made a difference in my recovery," said Blazer earlier this week, referring to his ordeal in late Oct. and Nov. at St. Mary's Hospital at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he had been treated after his kidneys failed last fall.
Blazer was back at work this week, alternating his time managing the affairs of the county school system with sessions of dialysis treatment at the Fresenius Medical Care center off Hedrick Drive-not far from his office at the Cocke County Materials Center.
Other than having lost several pounds during his stay at the hospital, Blazer seems energized in spirit, if not in body, these days, but he is quick to point out how taxing the dialysis treatments can be "The lifestyle change has been the hardest thing for me to deal with," he said. "It feels like [on dialysis] you have to be connected to the machine to live." Blazer said his medical condition is tenuous, to the point that he feels like he is "walking a tightrope."
"People think it is simply a matter of waiting for a kidney to be available for a transplant, but it is more complicated than that," he said. "Because of the virus I have had in my system, I have to test clear for two months before I can be considered for a transplant.
"Then, if we get that far, we have to decide which hospital to undergo testing for compatibility with the donor, because that will also be the hospital we use for the transplant, if there is one," he said.
Blazer added that there could be a scenario in which no transplant is called for-if his system were to recover adequately on its own.
"But it is too soon to tell any of that yet," he said. "We're just taking things one day at a time right now."
Blazer said he felt a sense of euphoria when he checked into Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville, "although most people probably wouldn't understand why I would be happy to be checking into a hospital.
"But you have to have spent weeks in intensive care to appreciate why a regular hospital room-especially one closer to home-would look so good," he said. "I believe I spent five of the six weeks I was gone in the intensive care ward." Blazer said he is also glad to be home for professional reasons.
"I regret any confusion that was caused by my absence," he said. "My intention was solely to have someone authorized to sign the necessary paperwork while I was gone.
"I was not trying to turn over the reins to anyone," he added. "I have told the board that, when I'm ready to retire, I'll give them plenty of advance notice. I've also told them I will not hesitate to step down if my health requires it. "Whether I am at the helm of this system or someone else is, I want the system to continue to move forward as it has for several years now," he said.
Blazer said that, for now, his plate is full dealing with day-to-day administrative issues, such as the upcoming teacher contract negotiations, building renovations, budget considerations, and anticipation of new funding formulas proposed by the state.
"There is also a proposal to start school after Labor Day, and we are working hard to stay on top of the affect that would have on the system," he said. Blazer said he is cautiously optimistic with each passing day.
"For one thing, every day that I get to skip dialysis is a blessing," he said. Finally, where blessings are concerned, Blazer said he has an abundance of them. "I had no idea how many people back here had kept me in their thoughts and in their prayers," said Blazer. "But it came into better focus as we were getting ready to leave the hospital in Minnesota, and Phyllis and I had to buy an additional suitcase just for all the cards and letters I had received from people here-including many from children.
"Their prayers, the love of my family, and my will to return home have made the difference in my being here now-I'm certain of that," he said.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 18 Jun 2006.
Cocke County school leader enjoying health, job again Blazer appeared near death in November
By: Jim Hekel
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NEWPORT--Cocke County School System Director Larry Blazer has plenty of reasons to smile and reflect back on his good fortune. The Board of Education last week approved a new three-year contract extension for Blazer, who has been in his current job for 18 years now.
His salary will top the $100,000 mark. A contract extension did not seem likely just a few months ago. "My latest test results were really good," Blazer said. "My kidney function was up from 27 percent to 38 percent. I am gaining my strength back steadily." Blazer was diagnosed with Membranous Nephropathy last fall. "Basically, the filters in the kidney harden and the kidneys quit functioning," Blazer said. "After they found I had it, they began treating me, with chemo drugs. I had a resistance to the drugs and was eaten up with infection in my heart and lungs--pretty much all over my body." The veteran school director went to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion. Blazer doesn't believe he was there by accident. "The Lord looked after me," he said. "Everything shut down. The doctors there saved my life." Blazer was hospitalized Oct. 31 and remained at Mayo through Nov. 25, before being transferred to the Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville. He was discharged Dec. 5. He was readmitted for a few days in December, but he had recovered enough to return to work on Jan. 2. A landmark day came on Jan. 12, when he was removed from dialysis. "I feel pretty good physically," he said. "I don't have enough energy yet, but it's picking up every day. I have also regained some of the weight I lost, although I don't want to regain too much of it," he said smiling. "It really is a miracle," he said. "I really appreciate everyone who prayed for me. It's really good to know that so many people had me in their prayers and in their thoughts. I really get emotional some time when I think about it." Blazer said the three-year contract really made him feel good. "I am glad they have the confidence in me. They know how hard I work. I told them we will see how my health goes, but that if I could not fulfill the contract, I would give them plenty of notice and stay on to train my replacement." The 18-year director believes the system is in good shape. "All of the schools are accredited. We are growing slowly, but steadily. We have a building program to be concerned with. We also have a great staff who really cares about the kids. "The Cosby school is the top priority in terms of overcrowding," he continued. "Some schools are more stressed than others. We need to look at the whole system and come up with a plan for the future." Blazer has spent his entire career in Cocke County, working at Centerview for four years, Smoky Mountain for 8 years and Parrotsville for four years, before running for his current office, which was then an elected position. He was elected in 1988, 1992 and 1996. "I was born and raised here," Blazer said. "I want to continue raising salaries. We have been able to do some, thanks to some help from the state. We also want to continue to improve in the areas of academics and athletics. We have also been able to stay ahead of the game in technology." Blazer and his bride of 27 years, Phyllis, have two sons: Todd and Russell. In closing, Blazer is grateful for the love shown to him during his ordeal. "I really appreciate everyone's prayers, thought and support," he said.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 11 Mar 2008.
Blazer announces retirement as Cocke County Director of Schools
Photo by Duay O'Neil Larry B. Blazer, Cocke County Director of Schools, announced his retirement this morning during a news conference.
By: Duay O'Neil
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
03-11-2008
NEWPORT-Cocke County Director of Schools Larry B. Blazer announced his intention to retire this morning during a news conference at the Central Office. Citing his desire to spend more time with his family, travel, and fish, Blazer said that he will retire "after I complete my 35th year, but no later than June 30, 2008."
Blazer, 57, was elected Cocke County Superintendent of Schools in 1988, replacing Charlie Seehorn. After having been publicly elected for three consecutive terms, Blazer was then appointed by the Cocke County Board of Education to the position in 2000, after state law changed. In looking over his nearly-20 years as superintendent/director, Blazer said that the successful lawsuit for equalized funding for public schools was "probably the biggest thing that happened while I've been in office." As a result of that suit, smaller school systems, such as Cocke County, received a tremendous increase in the amount of state funding. "That lawsuit has brought millions of dollars to Cocke County, which have been used for more programs, personnel, and equipment," said Blazer.
Blazer also credited the lawsuit with helping the system move forward enough for all nine elementary and both high schools to become accredited. "I'm also proud of the reduction in our local drop-out rate," said Blazer, noting that it has dropped from 23 percent to approximately 2-3 percent. Blazer estimated that the number of system employees has tripled since he first took office. "With the addition of the many, many new programs, teachers, and assistants, it's impossible to give a definite number," said Blazer. "But we do have art, music, library, and computer classes and programs, along with planning time for the teachers, that we didn't have before."
"We still need to impress the importance of education to the general public," Blazer observed, in looking ahead. "Now our system is concentrating heavily on strengthening the curriculum, noting its weaknesses and improving them." Blazer has notified the Cocke County Board of Education members, who are scheduled to meet Thursday night. Board members will then decide when to post the job opening on the system's website.
"I feel like our system is in good shape," said Blazer. "We're doing well in all our test scores."
Blazer noted that his successor will face the continued struggle to improve attendance and lower the dropout rate, "a challenge everyone must get behind." "The buildings are in pretty good shape, but the roofing will be the next big issue there. Also, the Tennessee Diploma Project will be another challenge." Blazer, who began his career in public education as a science/math teacher at Centerview Elementary School in 1973, moved from there four years later to Smoky Mountain Elementary School as a teaching/principal, upon the death of Smoky's principal Gary Gregory.
After serving at Smoky Mountain for eight years, he was transferred to Parrottsville Elementary as principal for three years, before being elected superintendent in 1988 at age 38.
"I want to emphasize what a good staff we have in Cocke County," said Blazer, "a group of professionals who care for the kids. When I first ran for office, one of the planks in my platform was my promise to work with everybody. Over the years I've worked with several county executives/mayors, CLB members, board members, principals, and teachers. I thank them all."
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 27 Jun 2008.
Author: Duay O'Neil
NEWPORT-As the clock winds down on Larry Blazer's twenty-year tenure as Cocke County Director of Schools, he's having more time to reflect over a career as an educator that began in 1973.
"When I graduated from Parrottsville High School in 1968," Blazer said Thursday, "I entered ETSU with every intention of becoming a vocational agriculture teacher. I'd had Herb Helton as a teacher at Parrottsville and he really inspired me."
After entering the Johnson City university, Blazer, like many young collegians, changed his mind and shifted his focus to a double major in health and physical education, plus an endorsement in biology.
He graduated from ETSU on May 31, 1972, but his work as a teacher had to be postponed while he fulfilled his military duty. "I left for basic training with the National Guard on June 6 and didn't return until October. School had already started for the year and there were no openings."
Then Cocke County Schools Superintendent Beth Freeman encouraged Blazer to return to school and get his elementary education certification. "ETSU operated on the quarter system back them," Blazer said, "and I finished that work during the winter."
Armed with his degree and additional certifications, Blazer was hired the next year and entered his first classroom as a teacher at Centerview Elementary School. "David Bible started his first year as principal at the same time," Blazer laughed, "and we learned together. Our philosophies are a lot alike."
Blazer taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade math, science, and physical education at Centerview, staying there until the fall of 1977, when the sudden death of Smoky Mountain Elementary School principal Gary Gregory led to Blazer being named his replacement.
"At the time," Blazer reflected, "I told Beth (Freeman) I wasn't interested. I was so young and while I had thought I'd like to be a principal some day, I would have liked to have had a little more teaching experience."
"Finally I told her 'Let me think about it' and later accepted the job," he said.
In 1977, Smoky Mountain's principal worked as a "teaching principal." I taught the seventh and eighth grade classes - everything - all subjects. There were 36 kids and no secretary."
"I made a lot of mistakes," Blazer admitted, "but with the help of the wonderful staff I eventually earned the community's support and developed into a pretty decent principal." Blazer named such fellow Smoky Mountain educators as Emma Dean Carver and Janie Moore as among those who helped him.
"Many of the people I worked with and who helped me so much there are now gone," Blazer continued, recalling friendships with the late Doris Jean Clark, Jesse Denton, Jettie Baxter, and Delsie Mae Carver.
"That's where I met Phyllis (Clark)," he smiled, the teacher whom he later married.
After serving at Smoky Mountain for eight years, Blazer was sent to Parrottsville Elementary to replace Steve Thompson. "That was in the fall of 1985 and I worked there for three years," Blazer said.
"Then Charlie Seehorn decided not to seek re-election as Superintendent of Schools," Blazer said. "People started coming to me and encouraging me to run."
"I thought long and hard about it," he admitted. "Again I'd thought that some day I'd like to be superintendent, but I never thought the opportunity would come that soon."
Blazer pointed out that a career as superintendent normally spans "eight to ten years. I really thought I would try for that later on."
Little did he know that his work as the leader of Cocke County's schools would last two decades. He currently is the longest serving director of schools in Upper East Tennessee.
Blazer's previous political campaigning experience had been limited to running for student council while in high school, but he admits to loving the process.
"I truly enjoyed the campaign," he said. "I lost a lot of weight during those weeks. I adopted the strategy that I'd outwork my opponent."
"I mapped out a plan. I'd come home from school and then start door-to-door, knocking on doors and talking to people. When it would get dark, I'd go home and get on the phone, calling people. When it got too late to telephone anyone else, I'd sit down and write letters, asking people for their support. I ran hard until the polls closed."
Once elected and sworn into office, Blazer quickly realized there were many things he didn't know about the job.
"I'd been around Charlie (Seehorn) a lot and attended board meetings forever. I was good friends with Wilbur West, Jesse Denton, George Ray Nease, Steve Thompson, and Bobby Smith (all of whom already worked in the school system's Central Office), but there was so much I didn't know," he said.
According to Blazer, learning the in's and out's of the school system's budget was "a little scary, but not as much trouble as I thought it would be."
Instead, it was "just knowing the procedures, policies, and laws" that presented the biggest challenge. "You're dealing with local, state, and federal laws," said Blazer, "and they're changing all the time. I'd take the books home with me at night and study for hours. The Special Education laws worried me the most."
"Just the amount of things you have to keep up with and know about just blows my mind," Blazer continued. "Being a principal meant I had to know a lot, but superintendent? Golly!"
When he entered office in 1988, records show that he oversaw a total of 444 employees, ranging from teachers and principals to maintenance, transportation, secretaries, aides, teaching assistants, and bus drivers. When he leaves office next week, he will relinquish the responsibility for 678 men and women now employed by the system.
When Blazer first came to office, he "had a lot of things in my mind" that he wanted to accomplish. "I really wanted planning time for teachers," he recalled. "Of course, I wanted salary increases and better benefits for the teachers. Insurance for the non-certified personnel was a big thing."
Blazer also pushed for additional and expanded programs, such as art, music, and physical education classes.
"We adopted a technology plan. We were just moving into the tech age then," he added.
"I asked Charlie Seehorn for advice and he urged me to have the system's books put on computer. Everything had been done by hand up to that time," said Blazer, "and now we've moved to digital."
Blazer quickly credited longtime office personnel Judy Butler and Barbara Davis with adapting to the ever-changing systems. "All of the staff here are wonderful," he said. "I've been blessed with good people around me."
When asked to name his proudest moment as superintendent/director, Blazer immediately said, "When we won the big lawsuit," in reference to the landmark case Tennessee Small Schools Systems vs. McWherter, filed in 1987,
"We joined the suit in 1988," Blazer said. "I asked the local board of education to join in, and the CLB helped with money because they knew what it would do if we won."
The lawsuit sought for state monies to be divided in a way to "even the playing ground" between the large and small systems.
Seventy-seven school systems eventually joined in the lawsuit. "Louis Donelson was our attorney and we won the original suit twice," Blazer explained. "We took it back for teacher equity and won again."
During the course of the lawsuit, Blazer had to travel to Nashville to give a deposition. "That lasted five hours," he said.
Blazer credits the increase in state dollars Cocke County has received as a result of the successful lawsuit with making it possible for all local schools to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (SACSS). "It would have been extremely hard, if not impossible, for us to do that without the money," Blazer said.
"We've also been able to add more programs, teachers, staff members, textbooks, and supplies," he added. "We have more librarians, counselors, and teachers for art, music, and physical education because of that victory."
Blazer is also happy about what he terms the "explosion of technology programs" now in place.
Another high point of his career was the successful completion of a $20 million dollar building program in 2003.
"We started discussions about that in 1993," he said, "and first approached the CLB for funds in 1995. The actual building didn't commence until 1999."
"I still don't know how I got through that," he laughed. Blazer was a "hands-on" member of the building program, working daily with the architects and builders. "I just wanted to make sure we got as much for our money as we possibly could," he said. His dedication to the program earned him the respect of architects who said they had never seen a director of schools so heavily involved before.
By 2003, every Cocke County school, except Northwest Elementary, had been expanded, plus the construction a new Central Office and bus garage, the purchase of a former veterinary clinic for conversion into the Cocke County Alternative School, the purchase of another building to become the Adult High School, and the purchase of a portable building to house the technology center.
"Northwest wasn't completely left out. They had enough classrooms already, but they did receive renovations," he said.
"And now we need more," Blazer added, in reference to the steady growth in the numbers of students enrolling in Cocke County schools.
Did he expect to stay 30 years?
"Not really. It just worked out that way," he answered. And he's not leaving the school system completely. He begins work in July in a part-time position to help newly-named Cocke County Director of Schools Manney Moore.
"I also expect to catch up on my fishing and spend time with my family. They have stood behind me all these years and it's been stressful for them," he said. "I appreciate and love them."
A reception this Sunday afternoon at First United Methodist Church's Nurture Center will honor Blazer.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 30 Jan 2014.
School Days 2!
Superintendents of Cocke County’s Schools
A total of 27 people have served as Superintendent of Cocke County’s schools beginning with Anderson A. Vinson in 1876. Three of them have been women—Lady Ruth O’Dell, Lagretta C. Parrott, and Beth O. Freeman. Two people have served in this position, left that office, and then returned as Superintendent at a later date: Roy T. Campbell, Sr. and Lagretta C. Parrott. Larry B. Blazer served the longest time—1988-2008. During Blazer’s tenure, the title of the office was changed to Director of Schools.
Anderson A. Vinson – 1876-1879
William Sheffey –1879--1881
John R. Shults – 1881--1883
Rufus L. Hickey – 1883-1885
J. Calvin Smallwood – 1885--1891
Washington ‘Wash’ Boyer -1891-1892
Robert Hickey-1892-1893
William Jasper Hatley—1893--1895
Jonas M. Thomas – 1895--1897
Frank W. Parrott—1897--1901
Andrew J. McMahan—1901--1907
R. P. Driskill—1907--1915
Oscar L. McMahan—1915--1920
Ruth Webb O’Dell--1920--1923
Roy T. Campbell, Sr.—1923--1928
Robert L. Marshall—1928--1932
Patterson C. Williams—1932-1936
Wayne Waters—1936--1940
Roy T. Campbell, Sr.—1940--1942
Deck C. Williams—1942--1944
Lagretta C. Parrott—1944--1952
Oscar Bryant—1952--1956
Lagretta C. Parrott—1956--1960
E. G. Bryant—1960--1964
James Everett Freshour—1964--1972
Beth O. Freeman—1972--1979
Charlie Seehorn—1979--1988
Larry Blazer—1988--2008
Manney Moore—2008--present
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