Commissioner Adams Makes Peace With Schools

It appears Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams is making peace with the school system after years of complaints and critiques.

Friday Adams spoke openly about the need to "move on" and build a better relationship in what he calls a code of encouragement. Commissioner Adams said his problem in the past was not with the system, but former Superintendent Jesse Register. Adams says those days are history and this time around, he guaranteed he would not let Jim Scales fail.

The Kiwanis Club member introducing Commissioner Curtis Adams said over the last couple of years the perception of politics changed Adams as anti-education. Adams says that's not so, but his sharp criticism of former Superintendent Jesse Register may have molded that view.

"We're starting all over and what you do, you start a new term. You clean out your files and get rid of old stuff," Mr. Adams said.

New hamilton County School Superintendent, Dr. Jim Scales, said, "I'm looking forward to working with them, forming a very positive working relationship. That's what we are charged to do. I think the public deserves that."

Commissioner Adams mentioned an about face of his own behavior with the past superintendent. Adams said that any criticisms of the new superintendent should be discussed privately, not in the public eye... a very different tac from what the Commissioner has taken in some past cases.

Adams noted one big problem with Hamilton County youth. Crime.

From 2000 to 2005, Adams pointed out almost 24 thousand cases with kids appeared in juvenile court.

In that same time frame, the school system saw almost 15 hundred drug cases and 60 weapons found.

Adams believes the school system, specifically Jim Scales, can make a difference.