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Marczak pens contract as new schools director

By TIM HODGE thodge@c-dh.net Chris Marczak officially became Maury County’s new director of schools after he signed a four-year contract Thursday. Marczak will have an annual salary of $175,000. He made the move during a school board meeting at the Horace O. Porter school in Columbia. Marczak begins his first day Friday morning. The board approved Marczak as the new …

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Survey: Educators optimistic

A majority of Maury County educators believe there is much opportunity for the school system in the next five years, according to a recent survey. More than half of those surveyed feel there are still some challenges that need addressing. Teachers and principals completed the poll to help develop Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance’s campaign, “The Grass is Greener …

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Q & A: Maury County Director of Schools Chris Marczak

Chris Marczak is mid-stride in his first week as Maury County director of schools, and The Daily Herald sat down with him to discuss the position and taking over a new district. He officially signed a four-year contract on Aug. 13, and began his first day the following Friday — which proved to be an eventful day. An automated threat …

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Mayor’s Lunch brings hope for county’s future

If there is one thing Maury County leaders can agree on, it is that the county has a bright future and opportunities for growth. The first Mayor’s Lunch was held at Farm Bureau Insurance Tuesday, which included speeches from Mayor Dean Dickey representing Columbia, Bethany Lay, wife of Spring Hill City Administrator Victor Lay, and Interim City Manager Mark Henderson …

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Maury Co.’s ‘Grass is Greener’ campaign follows proven model

By MARY BETH WEST Special to The Daily Herald The Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance just launched in partnership with Maury County Public Schools an unprecedented campaign – “The Grass is Greener Where You Water It” – aimed at making educational achievement the community’s focal point. My firm is privileged to work with the Maury Alliance in helping craft …

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Alliance promotes Maury schools

From The Columbia Daily Herald – Tim Hodge The Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance is joining forces with the school system to launch a campaign aimed at promoting education as a top community priority. MCCEA’s Education Task Force has partnered with Mary Beth West Communications and Maury County Public Schools to launch the Maury County Education Advocacy Campaign. The …

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Life on the line and beyond

Every day, thousands of people go to work at the General Motors manufacturing facility in Spring Hill. The plant currently produces the Chevrolet Equinox, as well as a number of other automotive parts, including 4-cylinder engines. It takes a lot of coordination, skill and training to keep everything running smoothly inside the massive, 6.9 million square foot building. And that …

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Vacant Columbia building becomes music hot spot

By TIM HODGE thodge@c-dh.net After three years, a once-vacant building in downtown Columbia has a new life filled with meals and music. Venue Tenn, 117 W. 7th St., was recently opened by co-owners Cody Sumpter and Emily Terrell. The couple also operates another location in Spring Hill — Venue 10 — which has been open for a little more than …