Interview with James Hampton

Partial Transcript: I'd like to start off by asking if you wouldn't mind relating some of your own personal history and background?

Segment Synopsis: Hampton discusses his education and career.

Keywords: Eastern Kentucky University; Neighborhood Youth Core; Union College

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: You said you were elected superintendent in '73?

Segment Synopsis: Hampton discusses issues that the county schools face. In particular, he talks about a recent strike by the school bus drivers that caused schools to be shut.

Keywords: Knox County Schools

Subjects: County school systems School boards School budgets School buildings School buses School consolidation Student transportation

Partial Transcript: Do you think it's better for a superintendent to be local?

Segment Synopsis: Hampton discusses funding issues. He criticizes basing funding on attendance because it does not account for outside issues. For example, when the school bus drivers went on strike, the schools had to close. This closure will effect the next year's budget and will lead to a shortage of teachers.

Keywords: ADA; Average daily attendance; Knox County Schools

Subjects: School budgets School buses School funds

Partial Transcript: Have you got a good vocational program here?

Segment Synopsis: Hampton discusses prioritizing which school programs get more funding. He also discusses that teachers are having to do too much paperwork.

Keywords: Knox County Schools

Subjects: School discipline State department of education Vocational school

Partial Transcript: Do you have more positive feelings about it than negative?

Segment Synopsis: Hampton describes what he feels it takes to be a good school principal.

Keywords: Knox County Schools

Subjects: School principals

Partial Transcript: Who are the leading decision makers?

Segment Synopsis: Hampton discusses how the school system interacts with the local community.

Keywords: Fiscal court; Knox County Schools

Subjects: County government School buses