School Board Honors Young Writers
Jasper County Board of Education members, minus Stacey Standifer, took little time to dispense of school system business during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
After Curriculum Director Penni Jones recognized three local students—Tyler Cooper, Ansley Wood, and Jeff Goehlke—for their writing efforts in the 2004 Young Georgia Author’s contest, Superintendent Jay Brinson provided the usual monthly reports.
Financially, he reported that the school system remains in sound financial condition with just over $1 million in taxes collected thus far. He also provided board members with a update of funds collected from the 2003 SPLOST.
During a review of the monthly school reports school board members learned that student enrollment numbers remain steady with approximately 100 more students in the system this year. Attendance reports were not available.
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Mr. Brinson reported that 98 percent of the students taking the graduation test for the first time had passed. The percentage is higher than the state’s average.
With regard to the high school, seven students have been recommended for virtual learning school by which qualifying students will earn their diplomas via email and phone correspondance with a certified teacher.
Mr. Brinson also provided a fuel update for the system which includes ordering fuel supplies at least five days in advance of need at unknown costs until delivery. He said that field trips would be limited to those previously approved outside of academic and athletic competitions.
Board members did approve an overnight field trip request from the middle school principal to take two chartered buses to Washington, D.C. March 8-12. The bus cost and fuel would be covered by funds paid by the youth for the trip. The estimated cost is $300 and is open to all middle school students.
In personnel, the termination of DeAndrea Jackson as a custodian was accepted. Resignations for Karen Williford, high school math teacher; Sandra McDonald, head start teacher; Becky Starley, central office secretary; and Temos Wooten, media paraprofessional were accepted.
New employment was approved for Carol Love as a high school math teacher, Ashley Kennedy as high school Spanish teacher, and Traves Hyman as an eighth grade teacher. Also Kim Dearro was transferred from head start paraprofessional to head start teacher.
Two previously reviewed policy revisions to the Standards for Local School Committee were given final approval. The revisions were regarding accounting and reporting procedures in addition to the superintendent evaluation process.
Three fundraising requests including a drama club talent show on January 28, middle/high school book fair February 5-15, and a faculty/student volleyball game on March 3 were approved.
Lamar Crawley, Greg Robinson, and David Aldridge were appointed to serve on the Jasper County Recreation Board.
Mr. Brinson also provided board members with a positive health update of fellow board member Mrs. Standifer. Since suffering a stroke last week, several visits to the missing school board member revealed that she is in good spirits and recuperating nicely, said the superintendent.
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During last week’s work session, school board members received a detailed presentation on the activities of the School Improvement Team. The presentation was led by Johnnie Sue Moore, a business education teacher. Also present were team members Sharon Aiken, Toni Reese, Elizabeth Proctor, Allison Clark, and Karen Martin.
Supt. Brinson reported that construction on the new high school was progressing with the pouring of the first floor slab expected soon. He also said that a meeting had been conducted with city manager Hugh King and Keck & Wood engineers regarding the water and sewer services and that the widening of Hwy. 11 had been discussed with county manager Greg Williams.
