Jay Brinson Gets Three Year Renewal
Jay Brinson was appointed Superintendent of Jasper County Schools for another three year term by an official 3-2 vote of the Board of Education Tuesday evening.
Supt. Brinson’s previous contract, also for a term of three years, was set to expire June 30, 2007—just prior to the opening of the new high school. School board members agreed 4-1 to offer the superintendent a contract extension in August and since that time has deliberated on the matter during numerous executive sessions.
School board members Phyllis Norwood, Stacey Standifer, and Joy Wild voted in favor of the new contract whereas Joel Gaston and Paul Kelly dissented.
In addition to taking action to keep Supt. Brinson in office, school board members prepared for the growth of the school system he will continue to oversee for the next three years by unanimously approving a preschool construction architectural contract with Roof, Loia & Robertson for $1.5 million. The architectural firm was also contracted by the school system to complete the plans for the new high school.
The preschool project, funded by allocated S.P.L.O.S.T monies, includes the construction of a new preschool center approximately 14,000 square feet in size. The contract includes the projected costs of construction now valued at more than $120 per square foot and a six percent fee for the firm.
Other action taken by the school board included employment of Miranda Sarkesian and Jennifer McPherson as cafeteria assistants; approval of three policy revisions—compulsory attendance, child abuse and neglect reporting, and homebound instruction programs; approval of seven fundraising requests at the middle and high school; and approval of four overnight field trips.
The highlight of the meeting for some three dozen spectators was the recognition of five system-wide Young Georgia Author winners. The youth were awarded for composing literature works in essay or poem form that were deemed superior by a panel of judges.
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Students receiving engraved plaques were third grader Shelby Camp, fifth grader Chase Caron, seventh grader Deonte Norwood, eighth grader Phillips Workman, and ninth grader Robert Pulliam.
During his monthly report to the board, Supt. Brinson reviewed the current finances for the system. He said that at this point of the year, like most years in the past, the system’s expenses ($2 million) are exceeding revenues ($1.4 million). That outlook should change once property tax collection begins, he commented.
The traditional preschool, enrollment, adequate yearly progress, social work, and health services report were also recapped for the past month.
Curriculum Director Penni Jones informed the board that supplemental instruction services for the middle school had begun. The services include after school instruction for youth in need of assistance as it relates to standardized testing.
Mrs. Jones said that 50 percent of the students who participate in the program pass the test. However, the after school service is not a requirement for students.
Supt. Brinson also informed board members that Primary Care Center will be providing flu shots to personnel, if desired, at Washington Park and the middle/high school on Tuesday, Oct. 24 and at the primary school on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
The superintendent announced that the Jasper County’s Technical Honor Society will conduct its first-ever induction ceremony at the high school on Thursday, Nov. 2.
