School Board O.K.’s Two Retirements

The Jasper County Board of Education met for its regular business meeting Thursday, Nov. 15 and approved the retirement of Dr. Angela Gordon, assistant principal at Jasper County High School and also the retirement of Diane Perry, fourth grade teacher at Washington Park effective the end of December.

There was also a vote for the extension of the contract for Dr. Mike Newton, school superintendent for two years effective June 1, 2013 and ending May 31, 2015 or until renewed.

They also approved the resignation of Alyssa Leggett a math interventionist at Washington Park, and voted to hire Mary Nell Tanner, for the same position.

The board also heard from the Lady ’Canes softball team about their season. The ladies were the region champions. Each of the girls introduced themselves to the board members and told them what year they were in school as well as what position they played. Each lady gave some insight from the season.

{{more}}

Head coach Chris Jenkins was also on hand and thanked the board for allowing them to come.

Coach Jenkins said, “We are extremely proud of our season but not completely satisfied—we are working hard already on next season so that next year we can make it all of the way to Columbus.”

Coach Jenkins continued, “They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a ton of people to make this program successful, and most of those helpers are behind the scenes. I especially want to thank the parents, and those that get the girls to and from practices and games. I want to thank Perry Hyde and Mrs. Robyn Mullis for being so supportive.”

“It is the third time in five years that we’ve won region. I have great kids that are not only successful on the ball field, but successful and positive at school, and in the community.”

The Lady ’Canes include Aaliyah Barnes, C.J. Jackson, Allison Scroggs, KeAusha Warren, Janee Chapman, Taylor Garrett, Beth Hart, Aalyric Usher, Akeili Ross, Tierra Whitlock, Heather Anderson, Destiny Glawson, Samantha Johnson, and Morgan Studdard.

Jasper County High School principal, Robyn Mullis said “I am proud of the girls and proud of how they did even when we were in less accommodating areas. I am very appreciative of the parents and I am just really proud of them. I have a lot of pictures on my desk from my previous school, and this winning region photo is the start of replacing those.”

The board also had a presentation from Dr. Princess Clark, the school guidance counselor, on the Homeless Assistance Act and requirements for that classification.

Dr. Clark told the board that homeless doesn’t necessarily mean living poor on the streets. She said that it can mean multiple families in one home, students living in hotels/motels, neglected and migratory students that are from another county but their parents have located here to find employment.

She reported that there are 104 students currently classified as homeless in Jasper County. Thirty-five percent are at Jasper County Primary School, 31 percent at Washing Park, 17 percent at JCMS and JCHS. She said that 66 percent of these students are white, eight percent are Hispanic, 20 percent are black, and six percent are multi-racial.

It was also reported that 51 percent were males and 49 percent were females. These conditions are due 75 percent to economic conditions.

Dr. Newton reported that both JCMS and JCHS were placed on the list as being reward schools for high progress. There was a related story in last week’s edition of The Monticello News.

In other action the board:

•Voted to approve fund raiser requests, two overnight field trips, and use of facilities requests

•Voted to surplus two automobiles to be sold for scrap and several old books that will be donated to the Shady Dale Library.

•Heard an update on the old building at the Civic Center learning that it was not torn down yet, and the cost that the school would incur would be +/- $1,000 for debris removal.

•Were reminded that the next board meeting work session is set for December 13 and the business meeting will be December 18 at 7 p.m.