School Opening Goes Well
Jasper County School Superintendent Dr. Mike Newton informed board members Tuesday that the first day of school went “extremely well, even though there was a lightning storm at Jasper Co. Primary School (JCPS) about the time of dismissal.”
He heard good reviews and no parent complaints from board members, and he noted that other than delaying the kids for safety purposes at JCPS everything else went seamlessly.
Dr. Newton told the board that there is an increase of 69 students this year making the grand total about 2,400 in Jasper County public schools. He said, “I am very thankful to the board for supporting those additional teaching positions.”
He also stated that a part-time teacher or paraprofessional may need to be added for the special education classes at JCPS. He said that there was an additional 20 kids coming into special education classes system-wide, noting that Jolynn Aubry was doing an excellent job and that “we have a great reputation as far as what we offer these kids.”
Board members voted unanimously to adjust the pay scale for those employed with HeadStart programs. The adjustment will allow a teacher who holds a Special Education teaching certificate to receive the full certified pay using the DECAL scale, according to Dr. Newton.
The board voted to approve $10,000 to go to the library after hearing from a representative from the library on the increases in computer and internet use along with an increase in library cards, and increased participation in summer reading programs. The money allotted for the library had already been budgeted for FY2015.
Members of the board also approved 3-2 the allowance of insurance to be offered to members of the Board of Education. There was much discussion as to where the funds for this would come from, stating that it would cost $3,000 a month if every board member chose to take the insurance. Board members Lewis Rice, Shannon Barton and Bobby Norris voted for, with members Erin Lynch and Paul Kelly against. The vote only allows board members to participate; it does not obligate members to receive health insurance.
Three policies went onto the table for a 30 day review by the board members and public and will be voted to be put into place in September. Those policies include the student weapons policy, JCDAE; a policy on internet use and technology, IFBG; and a policy on policy development, BD. These policies are available on the schools website www.jasper.k12.ga.us under the eboard tab.
There will be a ribbon cutting on the new Ag barn at Jasper County High School, Friday, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m.
Personnel action was taken and the following new hires were approved, Tamika Thomas, teacher and Varsity Girls Head Basketball Coach, (JCPS); paraprofessionals, Tina Dougherty, Jasper County High School (JCHS), Jessica Mathers, JCPS, Sandra Fore, JCPS, Angela Savage, JCHS, Tara Hanso, WPES, and Suzanne Zech, JCPS.
Other new hires include Jesus Baustista, custodian, Washington Park Elementary School (WPES) and JCHS; Sonja Jordan, Art Teacher, JCPS; and Tracy Glawson, Teacher Assistant, JCHS.
Resignations received and approved included Justin Kelly, Kimberly Dearro, and Sharita Wise.
