School Board Holds Hearings
The Jasper County Board of Education members voted to submit their application for Jasper County Schools to begin the formal process with the state of Georgia to become a Charter System.
The board began talking about the various options well over a year ago when the state lawmakers gave school districts three management framework options to continue under. Jasper County chose the Charter System that allows more flexibility locally when it comes to education.
The board held two public hearings for the public to attend and to ask questions both last Friday and Tuesday nights where Superintendent Dr. Mike Newton began by giving an overview and a quick presentation on charter system. Dr. Newton stressed how excited he was that learning was going to become more individualized based on needs of “our” system. He also stressed that under the charter system the school was going to focus on three major areas including, attendance, literacy and mathematics.
There were several attendees at those hearings with questions. One of the parents asked about the effect, if any the charter system will have on school transportation. The same parent asked about students that participate in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and those students on a 504 Plan (aids student with learning and attention issues) being affected.
Dr. Newton stressed that he did not see any changes with either of those forthcoming.
Dr. Newton did mention several times that School Governance Teams (SGTs) would be most representative of the population and “will work with the Board of Education to provide more support for children and school.” Dr. Newton stated that SGTs would be made up of administration, teachers, parents, kids, and community members to focus on a particular school and to come up with innovative ways to teach students.
Dr. Newton was also asked about how the Charter system would affect getting three-year-olds into Pre-Kindergarten. He responded that it depended on Bright from the Start, the umbrella for which Pre-K falls under, but that he saw no immediate change. He was concerned with a bridge back to Pre-K for those students who come into Kindergarten behind, and that an amendment to the charter in the future would most likely be done.
According to a summation from Supt. Dr. Mike Newton, “A Charter System is a local school district that operates under the terms of a charter between the State Board of Education and the local school district. The system receives flexibility from certain state rules and regulations in exchange
for greater accountability. There is an emphasis on school-based leadership and decision making.”
Dr. Newton and the schools have an informational link on their website, complete with video and Powerpoint presentation for those that would like additional information. Visit www.jasper.k12.ga.us for more information.
As far as business goes for their regular meeting, the board recognized Chris Savage, Jasper County High School Band Director and the Marching Hurricanes for their outstanding showing at their competitions this season. Mr. Savage spoke to and thanked the board for having them and thanked the board for their continued support.
Mr. Savage spoke as to the December concerts that were the latest performance for the band and told the board that the bi-annual Kaleidoscope was coming up this year. He said that “band season never ends, but marching season has.”
Mr. Savage recognized his band officers that were in attendance and told the board that at their last competition every judge in each category scored the band, drum major, percussion, and auxiliary straight superiors, which is the top honor in the competitions.
He spoke to how well everyone did, and recognized Will Robinson who was recently named to All-State Band and is one of the top 10 trombone players in the state.
Dr. Newton told the band members, “I could not be more proud of you all. When you all go to these competitions, you all show up. You perform well and you represent our community well. And the parents—thank all of you for coming to support our kids. We have as many as some of those large schools, and are usually cheering louder.”
Board member Bobby Norris also commended the band saying, “I go to all of the games and I have to say that you, we are the best. I am proud of you and you truly are a class act.” Board chair Dr. Shannon Barton again thanked the members of the band and said how proud she was of them.
In other business, Dr. Barton was re-elected board chairman and Paul Kelly was re-elected vice chair.
Dr. ReNae Fendley, Director of Student Services, gave a report on attendance and intervention stating that the first meeting with parents regarding student attendance was held and was successful. She said that 12 out of 13 scheduled parent meetings were attended. She noted that attendance is monitored and then goes before an attendance review board constructed with school officials, DFCS, law enforcement, and more.
There was also personnel action during the business meeting with Jeffrey Meadors being hired as an English teacher at Jasper County High School (JCHS). Mary Sheriff resigned as computer facilitator at Jasper County Middle School (JCMS) and Chantell Amburgy was moved into that position from previously being a substitute teacher. Both Sanquenish Rockmore, PEC Paraprofessional and Alexis Grzybowski’s resignations were also approved.
In other personnel action, Christopher Swars transfer to full-time PEC teacher at JCHS from substitute teacher was approved and Stacey Crutchfield transferred to custodian from School Food Assistant. Sara Ross’ retirement from School Food Assistant was also approved.
Dr. Newton noted that any action on Governor’s Education would more likely pushed to the next legislative session. He also noted that there would be a question on the election ballot in November for an “Opportunity School District.” He said that this would allow the state to intervene with failing schools. He noted that he had some concerns as it is modeled from other states that already have this in place and the state turns to private for profit Charter Schools to facilitate while the local taxpayers finance the system with zero voice.
