School Board Handles Business

The Jasper County School Board held its regular meeting Tuesday evening with two members missing, but enough to make a quorum.

Members Lewis Rice and Towonder Dennis were not in attendance at the meeting, chaired by Bill Schilling with members Erin Lynch and Dr. Shannon Barton present.

The board will have a special called meeting on Thursday, July 28, at 10 a.m. to approve a couple of items that were postponed.

One such item is the revised certified/classified employee handbook. Supt. Kenny Garland explained many policies had been added/revised/or revamped through the years and it’s time. Board members have an opportunity to review the handbook before it is adopted.

Board members discussed the future of Rose Bowl Field with Mr. Garland explaining that it costs the system a small amount to maintain the field now, but to make it usable, more expense would be required.

He explained the board could “surplus” the property and sell it to the highest bidder, hopefully for fair market value after it has been appraised, or the board can keep the property and make the necessary repairs to make it usable for the community.

Board members discussed that at one time recreation ball was played there, but apparently the children have been playing at Hurricane Field since its completion.

Mr. Garland said a survey would be necessary if it was to be sold, and may be a good idea regardless.

Dr. Barton said if it wouldn’t take a tremendous amount of money to fix it would be nice to have for a soccer field.

Mr. Schilling said he members a quote from a couple of years ago in the neighborhood of $150,000-$200,000, but also discussed the traditions of the community.

Drawbacks to the property is the lack of parking and handicapped access. Mr. Garland said the bleachers need work, and mentioned the field house and press box need to be assessed. Mr. Garland said electrical work is required and school finance director Anne Born said plumbing work is needed.

Mr. Garland said that the system should fix it or sell it. He said notices would run for 28 days, and be opened in public.

Dr. Barton said it would be better for it to be used by somebody.

Mr. Schilling said we should proceed deliberately.

Mr. Garland reminded board members that the system is growing and a long term plan is needed. He said we have a good school system, and we are approaching an impasse on growth. He said the middle school is already considered overcrowded. He said we need to look at the short term, and especially the long term.

He also mentioned that with Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) proceeds coming in like they are it will be time to renew that SPLOST sooner than anticipated.

Mr. Garland then explained to board members that as we grow the system is not considered a poor, rural county like it was. The growth has changed the demographics somewhat, and it may affect funding.

He also said that the federal guidelines are back for the free/reduced lunch program and that it will be very important for parents to complete the forms for their children.

Early in the meeting, the board heard from David Dyer with the Development Authority of Jasper County who explained the effect of tax incentives offered to Profile Products a new company locating here. It is anticipated to employ 62 individuals the first year, and after three years, expansion is anticipated.

The school will get more money from the company that it is currently receiving in property tax from the location.

Mr. Garland introduced the new Athletic Director—Jeff Holloway. Mr. Holloway reviewed the new athletic code of conduct. He said it no longer requires the parent to provide proof of insurance, and that for the middle school eligibility can be assessed by the semester rather than by the year. He said he thought the handbook was important for clear communication to the student athletes.

Board members spent some time discussing testing, not voting to make any changes this year, but looking at options and possibly changing some platforms by next year.

Mr. Garland said the Charter System had been renewed for the next five years, but that he had no specific feedback. He said the system has received full Cognia accreditation.

Nutrition Director Mary Richardson reported she had finally found a milk vendor, and the board approved all the vendors for food service.

The board approved revised job descriptions for several positions.

After a closed session to discuss personnel, the board approved the following:

New Hire

•Megan Abbott, permanent substitute teacher, Jasper County Preschool

•Gabriel Mask, permanent substitute teacher, Jasper County High School (JCHS)

•Jade Campbell, permanent substitute teacher, JCHS

•Caitlin Aquino, paraprofessional, Jasper County Primary School (JCPS)

•Braley Mitchell, paraprofessional, JCPS

•Sarah Born, substitute custodian, Jasper County Board of Education

•Brandy Mason, School Nutrition Assistant Manager, JCPS

•Leslie Womack, paraprofessional, Preschool

•Brittany Ross, paraprofessional, Preschool

•Nash Bragg, paraprofessional, Preschool

•Ashley Clegg, teacher, Jasper County Middle School

Resignation

•Brenda Nelson, teacher, Preschool

Transfer

•Mary Sue Carter, teacher, Preschool, transfer from teacher at Preschool to Health & Safety Coordinator at Preschool

•Courtney Fritz, paraprofessional, Washington Park Elementary School, transfer from paraprofessional at WPES to paraprofessional at Preschool

•Allison Claborn, paraprofessional, Preschool, transfer from paraprofessional at Preschool to paraprofessional at WPES

Retirement

•Shelia Dennis, Health & Safety Coordinator, Preschool