Board Privatizes Custodial Work, O.K.s Budget, Sells Parking Lot

The Jasper County School Board, at its regular meeting Monday evening, agreed to contract out custodial services for the system.

Board members had previously agreed to look at proposals and see if the system could save money by contracting out the service. Health care is so expensive to the system, the board thought the custodians might come out better by using a service. The board sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP), and the low bidder was HES Facilities, LLC. The cost of the contract is $839,616 annually.

The custodians currently working will have the opportunity to work for the firm, and it offers a better pay rate; it pays every two weeks, and it offers better retirement. The board unanimously approved the contract.

The board recognized members of the Jasper County Middle School track team which won a championship recently. Coach Christopher Owens introduced the team members and presented them with certificates. Board members took a photo with the team members that were present.

The board also recognized and took a photo with high school educators. Supt. Kenny Garland told how the high school was recognized or excellence by the U.S. News and World Report as being among the top schools in the state and in the nation.

The board agreed to sell the parking lot at Thomas Persons Hall to the Jasper County Historical Foundation (JCHF) with the caveat the school can still use if for special events…such as parade line up for homecoming. The JCHF offered to pay $20,000 plus closing costs for the property. Supt. Garland said he had it appraised when Rose Bowl Field was appraised, and that is close to the fair market value.

Supt. Garland reviewed the budget, saying it has increased some 30 percent. However, the proposed millage rate of 13.25 is a partial rollback, and lower than last year. The increases come form state mandated raises and increased benefit expenses. Because it is a tax increase, three public hearings will be held. The first one is set for Tuesday, June 11, at 11 a.m., with the second one that evening at 6 p.m. The third one will be held Tuesday, June 25, at 11 a.m.

Board members approved the new student handbook, which Supt. Garland said there were few changes, and outlined them. Dress code was tweaked just a little he said, and the vape policy, which was adopted this school year, has been added to it.

Board members unanimously approved the low bidder to refinish the high school gym floor. Principal Jim Strength said it has not been done since the school was built.

In other action at Tuesday’s regular meeting, board members—Chair Bill Schilling, Vice-Chair Erin Lynch, Towonder Dennis, Michelle Coward, and Larry Wilson, Jr.—unanimously approved:

•A memorandum of agreement with Foothills School.

•The payroll calendar for the 2024-25 year

•The job description for the District Safety and Security Coordinator

•Agreed to purchase a pick-up truck for the transportation department.

•Approved the consent agenda to include minute, field trips, fund raisers, and use of facilities requests.

At the end of the regular meeting, board members went into closed session to discuss personnel. After the session, they approved the following:

New Hire

•Andrew St. John, teacher, Jasper County High (JCHS)

•Mary Steverson, teacher, Jasper County Middle (JCMS)

•Jennifer Pruett, teacher, Washington Park Elementary (WPES)

•Anna Smith, Occupational Therapist, district-wide

•Faith Howard, teacher, JCMS

•Arthur Kusserow, teacher, JCMS

•Janet Clowers, School Nutrition Director, Central Office

•Kim Garrigus, counselor, JCMS

•Niki Howard, teacher, WPES

•Clarice Daugherty, teacher, JCHS

•Cora Wall, agriculture teacher, JCMS

•Erica Sands, substitute teacher

•Amelia Jenkins, teacher, Jasper County Primary (JCPS)

Resignation

•Precious Driskell, counselor, JCMS

•Jermain Washington, technology specialist, JCPS

•Lisa Kelly, 49% teacher, JCPS

•Kraig Howell, Director of Accountability and Professional Learning

•Shila Bartley, paraprofessional, JCPS

•Erica Sands, bookkeeper, JCMS

•Calandra Waller, Technology Specialist, JCMS

Retirement

•Audrey Stokes, administrative assistant, Central Office

•Donald Hardwick, custodian, JCHS

Transfer

•Armanda Sands, Interim Instructional Coach, WPES to Instructional Coach WPES

•Tiffany Fowler, Interim Assistant Principal, JCHS to Assistant Principal, JCHS

•Kim Ragan, Interim Assistant Principal, WPES to Assistant Principal WPES

•Kelly McQueen, paraprofessional, WPES to Preschool Data Clerk

Release from Contract

•Rhonda McFarland, teacher, JCHS

•Jessica Sills, counselor, JCHS