School Holds Hearings, Regular Meeting Too
No members of the public showed up to comment on the Jasper County School Board’s budget when they held two public hearings Tuesday.
However, Supt. Kenny Garland reviewed the highlights of the budget for those gathered for the public hearing and regular meeting Tuesday evening. He explained that the system is taking a partial rollback, making the proposed millage rate 13.25. The problem, he explained, is one the millage rate drops below 14, the school stands a chance of losing equalization funds, which this year was $1,774, 000.
He explained increases are mostly related to growth in the school system, but there are also several positions that were previously funded with CARES and American Rescue Plan funds. Those funds are now expended, and the positions are still needed, so the local budget will have to cover those positions.
A big reason for increases in the budget is the cost of employee health care. In addition, they budgeted a bit more for utilities and technology. Also, they increased the budget line for substitute teachers.
The superintendent explained that enrollment when he arrived in 2019 was approximately 2,150, and this year it is anticipated to be 2,775.
After the public hearing, the board entered into the regular meeting, where the first item of business was to honor Mrs. Audrey Stokes who is retiring. Mrs. Stokes has served as administrative assistant to the superintendent for a long time, having worked with four superintendents and numerous school board members.
Supt. Garland explained it is time to adopt new literacy curriculum, and said they looked at several for K-5 and for grades 6-8. They chose Benchmark Advanced for the K-5 program at a cost of $400,000. The curriculum will be used for six years. That company did not offer the 6-8 curriculum, so the board went with the proposal from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
They also agreed to purchase I-iReady reading and mathematics program for $93,779. This has been used from some time, and they are happy with it.
The board voted to purchase a new intercom system for the high school from K-12. The board also approved upcoming board training. They also approved a risk management bid for a total of $262,948, which is up a little from last year.
They approved the financial reports that showed revenues exceeding expenditures at this time.
The board also approved numerous fund raiser and field trip requests.
They went into closed session to discuss personnel, then took the following action:
New Hire
Ashley Johnson, teacher, Jasper County Primary School (JCPS)
Tiffany Matthews, teacher, JCPS
Chris Carroll, teacher, Jasper County High School (JCHS)
Emmett Clower, part-time athletic facilities manager/bus driver.
Debra Collins, substitute bus driver/trainer
Beverly Peek, substitute teacher
Lisa Kelly, substitute teacher
Tamala Alexander, front office, Jasper County Middle School (JCMS)
Veronica Blayton, teacher, JCHS
Resignation
Sanqueninta Barron, school nutrition purchasing coordinator
Crystal Hale, speech paraprofessional, JCPS
Faith Howard, teacher, JCMS
Transfer
Lauren Morrison, district counselor, to JCHS
Mary Tumlin, middle school teacher to CTAE/Testing Coordinator, Central Office (CO)
J. Matt Tumlin, transportation director to safety coordinator, CO
Camilla Moss, SNF Director to Federal Program/Student Services Director, CO
Shakela Standifer, Pre-K receptionist to Administrative Assistant, Central Office
Release from Contract
Lisa Bell, teacher, JCPS
The school board voted last month to privatize the janitorial services.. Therefore the following people are being released from the school’s employment as they transfer employment to HES.
Tiffany Baker, Summer Beatty, Keisha Campbell, Stacey Crutchfield, Monica Dallas, Katlyn Hamlin, Tiffany Ingram, Jackie Jackson, William Martin, Freddie Moore, Lisa Ridley, Tiffani Terry, Tori Thomaston, Tanaka Thurman, Sara Martin, Sub. Custodian, Leatrice Thomas, Thomas Miller, r. Rossie Andrews, Patricia Armour. That change will take effect July 1.
