School Board Honors Students at Meeting
By KATHY MUDD
The Jasper County School Board met in the high school auditorium for their regular March business meeting on March 5 as they had numerous groups to recognize for their high achievement.
The meeting started out with Supt. Kenny Garland urging those present to vote yes to extending the current one percent sales tax. It was on the ballot Tuesday. He commented on how much money it brings in, and how that money will be used for badly-needed expansion. All four schools are near or at capacity. He said the system is up 500 students since he was initially hired in 2018.
Then the board recognized Jasper County Primary School students who participated in and won an international competition on “plant the moon.” They measured the growth of the plants, documenting how much they grew, what type soil it was in, and how much to water.
JCPS gifted students won first place in both elementary categories in The Plant the Moon Challenge. The first grade team, ‘To Infinity and Beyond’, tested growing sunflowers in various amounts of moon regolith (simulated moon dirt) mixed with potting soil. They won Best in Show for Most Growth.
First grade team members include (left to right) M.J. Hays, Scarlett Thomas, River Forrest, Brayden Brand, Karlie Sands, Tobias Greenwood, Brenna Bennett, Easton Hayslip, Brinlee Mills, Abigail Wilson, Rucker Jackson, and (not pictured) Bryson Cosby, Madison Patton, Aaron Monterrey-Martinez, James Gonzalez, Kestrel Harty, and Lacy Sellers.
The adults include (left to right) Board Chair Bill Schilling, Vice-Chair Erin Lynch, Supt. Kenny Garland, Teachers Lisa Kelly and Elizabeth Proctor, Board members Towonder Dennis, Michelle Coward and Steve “Bubba” Wilson, Jr. and Principal Pam Edge.
The second grade team, ‘The Moon Walkers’, amended moon regolith with sulfur and potting soil to grow sunflowers. They attempted to change the pH and won Best in Show for Most Innovative Project.
Those team members include (left to right) : Kaidence Futral, River Place, Jack Henderson, Elliot Hoffman, Eden Jackson, Cynthia Sanchez-Martinez, Ransom Braswell, Colten Hattaway, Lula Murdock, Jacie Thompson, Elodie Morton, Lexi Housworth, and (not pictured) Gunnar Banks, Hunter Cable, Hank Cline, Ana Gunthel, and Ryder Hoy.
After recognizing those students, the board recognized the middle school girls basketball team members and the high school boys basketball team members. In addition, it is school board appreciation month, so each of the board members received a token of appreciation. Board members Bill Schilling (chair) and Erin Lynch (vice-chair) both announced they will not be seeking re-election.
After recognizing the students, the board members and guests heard presentations from each schools’ governance teams.
After handling much business, the school board went into closed session to discuss personnel. Afterwards, they came out and approved the following personnel changes:
New Hire—Christie Wallace, teacher, Jasper County Middle School (JCMS); Mary Vandervoet, paraprofessional, Washington Park Elementary School (WPES); Kaitlyn Tabares, teacher, Jasper County Primary (JCPS); Jackie Jackson, custodian, WPES; Elianny Hidalgo, Sub Food Assistant, all schools; Lillian McGalliard, teacher, Jasper County High School; Mitchell Andrews, Sub Custodian, JCHS; Rudolph Tabares, teacher, JCHS).
Resignation—Jeremy Best, Grounds/Maintenance, Central Office; Timithy Brown, custodian, JCHS; Christopher Owens, teacher, JCMS; Michael Mitchell, Bus Monitor, transportation; Scott McElheney, teacher, JCHS.
Transfer—Sarah Mason, Athletic Bookkeeper, transfer to Payroll Clerk, Central Office
Retirement—Debra Collins, Bus Driver/Trainer, transportation; Emmett Clower, paraprofessional, JCMS
This week, Supt. Garland announced Dr. Susan Stone, Chief Academic Officer, was selected as the new Superintendent of Treutlen County (Soperton) schools. Dr. Stone will begin her new role effective April 1.
“Dr. Stone has provided excellent leadership for our school system during her tenure. While I am excited for her as she moves into a new role, there will be some holes to fill in terms of her work as Chief Academic Officer.
“Moving forward during the transition, Camilla Moss will assume the role(s) of federal programs. Ms. Moss has experience in working with federal programs through her leadership roles as Director of Pre-K and most recently Director of School Nutrition.
“The system will begin a search immediately to fill the vacant positions at Central Services.”
