School Board Approves Insurance; Gets Update
The Jasper County School Board held its monthly business meeting on May 19, and took action on several items presented at the work session the week before.
Billy Bryant from the Washington Park Elementary School (WPES) school governance team presented a summary of activities for the school year. He stated appreciation of the faculty and staff of WPES in their service to the students.
He noted 81 percent of instructional packets were returned to the school for grading during the fourth nine weeks while students were out of school because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted the organization of the packets made clear the expectations for his child during recent weeks.
Finally, he noted significant gains in reading performance through an analysis of fall to winter MAP data. He attributed the gains through Reading Horizons program implemented in the fall 2020. The board thanked Mr. Bryant for the presentation.
During the regular meeting the board accepted the Georgia School Board’s Association proposal for Risk Management and Worker’s Compensation plans, including cyber risk for the bid of $90,248. The board had reviewed the options at the work session.
The board viewed several photos of the new athletic complex and is confident that the Class of 2020 graduation can be held there, weather permitting. It is almost complete.
After hearing a proposal at the work session from Transportation Director Jerry Williams, Supt. Kenny Garland asked the board for approval to develop a proposal to be developed in the leasing of seven buses over a seven year cycle. In addition, the system will continue to purchase buses annually with money provided by the state. The school’s bus fleet is aging, and this is a step to improve the situation. Currently, bus shop personnel spend much time making major repairs which cost the system substantially. Hopefully the lease of new buses will reduce the amount of time and money spent on repairs.
Mr. Garland told the board that administrative team meetings will be held June 1-11, with all schools to develop potential procedures and protocols in beginning the new school year in August.
The board also approved numerous fund raisers.
Personnel approved at the meeting includes:
New Hires:
Lindsay James, teacher, WPES.
Barbara Crews, substitute teacher.
Resignation:
Matthew Martin, teacher/athletic director, Jasper County High School.
Transfer
Tomiko Rooks, paraprofessional, WPES, transfer to parapro at Jasper County Middle School.
Retirement
Kathleen Hatchett, EL coordinator, Jasper County Board of Education
