School Board Discusses Stanton Springs Funds
The Jasper County Board of Education took little action but had much to discuss during its regular meeting Tuesday. The board did vote on personnel, a budget amendment for FY18, and the consent agenda. Dr. Newton informed the board of the successful first day and week of school as well as updated them on financials and facilities.
One of the items that did spark much discussion was that of an e-mail received by Dr. Newton from the attorney for Jasper County. Dr. Newton informed the board that he’s been in contact with Mike Benton, the County Manager for Jasper County, regarding an agreement between the county and the BOE that was made in 2016 regarding the Joint Development Authority (JDA) and the revenues from that investment split.
Dr. Newton explained that Stanton Springs has brought in enough revenue that the JDA has now repaid each of the initial four county investors the sum of their initial investments. Dr. Newton explained that in July 2016 there was an agreement signed between the four counties and their school boards. When Dr. Newton asked Mr. Benton about the agreement, Mr. Benton didn’t know about the agreement. Dr. Newton had a copy of the agreement.
On Sept. 20, 2016, the Jasper County BOE entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the county regarding revenue sharing of the 1,600 acre tract that is Stanton Springs. The agreement is considered the levying tool because of none of the land is in Jasper County, and all agreed to split revenues as they do regular maintenance and operations (M&O).
Dr. Newton informed the board that he’s inquired with Mr. Benton since August 24, 2017 several times – “I’ve contacted the county several times, at least six, and have documentation of doing so,” he said. He had the August 24 e-mail in hand and said that it specifically was about the county/school bond agreement.
Dr. Newton most recently contacted and met with Mr. Benton on August 15, 2018. He said that he informed Mr. Benton that it was time to move forward with the agreement and asked if the county could come to the table as revenues were to come in. He said that as a steward of the board, they would like their share. Mr. Benton told Mr. Newton that the BOC met that night and he would get back to him.
After the meeting Dr. Newton received the email stating that “regarding funding the Board of Commissioners have no immediate plans to act on this matter.” It was signed by the county attorney. Dr. Newton said that the e-mail also asked Dr. Newton not to send or contact the county manager regarding this matter moving forward. It was stated that the BOE should contact the county attorney or Commission Chairman Carl Pennamon.
There was much discussion about what it all meant and what the BOC is legally obligated to do with the agreements that are in place. Dr. Newton said that the BOC legally has to come to the table to discuss revenues. He said that the other three counties have already split their revenues with their school boards, according to M&O, the same as taxes.
Dr. Shannon Barton, school board member, asked, “Isn’t this taxpayer money? I don’t believe any of those other three BOE’s gave any money initially. By not splitting it only costs our tax payers money in the future for school kids. It’s stupid for them not to do it.” Dr. Barton also asked if every member of the BOC knew of the e-mail from the county attorney.
Erin Lynch, school board member, said, “we’re all on the same team. We’re in the same county and we all want a brighter, better future. These kids are the future of our county, and we should all be in this as a team.”
Dr. Newton then commented that he was confused as to why the county attorney sent the letter and why it can’t be a conversation between himself and Mike Benton. He said that he has repeatedly attempted and asked that the county and the BOE come together and meet. He said that it has been “stalled” by the BOC – for over 18 months now there has not been a response on their end.
It was suggested that the chairman of each entity (William “Bill” Schilling and Carl Pennamon) meet to discuss and work out the details.
In response, Dr. Newton recommended that the BOE reply with a letter to all Board of Commissioners. He said that he would “be ready to do whatever to get the children of the county what they deserve.” He said, “I understand that the BOC needs money that can go to road repairs, and other county needs. But we, the BOE have needs as well, and we’re educating the future with these kids.”
He then read the letter that (in summary) was matter of fact regarding previous dates where he requested a meeting and then stated the BOE’s position and asked for a meeting with the BOC in September or October. Each of the BOE members signed the letter that will be sent to each Commissioner and the county attorney.
The meeting opened with several recognitions for student accomplishment and outstanding work. The board recognized Keri Roach, a senior who recently placed first in the nation on her subject, Health Care Administration, at the national Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competition held in Baltimore, MD.
Dr. Newton complimented Ms. Roach on her outstanding accomplishment and said, “Keri has represented us well. In addition to this huge win, she’s been actively involved in the 4-H program and has had many accomplishments there, along with academic accomplishments here. There’s not an awards program that hasn’t had Keri up on stage.”
Jerry Williams was also recognized and given an award for Safe Pupil Transportation by the Director of Pupil Transportation with the Dept. of Education Pat schofill. Mr. Williams’ program was the Division 2 winner. GDOE Director of Pupil Transportation was at the meeting to present Mr. Williams with two award signs to be displayed. He noted how familiar he was with Mr. Williams and how much he does with his program to go above and beyond the daily duties.
Dr. Newton praised Mr. Williams, who has been Transportation Director for 19 years. He said “I appreciate you folks and all of the hard work that you do. Jasper County has 300 plus miles of dirt roads, and Jerry knows them all. He cares about kids, his folks and leads them in the right direction.”
In the facilities report, Perry Hyde updated the board on the Jasper County Middle School project stating that it was almost completed. He said that it went well and that the bleachers in the gym would be completed by next week. He said that there were still a few punch items left, but that overall everything looked good.
Several of the board members commented on the Facebook post regarding the upgrades and all of the positive feedback that the community has given on the project. They had great reviews during open house and from previous athletes that utilized the gym.
For the JCHS Athletic Complex, Mr. Hyde said that he was working and almost had a working and yearly schedule done from start to finish. He projects that (weather permitting) the completion will be in June. He said that there is a home baseball game on Feb. 22 and he hopes to be able to turn that field over to them prior to that game. He said that the timeline is tight. He also commented that at the pre-bid meeting for the project there were 40-50 people from all trades in attendance and was one of the largest turnouts ever.
The board has a called meeting next Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. to open the initial bids on the larger jobs for the project.
The below personnel was approved for FY18:
New hires, William Flory, Teacher, JCHS; Jaime Murell, Paraprofessional, JCPS; Ana Arizmendi, Registrar, JCHS; and Tiffany Barber, School Nutrition Assistant, JCHS.
Also, the below substitute teachers were approved for hire, Nicole Smith, Ardasia Benton, Carla Lovingood, Gabriel Mask, Kacie Stuckey, Brooke Hewett, and Celine Busbee.
Tiffany Nix McCannon, Margaret Davis, and Deborah Kersey were hired as Substitute Bus Drivers for the transportation dept.
