School Opening Reviewed
Jasper County Board of Education members took time Tuesday to review the 2007 school openings of the system’s four educational facilities.
Superintendent Jay Brinson informed board members that the students return to school went smoothly for the most part. However, managing the afternoon bus pickup schedule and some lunchroom issues proved to be choke points. Both areas had seen improvement since the first day, he reported.
The middle school opened well with the transition going from a middle/high school site to a middle school only. The construction of the middle school administrative offices has been completed for the most part and is being received well by the staff.
Also highlighted was the enrollment count for students systemwide since school began August 7. For the system, enrollment had increased by 55 students compared to statistics from the same period last academic year.
The primary, elementary, and middle schools were each within close range of the projected enrollment for 2008.
The primary school enroll-ment was projected at 658, the figure reflected in student attendance as of August 16. Supt. Brinson noted that the first grade class numbers 193, the largest enrollment ever with nearly 20 students more than anticipated. Head start, pre-K, and kindergarten figures were on target whereas the second grade estimate was off by 20.
The elementary school currently enrolls approximately 482 and the middle school 485.
The high school figures are skewed throughout each grade enrollment. Approximately 670 students were projected but only 612 enrolled as of August 16. Projected and enrollment numbers include 159 versus 205 for ninth grade; 215 versus 153 for tenth; 153 versus 142 for eleventh grade; and 143 versus 112 for twelfth grade.
Supt. Brinson reported that a social work review reflected that the drop in enrollment was partly due to students seeking other options through home schooling and transfers.
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Personnel matters approved Tuesday included the employment of Ellen Starkey, Denise Parker, Bethany Sears and Alaina Plymel at the high school; Kim Berry at the primary school; Susan Bowers at the elementary school; Valencia Clark and Cathy Notestone at the middle school; and Johnnie McLean as groundskeeper.
Resignations for Emily Wall, Patricia Coneff, and Jennifer McPherson were also approved.
In other business, board members gave final approval to the heat wellness policy for outdoor activities as presented by athletic director Jimmy Hughes last month.
Supt. Brinson said that one heat measuring device had been purchased by the department for use. Bobby Norris suggested that the band director also receive such a device as well.
Band director Ken Savage and three band members presented board members with a preview of the new uniforms.
Supt. Brinson informed board members that the federal minimum wage increased to $5.85 in July and that a review of the local pay schedule indicated needed adjustments to reflect the increase. Therefore, board members approved increasing GED certified substitute pay to $45 from $40 and setting the student worker hourly rate to reflect the new minimum wage.
After some discussion about the policy that governs use of the school’s facility, board members voted to approve the revised fee schedule and clarify the policy in order to detail who and how the facility use request will be conducted.
Chairman Phyllis Norwood was appointed local legislative liaison to the Georgia School Board Association.
The maximum class size resolution as proposed by the General Assembly through HB 1187 in 2000 was approved. The resolution allows up to 32 students in core classes.
A list of surplus transportation department vehicles were declared surplus and several fundraising requests were approved.
Prior to adjourning for the evening, board members entered into executive session to discuss possible disciplinary action.
