Groundbreaking is Conducted At New High School Site
It’s the beginning of the physical work to accomplish our goal and the end of work on the planning phase,” said Supt. Jay Brinson of the symbolism of Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony held at the site of the new Jasper County High School.
Supt. Brinson opened the brief ceremony by welcoming several dozens of spectators. He, along with Board of Education chairman Phyllis Norwood and vice chairman Joel Gaston, echoed expressions of thanks to Jasper County voters who supported the bond referendum to construct the new school.
“Thank you for having the persistence and perseverance to reach our goal,” said Supt. Brinson.
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Spectators learned that construction would continue over the course of the next 14-16 months and the final bond payment will be due December 2021.
Project manager Douglas Breaux of Robertson, Loia & Roof Architects & Engineers shared a few design features about the new facility. The 135,000 square foot building will boast a 1,300 sq. ft. gymnasium and 450-seat auditorium. The administrative offices now housed in trailers at the old Washington Park School will be no more as space for such has been included in the new design.
Dave Cyr, president of Parrish Construction Group, introduced the construction company’s team working on the school project including project manager Dallas Smith and superintendent Scott Tidwell.
Rev. Donna Calix of St. James A.M.E. Church have the project blessing before Parrish hard hats were donned and shovels were lifted by (left to right) Mr. Breaux, board members Paul Kelly, Mr. Gaston, Stacey Standifer, Mrs. Norwood, Joy Wild, Supt. Brinson, Mr. Cyr, and high school principal Howard Fore.
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It was business as usual Tuesday evening for board of education members as they convened for their October regular meeting, leaving the fanfare of the previous day’s groundbreaking behind.
Supt. Brinson provided board members with the usual monthly reports. Fiscally, he reported that the system was in sound financial condition largely due to the fund equity despite expenditures exceeded revenues.
With regard to finances, Mr. Gaston questioned as to whether the county had set a millage rate thus determining when taxes might be collected. Supt. Brinson didn’t exactly know but said that November 7 had been the previous tentative date shared with him.
According to school reports, student enrollment is up at each school and attendance is being closely monitored with the intent of all schools making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) this year. Several juvenile cases have been filed with the court system concerning attendance in an effort to make parents and students more accountable for school attendance. Supt. Brinson reported that Tuesday and Wednesday were early release days.
With regard to the new school construction, board members voted to contract with Preston Testing & Engineering for required building code testing during construction.
In personnel, the employment of five including Ashley Baker, Laura Susan Michaud, and Angela Payne as paraprofessionals, Gloria Padgett as a bus driver, and Doug Sowers as a high school science teacher. The resignations of Shannon Robinson and Cindy Boone were accepted as well.
Five revisions, mostly editorial, to board policies were tentatively approved with the final review next month. Four fundraising requests and two overnight field trips for the band and girls softball team were approved.
