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Jun 10th, 2020 - 19:24:19 |
There were many things discussed at Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting. On the budget, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith said Governor Brian Kemp had indicated the projected budget cuts across the board may be 11 percent rather than 14 percent. It was decided to pass the tentative budget approved in May with the understanding it could be amended depending upon the final amount of funding of FY21 or saving the money should funding later be reduced.
Discussed also was a draft proposal for distance learning and online courses. A main point was the amount of commitment that should be required for those interested, a semester versus an entire year. It was decided to table the motion until the July meeting.
During passage of consent items, board member Mike Sasser noted some of the fundraisers listed involved food and drink sales. He asked extra precautions with preparation and cleaning take place because of the potential for COVID-19 spread.
Smith noted board members had already completed enough training hours to qualify for the highest level award by the Georgia School Board Association, the Exemplary Board Award.
In discussion of renewal of the risk management insurance policy through Georgia School Board Association Risk Management Services, the policy renewal was $62,293, a 9.7 percent increase. It includes a cyber risk premium of $4,379.
Smith said the increase was because of property values increasing but the final quote might be reduced based upon the value of the buildings that will be demolished for the new primary school construction. During the construction process, the building will be covered by Construction Manager JCI’s Builder’s Risk Policy and added to the school policy upon building completion. Once completed, Smith recommended getting at least two more competing quotes from Cochran Insurance and Reality. The board approved the recommendation.
In other news regarding the primary school, Pre-K had almost completed their move to the modular units set up at Bleckley Primary. Smith thanked assistant superintendent Dr. Trey Belflower for coordinating setup and installation. Once the units are tied into the BCPS fire alarm and awning, a certificate of occupancy will be sought by the Fire Marshall.
A final opportunity to walk through the old BCHS/current Pre-K will be this Saturday from 2-3 pm. Demolition will begin June 15 with installation of temporary fencing then asbestos abatement, then demolition. Phase 2 of the construction process will begin on July 13.
Before the executive session, Smith mentioned an ongoing problem with water in the car rider line at BCMS. He said he'd asked the Department of Education for permission to include work to repair it into the already approved construction projects being handled by JCI.
From the executive session: Brad Sanders was transferred from high school teacher to high school parapro at 50 percent salary. There was a discussion regarding how to address inequality and increase opportunities for minorities in hiring and promotions.
According to meeting minutes, Smith expressed frustration at the limited number of minority candidates who apply for jobs in the district, noting Houston County pays $5,000 for starting teachers and has more opportunity for social events, giving them an advantage. Smith and the board agreed to review the Strategic Plan and add both as goals.
Numerous changes in middle school athletics were part of approving the updated coaching list for FY21. Chara Nobles is the new game and competition cheerleading coach. Jessica Land will be an assistant. Phillip Hart will be returning to coaching, assisting Dusty Jones with softball. Ray Hardin, a former head baseball coach at Dodge County High School, will serve as Jones assistant during baseball season.
Greg Collins will once again be middle school tennis boys and girls head coach. Mandy Little will be returning as assistant girls soccer coach. Wesley Odom will be expanding his coaching duties, serving as an assistant for middle school football. Fran McNair and Tisha Ates will be coaching their second girls sport besides basketball, girls middle school track.
Assisting them will be Stephanie Byram. The boys middle school track head coaching position is currently listed as vacant. Kelton Elvine had been head coach the past two years.
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