Community News
Budget, contracts, approved at board meeting.
By Dave Whitaker
Jun 25, 2018, 15:53

Though it was summer, the Board of Education had several items to act on at their monthly meeting held June 19. After approving a tentative FY19 budget at the May meeting, a vote was held for the final budget. Public comment was allowed, but there was none. The budget (same as the tentative budget), passed unanimously. It can be viewed by going to https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=4014&AID=951091&MID=70191

There was discussion over changes to the Code of Conduct and student handbook. Following discussion and questions from members, the board decided to ask BCHS administration to review its proposed attendance policy changes. The final handbook and Code of Conduct changes will be approved at the July 17 meeting unless there is called meeting to address them.

A contract with Seilox to provide services for the high school was tabled until July so that more information could be gathered on how the services are used in other schools. Approved was a contract with Interquest Canines of Georgia. Insurance renewal through Georgia School Board Association Risk Management was approved. The board also agreed to accept a $300,000 grant from Health Resources and Services Administration. Bleckley will act as fiscal agent for the grant, which includes the Bleckley, Dodge, Turner, and Tattnall school districts.

As recommended by Nutrition Director Kelli Green, an increase in meal costs was approved for FY19. According to Green, the small cost increases will move prices closer to USDA guidelines. Student lunches at the middle and high school will go from $1.65 to $1.75. Teacher lunches will go from $3 to $3.50, and guest lunches from $3 to $4.

Amongst the personnel items approved was another updated athletic staffing plan. Dusty Jones, already the middle school baseball coach, will also coach BCMS softball. Assisting him will be Nisi Haley. She was a high school assistant coach in the 90’s when BCHS played slow-pitch softball. Brantley Collins, hired previous as a SPED teacher at BCHS, will serve as assistant baseball coach at BCMS.

Former BCHS athlete Kelton Elvine, hired as school faculty at the May meeting, has several new coaching duties. He’ll be head middle school head track coach for both the boys and girls programs. Elvine will also be assistant high school boys basketball coach. Jacob Cook was named a community coach for middle school football. Will Simmons will be a community coach for high school track.


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