Community News
Millage rate discussed at BOE meeting.
By Dave Whitaker
Sep 16, 2020, 17:01

One of the tougher jobs of the Bleckley County Board of Education is setting the millage rate. That task is made especially difficult this year because of a $1.6 million dollar cut in funding from the state.

Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith presented estimated numbers regarding millage rates including what a lower rate would have on the equalization grant of $3.1 million the district receives at Tuesday night’s monthly meeting. The board didn’t want to set a rate until the final tax digest is released.

They agreed to hold a called meeting this Monday at 6:30 pm to set a tentative rate assuming the tax digest has been issued. Per law, three hearings will have to be held if there’s an increase to the rate. Tentative dates for those hearings are October 1 at 7 pm in the high school auditorium and October 8 at 11 am and 6 pm in the BOE meeting room. A called meeting would be held following the last hearing to set the final rate.

On the new primary school, Smith said since Phase II GMP had been approved, contracts were being issued for the work. Smith also said fence along the furthermost points at Bleckley Primary near the existing parking lot and Peter Street would be moved in to make more room for teacher parking.

Approved was the Perkins V Improvement Grant. It was budgeted by CTAE Director Dr. Matt Godwin, money helps fund CTAE programs at BCHS. Also approved was a list of vendors for the school nutrition program and an exhibit to Police EEE which would make the nutrition department complaint for their upcoming review. You can read more by going to https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4014&MID=87847 and clicking on “Contracts and Grants.”

Bleckley Primary Assistant Principal Emily Bryant, Principal Quent Floyd, and Dr. Steve Smith.

BCHS Assistant Principal Dr. Matt Godwin, Principal Matt Gibbs, and Smith.