Community News
Stadium renovations GMP, other work approved at called meeting.
By Dave Whitaker
Mar 3, 2021, 18:32

It was a long and busy Tuesday night in the high school auditorium as the Bleckley County Board of Education held a work session and called meeting. All district leaders (IE: principals, Nutrition Director Kelli Green) spoke of things going well, challenges faced, and how they would be meeting the challenges.

For the principals, many of the praises and concerns were COVID-19 related such as students returning to class from virtual learning and helping those who remained virtual learning stay on track academically. Following the presentations, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith noted a recurring theme of student motivation, meeting students social and emotional needs, and parental involvement in many of the presentations.

He then presented plans to help address the concerns from a district level including finding funding to keep mental health therapist Tamiko Owens once the grant paying for her services expires. The final parts of the work session involved discussion of the “board member Bible” which contains info about all aspects of the district, a presentation of funding estimates for FY22, and Whole Board training on finances to meet training requirements for the board.

Now moving into the meeting part of the evening, Smith presented the GMP (Greatest Maximum Price) for stadium renovations received from JCI Contractors, $2,955,175. While there were efforts being made to find some value engineering items to help offset the cost, about $200,000, Smith said the GMP didn’t include the cost of replacing the home side press box and fencing.

That would cost approximately $200,000, Smith recommended approving the GMP since the expected VE items and press box would essentially offset each other. It was approved.

There was then a discussion regarding numerous leaks in the roof at Bleckley Elementary. Director of Facilities Dr. Trey Belflower mentioned it as one of the challenges faced during his presentation. The roof had been patched numerous times to a point where a new section of roof was needed.

Recommended was to use Pittman Waller Roofing Company to make the repairs at a cost of $36,533. It was approved.

Notable personnel moves from the Executive Session included the pending resignations, due to retirement of principals. The board approved the resignations of “due to retirement with regret” of Bleckley Elementary Principal Jenny Brooks, Success Academy Principal Michelle Dyal, and Pre-K Director Donna S. Smith, all effective June 30.

There were also several promotions made. Hillary Barker was promoted from BCES Assistant Principal to Principal. Jenna Maddox was promoted from media/instructional coach to assistant principal. Christie Dean was promoted from BCSA Assistant Principal/Teacher to Director of Alternative Learning. Stephanie Vickers was promoted from middle school SPED Lead Teacher to BCMS Assistant Principal/SPED Teacher.


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