By Jamie Gardner
The agenda adopted by the Appling County Board of Education had the appearance of being a normal work session meeting for the group that would begin around 7:00 p.m. and probably last for one to two hours. However four hours after it began, around 11:00 p.m., Chair Minnie Barnes and board members voted to adjourn the meeting.
Debated meeting has board members working late hours
One of the main topics discussed between board members, Superintendent Scarlett Copeland and members of the audience revolved around changes to Fourth District Elementary. Stakeholders expressed a number of concerns about the school. Prior to the adoption of the agenda, Board Member Randy Crawford asked that an item on the agenda be reworded from “Kitchen update at FDES” to include discussion of other options at the school. The board agreed to the recommended change.
When the item arrived during the course of the meeting, a tremendous amount of discussion ensued. Copeland explained that she, Crawford, Maintenance and Operations Director Winton Herrin and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sandy Dominy had met with a group of stakeholders from Fourth District to discuss possibly changing the cafeteria at the school to a warming/serving-only kitchen with the food being prepared at Appling Middle School and then transported to Fourth District. The group representing Fourth District included Lori Fowler, Amber Turner, Paula Lane, Amy Rediger and Ilene Eunice. Copeland stated that through March, the kitchen at the school has cost the system $97,294.29. The superintendent added that by changing to a serving-only cafeteria, the system would see a savings through reduced labor, food, cleaning and energy costs.
Copeland also reported that members of the group were able to travel to Blackshear to see how the school system in Pierce County handles the same type kitchen setting with the Head Start Program that is being proposed for Fourth District. The superintendent then called on Dr. Dominy to give a report from this visit.
Dr. Dominy reported that the group able to travel to Blackshear was not able to see the kitchens (preparing and serving) in operation. However, the group was able to meet with the school nutrition director and received information about how the kitchens operate. Among the information shared by Dr. Dominy, the nutrition director in Pierce indicated that during these hard economic times a system can’t efficiently operate a full service kitchen for a school with less than 350 students.
A parent of a student at Fourth District, Leigh Herndon, raised concerns about safety for children that have food allergies. Herndon stated that she did not believe that the potential risk of contamination or a child having allergic reaction was worth changing the facility. Copeland asked Appling School Nutrition Director Courtney Gay if each school turns in the lists of known allergies of students to each cafeteria and also questioned if great consideration is given for these types of situations. Gay stated that Copeland was correct.
Herndon replied by saying, “Accidents can still happen. If it were any of your children you would feel the same way.”
Herndon also asked how far the kitchens in Pierce were apart from each other. Dominy stated that the kitchens were three to four blocks from each other. Herndon then questioned how far it is from Appling Middle School to Fourth District. It was stated that it is approximately 15 miles. Herndon stated that she could not see how changing the cafeteria would be that much of a cost-savings when you consider having to buy a van, equipment and also take into account the added expense of transportation between the two schools.
Olivia Norwood stated that she felt that this was not about saving money and questioned if this was retaliation for the school staying open (referring to a recent referendum voted on by the county to keep the school open or close it in which the citizens voted 52 percent to 48 percent in favor of keeping the school open).
At this point Barnes attempted to move forward with other items slated for discussion on the agenda. Crawford told Barnes and other board members that he felt that the people of his district have some valid points and asked that at some point they be given the opportunity to speak.
Lori Fowler stated that one thing she wanted to point out was that the existing kitchen at Fourth District would remain in place in the event the serving kitchen idea did not work out for the facility or if the enrollment at the school increased. Copeland stated that Fowler was correct. Fowler stated that it would have been nice to actually see the facilities in Pierce County in operation.
Mark Melton questioned how many staff workers would be lost through this process. Gay stated that all three employees from Fourth District would still have a job, though one the employees from Fourth District would be used to fill a position at the middle school that has been filled this year by a substitute employee resulting in an overall loss of one position.
Melton stated that it appears that the school is being torn apart one piece at the time. He noted that over the last few years Fourth District has lost approximately 15 positions including the principal’s position, the media specialist, paraprofessional positions, cuts to music and physical education.
“It just seems like your back door closing this school,” said Melton. “The people voted to keep the school open not just now, they wanted it open and functional. The school board needs to work to growing that school, not work to dismantle the school. I don’t see the board doing this; I see this coming more from the superintendent’s office through transfers.
“What I’d like to see is the board and superintendent see the worth of this school. Until you see the worth of the school you are not going to be interested in growing that school.”
Copeland responded, “Mr. Melton I do appreciate your comments and concerns about this situation and I do apologize if it appears that this is what we are trying to do; that is not our intentions at all. Sitting in this position I do have a responsibility to balance everything from the mission and philosophies of the system to the economic situation that we are in. Me, nor this board, did not choose these economic disadvantages. This has been brought about through austerity cuts from the state. We have tried to be as cost-efficient as we can to prevent having additional furlough days or having across-the-board cuts and we are trying to do transfers and find other ways to save to keep this from happening.”
Vickie Carter stated that the mission statement of the system says “all learners”. Carter stated that the school couldn’t continue to accept any more cuts to its vital programs.
Jane Tomberlin, a teacher from Appling Elementary School, stated that her school had cuts this year as well.
Carter responded by saying that the elementary school had not had as many cuts as Fourth District.
Copeland stated that this was due to the number of students enrolled at the school. Carter stated that you couldn’t grow the school if vital programs continue to be cut.
The Rev. Stephen Statum stated that to accuse Copeland of retaliating against Fourth District was somewhat unfair, but added that the thought had crossed his mind. Statum said that he thought it is unfair that the school doesn’t have a principal. Statum also commented that 52 percent is not a large margin, but added that it can elect presidents, mayors, county commissioners and sometimes by even smaller percentages.
“52 percent of this county spoke, but we don’t feel like the prevailing side,” said Statum. “This doesn’t mean that we are set against the county, it simply means that we want to be heard in this process. Let us have an input; it’s not all about money. I absolutely do not believe that the intent is to keep Fourth District open and has been for a number of years. What if we did everything we could to keep it open? What if we put a principal at the school that really would like to be there? I think the school deserves a principal. The school was established in the 1950s and this is the first time in its history it has been without a principal. Please listen to us and we want to work with you (directed to Copeland) and we want you to be the best superintendent in Appling County history, but if we are ostracized we will kick back.”
“I can probably wrap this up,” said Lorne Stipe. “Using Mrs. Copeland’s numbers, 52 percent of the people of this community voted to keep Fourth District School open. They didn’t vote to keep the building open. We want to keep our school open.”
“I appreciate that Mr. Stipe, I assure you that is exactly what we are trying to do in the most efficient way we can,” said Copeland. “I plead to you to understand that I am accountable to all six schools in this county. We are looking at everything...for the first time in a long time it (the system) is being examined to the degree it is being examined for everybody. Our main goal is to make sure that no one loses their job and we are very proud to report that so far no employees have through this process. In Brunswick they have cut 65 employees and in other communities around us, there have been cuts. We are working as hard as we can to keep programs in tact, it may not be the same people that you are used to, but I promise you we are trying to do the best way we can.”
Solid waste collection
Information was presented concerning the solid waste collection for the system that was discussed at the last meeting. Winton Herrin showed the board information on the bids that were submitted by the two different vendors. Herrin explained to the board members that the decision to go with All Green Services, and not the low bidder Sullivan Environmental, was simply because the bid Sullivan submitted was not what was requested according to bid specifications. He showed that the board of education had taken Sullivan’s monthly statement, which showed the exact amount of cans at each school, and asked potential bidders to bid according to what the system currently has in place. Herrin showed that Sullivan’s bid did not match what was requested in the bid process. As an example he explained that Altamaha Elementary currently has two six-yard containers. The Sullivan bid showed that the cans would be replaced with one eight-yard container and one recycling container. Herrin cited this is not what the board asked for in the bid specifications.
Herrin also shared that Sullivan’s bill in March was $6,551.56 and included a fuel and environmental recovery fee of $1,183.69. He stated that it was his understanding that the bid from All Green ($4,423.00) was the actual per month price for service and would not include any type of fuel or environmental recovery fee.
Herrin also stated that at the last meeting Sullivan Environmental representative Pete Pyrenski stated that the system would not be billed for the summer months when school is not in session. Herrin showed that in July 2010 the company charged the system over $6,400.00 and added, “You can’t always believe what someone says when they stand before the board”.
Sam Sullivan of All Green Services was also at the meeting and shared a few thoughts with board members. Sullivan stated that he and his father founded Sullivan Environmental Services in 1990 on the principles of providing great service at a fair price. He stated that in 1996 the company was sold to current owner Republic Waste (of Phoenix, Arizona) and continued to work with the company for another 14 years. Sullivan explained that the reason he left the company was because he became frustrated with Phoenix, Arizona (office) telling him how to price someone in Baxley, Georgia. He added that he left the company after twenty years and coached football at Robert Toombs Christian Academy to wait out his non-compete agreement between him and Republic. Once the non-compete was finished Sullivan stated he started All Green Services on the same principles that he started Sullivan Environmental. Sullivan also shared that Herrin had contacted him in February about changing the solid waste collection at a restaurant that Herrin owns and were able to save him money. Sullivan continued by saying that at that point, Herrin asked if All Green could possibly save the school system some money and Sullivan stated that his company would love to have the opportunity. Sullivan stated that his company bid exactly what was requested. He finished by saying that if he was guilty of anything it is that he has ordered $18,000.00 worth of containers for the system that are ready to serve the system.
Board Attorney Alex Johnson stated that he had looked at this situation with Herrin and Copeland. Johnson said he could not say that the situation was handled just right. He continued by saying that after reviewing the information that at this point it is hard to say which direction the board should go, but added that in his opinion, the most suitable route would be to go with a one-year contract with the company that met bid specifications. Johnson added that he had talked with the attorney with Republic Waste and was not sure what would come from that situation. He also said that he would like to talk with the board’s other lawyers, Harbon and Hartley, about the situation.
Personnel
With regard to personnel the board approved the following recommendations from Superintendent Copeland:
- Hired Darlene Schnieber as Appling County Special Ed Director for the 2011 - 2012 school year.
- Accepted the resignation of ACMS teacher Tonya Sharpe effective June 30.
ACPS
- Approved a medical leave request for ACPS Migrant FSP Neli Pina effective May 11.
- Hired Jeffrey Miller as the ISS teacher for ACHS for the 2011-2012 school year.
- Approved Shannon Marchman as a community coach for the 2011-2012 school year.
Other business
The board approved a tennis league under the direction of Jimmy Graham on the condition that it would be cost neutral to the system. Several board members raised concern about the cost of operating the lights at the ACHS tennis courts and asked Herrin to get a definitive answer on the cost to operate the lighting.
The board approved a request to seek bids to construct a new area adjacent to the bus shop for additional bus parking. The plan calls for land clearing, filling and fencing of the area.
The board voted to move forward with developing an engineering plan to construct a new parking lot at the sports complex located at ACHS in the area around the baseball field, tennis courts and softball field. Winton Herrin explained that the board had received a change order in some of the site preparation at the new Pre-K facility and will not have to install a sewer pipe for a savings of around $900,000.00 and asked that the board move forward with constructing the parking lot as a change order for the Pre-k construction. Board Member Scottie Ammons asked why this was being treated as a change order instead of being bid out. Herrin stated that it would save money to use the existing contractor that is already working on the project and has a unit price for paving already in place. Ammons stated it would help him to actually see some figures for the construction of the parking lot. Crawford stated that in the future if board personnel wanted him to vote to spend $150,000.00 on any project he would need more information.
Information on the construction of the ACHS track facility was presented to board members for approval. (Editor’s note: This reporter had questioned Superintendent Copeland following the last regular board meeting, when it was announced that the track would be constructed, if the board had ever given formal approval for the construction of the new track facility.) Herrin reported that he thought a previous board had approved the project’s construction as part of an overall plan for the area around the ACHS sports fields. Ammons questioned why when a citizen brought the matter before the board in March there was no mention of the facility being constructed during the March meeting. Board Member Randy Sellers stated that he was not against constructing the new track, but would like more information about the project. Sellers added that he feels like he would be voting on something that he doesn’t have information about and asked if it would be appropriate to get the construction management company to come and explain the project and the bids that were submitted. Herrin stated that he did not know the legal ramifications since the board turned the project over to the construction management company to oversee the construction of the ESPLOST projects. Ammons asked if the system went with the low bid for the construction of the track. Herrin stated that the board did not handle the bidding process. Herrin also shared the construction management company, as part of its agreement with the school system to construct the facilities, handles the bidding process. Ammons asked what the difference in dollar amount in the bids submitted for the track was. Herrin stated that it was his understanding that a number of bids submitted were in the same range and then there was one submitted that was considerably less. Herrin further cited that he thought there was a problem with the low bidder (approximately $200,000.00 less) being able to handle the construction of the facility. Attorney Johnson asked Herrin if the board had entered into a construction management agreement with Lentile Construction. Herrin stated that the prior board had voted to enter into the agreement. Johnson stated that he and the board would like to see a copy of the agreement. Following the discussion Ammons, Sellers and Crawford voted against moving forward with the track. Board members Minnie Barnes and M.C. Barlow voted in favor of constructing the facility. The three that opposed the motion stated that they were not opposed to constructing the track, but simply wanted more information before moving forward.
Information was presented for board review on the GSBA Vision, Stakeholders Meeting, results from a recent survey conducted about the environment at Appling County Middle School, CRCT System Data and the SACS update. This information can be viewed at https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/viewmeetingOrder.aspx?S=4002&MID=19555.
When the item arrived during the course of the meeting, a tremendous amount of discussion ensued. Copeland explained that she, Crawford, Maintenance and Operations Director Winton Herrin and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sandy Dominy had met with a group of stakeholders from Fourth District to discuss possibly changing the cafeteria at the school to a warming/serving-only kitchen with the food being prepared at Appling Middle School and then transported to Fourth District. The group representing Fourth District included Lori Fowler, Amber Turner, Paula Lane, Amy Rediger and Ilene Eunice. Copeland stated that through March, the kitchen at the school has cost the system $97,294.29. The superintendent added that by changing to a serving-only cafeteria, the system would see a savings through reduced labor, food, cleaning and energy costs.
Copeland also reported that members of the group were able to travel to Blackshear to see how the school system in Pierce County handles the same type kitchen setting with the Head Start Program that is being proposed for Fourth District. The superintendent then called on Dr. Dominy to give a report from this visit.
Dr. Dominy reported that the group able to travel to Blackshear was not able to see the kitchens (preparing and serving) in operation. However, the group was able to meet with the school nutrition director and received information about how the kitchens operate. Among the information shared by Dr. Dominy, the nutrition director in Pierce indicated that during these hard economic times a system can’t efficiently operate a full service kitchen for a school with less than 350 students.
A parent of a student at Fourth District, Leigh Herndon, raised concerns about safety for children that have food allergies. Herndon stated that she did not believe that the potential risk of contamination or a child having allergic reaction was worth changing the facility. Copeland asked Appling School Nutrition Director Courtney Gay if each school turns in the lists of known allergies of students to each cafeteria and also questioned if great consideration is given for these types of situations. Gay stated that Copeland was correct.
Herndon replied by saying, “Accidents can still happen. If it were any of your children you would feel the same way.”
Herndon also asked how far the kitchens in Pierce were apart from each other. Dominy stated that the kitchens were three to four blocks from each other. Herndon then questioned how far it is from Appling Middle School to Fourth District. It was stated that it is approximately 15 miles. Herndon stated that she could not see how changing the cafeteria would be that much of a cost-savings when you consider having to buy a van, equipment and also take into account the added expense of transportation between the two schools.
Olivia Norwood stated that she felt that this was not about saving money and questioned if this was retaliation for the school staying open (referring to a recent referendum voted on by the county to keep the school open or close it in which the citizens voted 52 percent to 48 percent in favor of keeping the school open).
At this point Barnes attempted to move forward with other items slated for discussion on the agenda. Crawford told Barnes and other board members that he felt that the people of his district have some valid points and asked that at some point they be given the opportunity to speak.
Lori Fowler stated that one thing she wanted to point out was that the existing kitchen at Fourth District would remain in place in the event the serving kitchen idea did not work out for the facility or if the enrollment at the school increased. Copeland stated that Fowler was correct. Fowler stated that it would have been nice to actually see the facilities in Pierce County in operation.
Mark Melton questioned how many staff workers would be lost through this process. Gay stated that all three employees from Fourth District would still have a job, though one the employees from Fourth District would be used to fill a position at the middle school that has been filled this year by a substitute employee resulting in an overall loss of one position.
Melton stated that it appears that the school is being torn apart one piece at the time. He noted that over the last few years Fourth District has lost approximately 15 positions including the principal’s position, the media specialist, paraprofessional positions, cuts to music and physical education.
“It just seems like your back door closing this school,” said Melton. “The people voted to keep the school open not just now, they wanted it open and functional. The school board needs to work to growing that school, not work to dismantle the school. I don’t see the board doing this; I see this coming more from the superintendent’s office through transfers.
“What I’d like to see is the board and superintendent see the worth of this school. Until you see the worth of the school you are not going to be interested in growing that school.”
Copeland responded, “Mr. Melton I do appreciate your comments and concerns about this situation and I do apologize if it appears that this is what we are trying to do; that is not our intentions at all. Sitting in this position I do have a responsibility to balance everything from the mission and philosophies of the system to the economic situation that we are in. Me, nor this board, did not choose these economic disadvantages. This has been brought about through austerity cuts from the state. We have tried to be as cost-efficient as we can to prevent having additional furlough days or having across-the-board cuts and we are trying to do transfers and find other ways to save to keep this from happening.”
Vickie Carter stated that the mission statement of the system says “all learners”. Carter stated that the school couldn’t continue to accept any more cuts to its vital programs.
Jane Tomberlin, a teacher from Appling Elementary School, stated that her school had cuts this year as well.
Carter responded by saying that the elementary school had not had as many cuts as Fourth District.
Copeland stated that this was due to the number of students enrolled at the school. Carter stated that you couldn’t grow the school if vital programs continue to be cut.
The Rev. Stephen Statum stated that to accuse Copeland of retaliating against Fourth District was somewhat unfair, but added that the thought had crossed his mind. Statum said that he thought it is unfair that the school doesn’t have a principal. Statum also commented that 52 percent is not a large margin, but added that it can elect presidents, mayors, county commissioners and sometimes by even smaller percentages.
“52 percent of this county spoke, but we don’t feel like the prevailing side,” said Statum. “This doesn’t mean that we are set against the county, it simply means that we want to be heard in this process. Let us have an input; it’s not all about money. I absolutely do not believe that the intent is to keep Fourth District open and has been for a number of years. What if we did everything we could to keep it open? What if we put a principal at the school that really would like to be there? I think the school deserves a principal. The school was established in the 1950s and this is the first time in its history it has been without a principal. Please listen to us and we want to work with you (directed to Copeland) and we want you to be the best superintendent in Appling County history, but if we are ostracized we will kick back.”
“I can probably wrap this up,” said Lorne Stipe. “Using Mrs. Copeland’s numbers, 52 percent of the people of this community voted to keep Fourth District School open. They didn’t vote to keep the building open. We want to keep our school open.”
“I appreciate that Mr. Stipe, I assure you that is exactly what we are trying to do in the most efficient way we can,” said Copeland. “I plead to you to understand that I am accountable to all six schools in this county. We are looking at everything...for the first time in a long time it (the system) is being examined to the degree it is being examined for everybody. Our main goal is to make sure that no one loses their job and we are very proud to report that so far no employees have through this process. In Brunswick they have cut 65 employees and in other communities around us, there have been cuts. We are working as hard as we can to keep programs in tact, it may not be the same people that you are used to, but I promise you we are trying to do the best way we can.”
Solid waste collection
Information was presented concerning the solid waste collection for the system that was discussed at the last meeting. Winton Herrin showed the board information on the bids that were submitted by the two different vendors. Herrin explained to the board members that the decision to go with All Green Services, and not the low bidder Sullivan Environmental, was simply because the bid Sullivan submitted was not what was requested according to bid specifications. He showed that the board of education had taken Sullivan’s monthly statement, which showed the exact amount of cans at each school, and asked potential bidders to bid according to what the system currently has in place. Herrin showed that Sullivan’s bid did not match what was requested in the bid process. As an example he explained that Altamaha Elementary currently has two six-yard containers. The Sullivan bid showed that the cans would be replaced with one eight-yard container and one recycling container. Herrin cited this is not what the board asked for in the bid specifications.
Herrin also shared that Sullivan’s bill in March was $6,551.56 and included a fuel and environmental recovery fee of $1,183.69. He stated that it was his understanding that the bid from All Green ($4,423.00) was the actual per month price for service and would not include any type of fuel or environmental recovery fee.
Herrin also stated that at the last meeting Sullivan Environmental representative Pete Pyrenski stated that the system would not be billed for the summer months when school is not in session. Herrin showed that in July 2010 the company charged the system over $6,400.00 and added, “You can’t always believe what someone says when they stand before the board”.
Sam Sullivan of All Green Services was also at the meeting and shared a few thoughts with board members. Sullivan stated that he and his father founded Sullivan Environmental Services in 1990 on the principles of providing great service at a fair price. He stated that in 1996 the company was sold to current owner Republic Waste (of Phoenix, Arizona) and continued to work with the company for another 14 years. Sullivan explained that the reason he left the company was because he became frustrated with Phoenix, Arizona (office) telling him how to price someone in Baxley, Georgia. He added that he left the company after twenty years and coached football at Robert Toombs Christian Academy to wait out his non-compete agreement between him and Republic. Once the non-compete was finished Sullivan stated he started All Green Services on the same principles that he started Sullivan Environmental. Sullivan also shared that Herrin had contacted him in February about changing the solid waste collection at a restaurant that Herrin owns and were able to save him money. Sullivan continued by saying that at that point, Herrin asked if All Green could possibly save the school system some money and Sullivan stated that his company would love to have the opportunity. Sullivan stated that his company bid exactly what was requested. He finished by saying that if he was guilty of anything it is that he has ordered $18,000.00 worth of containers for the system that are ready to serve the system.
Board Attorney Alex Johnson stated that he had looked at this situation with Herrin and Copeland. Johnson said he could not say that the situation was handled just right. He continued by saying that after reviewing the information that at this point it is hard to say which direction the board should go, but added that in his opinion, the most suitable route would be to go with a one-year contract with the company that met bid specifications. Johnson added that he had talked with the attorney with Republic Waste and was not sure what would come from that situation. He also said that he would like to talk with the board’s other lawyers, Harbon and Hartley, about the situation.
Personnel
With regard to personnel the board approved the following recommendations from Superintendent Copeland:
- Hired Darlene Schnieber as Appling County Special Ed Director for the 2011 - 2012 school year.
- Accepted the resignation of ACMS teacher Tonya Sharpe effective June 30.
ACPS
- Approved a medical leave request for ACPS Migrant FSP Neli Pina effective May 11.
- Hired Jeffrey Miller as the ISS teacher for ACHS for the 2011-2012 school year.
- Approved Shannon Marchman as a community coach for the 2011-2012 school year.
Other business
The board approved a tennis league under the direction of Jimmy Graham on the condition that it would be cost neutral to the system. Several board members raised concern about the cost of operating the lights at the ACHS tennis courts and asked Herrin to get a definitive answer on the cost to operate the lighting.
The board approved a request to seek bids to construct a new area adjacent to the bus shop for additional bus parking. The plan calls for land clearing, filling and fencing of the area.
The board voted to move forward with developing an engineering plan to construct a new parking lot at the sports complex located at ACHS in the area around the baseball field, tennis courts and softball field. Winton Herrin explained that the board had received a change order in some of the site preparation at the new Pre-K facility and will not have to install a sewer pipe for a savings of around $900,000.00 and asked that the board move forward with constructing the parking lot as a change order for the Pre-k construction. Board Member Scottie Ammons asked why this was being treated as a change order instead of being bid out. Herrin stated that it would save money to use the existing contractor that is already working on the project and has a unit price for paving already in place. Ammons stated it would help him to actually see some figures for the construction of the parking lot. Crawford stated that in the future if board personnel wanted him to vote to spend $150,000.00 on any project he would need more information.
Information on the construction of the ACHS track facility was presented to board members for approval. (Editor’s note: This reporter had questioned Superintendent Copeland following the last regular board meeting, when it was announced that the track would be constructed, if the board had ever given formal approval for the construction of the new track facility.) Herrin reported that he thought a previous board had approved the project’s construction as part of an overall plan for the area around the ACHS sports fields. Ammons questioned why when a citizen brought the matter before the board in March there was no mention of the facility being constructed during the March meeting. Board Member Randy Sellers stated that he was not against constructing the new track, but would like more information about the project. Sellers added that he feels like he would be voting on something that he doesn’t have information about and asked if it would be appropriate to get the construction management company to come and explain the project and the bids that were submitted. Herrin stated that he did not know the legal ramifications since the board turned the project over to the construction management company to oversee the construction of the ESPLOST projects. Ammons asked if the system went with the low bid for the construction of the track. Herrin stated that the board did not handle the bidding process. Herrin also shared the construction management company, as part of its agreement with the school system to construct the facilities, handles the bidding process. Ammons asked what the difference in dollar amount in the bids submitted for the track was. Herrin stated that it was his understanding that a number of bids submitted were in the same range and then there was one submitted that was considerably less. Herrin further cited that he thought there was a problem with the low bidder (approximately $200,000.00 less) being able to handle the construction of the facility. Attorney Johnson asked Herrin if the board had entered into a construction management agreement with Lentile Construction. Herrin stated that the prior board had voted to enter into the agreement. Johnson stated that he and the board would like to see a copy of the agreement. Following the discussion Ammons, Sellers and Crawford voted against moving forward with the track. Board members Minnie Barnes and M.C. Barlow voted in favor of constructing the facility. The three that opposed the motion stated that they were not opposed to constructing the track, but simply wanted more information before moving forward.
Information was presented for board review on the GSBA Vision, Stakeholders Meeting, results from a recent survey conducted about the environment at Appling County Middle School, CRCT System Data and the SACS update. This information can be viewed at https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/viewmeetingOrder.aspx?S=4002&MID=19555.
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