Barnes elected chair of board of education
At its first meeting of 2011, held January 10, the Appling County Board of Education unanimously elected Minnie Barnes to serve as chairman of the board for the calendar year. The board also unanimously elected new board member Scottie Ammons to serve as vice-chairman of the board.
Other business
Under selection of a school board attorney for 2011, new Superintendent Scarlett Copeland recommended that the board use Harben, Hartley and Hawkins LLP, of Gainesville, and also use a local attorney on an as needed basis. Copeland stated that she had spoken with several local attorneys that expressed interest in possibly serving in this capacity. The board approved the recommendation.
The board set the schedule for meetings in 2011. The board will meet on the second Monday night of each month at 7:00. Work session meetings will be scheduled on an as needed basis.
A resolution for Copeland and Barnes to sign checks on behalf of the school system was unanimously approved.
The board tabled a decision to purchase an off-site data back-up service system after some questions were raised. Board member Randy Crawford inquired about a quote on the standard support, which stated that the cost for the support would be an 18 percent annual charge. Crawford asked what amount the 18 percent charge would be derived from. Board member Scottie Ammons asked if this was a non-compliance issue with the Georgia Department of Audits. It was reported that it is a non-compliance issue and has been for several years.
Field trip requests were approved for Appling County High School students to attend the Festival of Music on January 20 - 23 in Athens, a Show Choir Competition in Montgomery, Alabama, on Jan. 28 - 30, a District Honor Band Clinic on St. Simons Island on February 3 - 5, a Show Choir Competition in Nashville, Tennessee, on Feb. 18 - 20, and an All-Region Band Competition in Valdosta on April 14 - 16. It was noted that only one of the five trips would require a school system bus.
After a number of questions were addressed, the board approved the purchase of a new oven for Appling County Middle School. Norvell Fixture and Equipment Company, of Augusta, presented the low bid for the oven at a price of $18,919.00. It was reported that there is money in the school nutrition budget to cover this expense.
The board unanimously approved to add a Meetings Module to its Eboard/website. The new module would basically allow school board members and the superintendent a communications tool to discuss items and post items that need to be on the agenda each month on the school system’s website. The system would work basically like a discussion board and would be completely open to the public. Board member M. C. Barlow expressed concern to other board members that they should keep in mind that all information posted would be open for public review. Board member Crawford stated that this was the purpose for adding the module, as it would assist in keeping the public informed. The cost to add the new module to the system’s website for the remainder of the year is $2,750.00.
New board members Randy Sellers, Ammons and Crawford raised a number of questions about opening a position for an Energy Education Specialist to work for the system. The board members asked when the actual contract with Energy Education was signed and became effective. Copeland stated that the contract took effect January 1, 2011. A representative with Energy Education Alan Kimbro was at the meeting to also answer questions and concerns about the new energy program that is expected to save the system money. As part of the contractual agreement between the system and Energy Education, the system must hire a full-time Energy Education Specialist to work within the system. One of the questions asked was whether or not the contract is binding and the answer was that the contract is a binding agreement at this point. After a tremendous amount of discussion between the board members and Kimbro, Copeland stated that there are basically two choices and they are to move forward with the existing contract or cancel the contract. The only problem with canceling the contract with Energy Education is that a clause exists in the agreement that states that the board would have to pay Energy Education a penalty of $130,000.00 for canceling the contract. Sellers stated that he still had a lot of questions and also added that he felt the decision to enter into a contract with Energy Education was rushed into by former board members. The board unanimously agreed to open the position. The board asked that the position be advertised through local media and also requested copies of energy costs for the two past two years.
The board agreed to open the principal’s position at Appling County Primary School. Copeland left that position to assume the position of superintendent. Before approving the recommendation to open the position, Sellers asked how the position opening would be handled. Copeland stated that the position would be advertised internally and externally and added that she would like to see all positions start being posted in an open manner. The board concurred with Copeland’s comments.
The board agreed to meet on Saturday, January 15, for a board retreat to discuss a number of issues including reviewing board policies, budget issues, SACS, and goals.
Board members unanimously approved a Title IA Parent Involvement Policy.
Under information items, Facilities Director Winton Herrin updated board members on the Pre-K Project/Building to be located behind the Appling County Primary building. Herrin stated that he and Copeland met with Baxley City Manager Jeff Baxley about traffic concerns. He stated that it was resolved that Pre-K traffic would enter through Auburn Street and then exit either on U.S. Highway 1 or be diverted back around the complex. Traffic would not exit from Auburn Street. Herrin also discussed security cameras for the sports complex located adjacent to Appling Elementary and ACHS. He talked about some different options for installing a security camera system at the facilities and also pointed out that the school system could possibly lower its property insurance deductible from $5,000.00 to $2,500.00 at a cost to the system of $583.00 for the remainder of the insurance policy. Herrin stated that there had been several thefts at the facility and the price of the equipment and items stolen on each occasion was approximately $5,000.00.
Copeland reported to board members that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) would be issuing a report from its recent review of Appling County Schools in the next few days. A team from SACS made a visit on December 6 - 7, 2010 to review Appling’s progress after the system had its accreditation placed on probation for a number of issues in 2010. (The News-Banner will make this report available to the public as soon as it is released.)
Board members discussed an overall review of the system’s policies and procedures. Copeland stated she had contacted Harben, Hartley and Hawkins to get some recommendations for a review the current policies. It was noted that the system’s policies have not been reviewed since 2002.
Before the start of the meeting, and during public participation, ACHS Principal Gene Starr reported that a ninth grade student at ACHS, Devyn Woodle, had made the All-State Band. (The News-Banner has learned that an Appling County Middle School student has also been selected for All-State Band and we will have more on these students’ accomplishments in next week’s issue.)
Superintendent’s report
Copeland welcomed everyone in attendance to the meeting and said that it was an honor to serve as superintendent of the school system. She added that Appling County is a wonderful community and she has a vested interest in the community. She stated that since taking over as superintendent, she has been very busy. Copeland stated that she had met with central office staff, as well as principals, and went over some goals and expectations for the system. She reported that she would be addressing the entire school system on January 24. Copeland announced that instead of hiring a new superintendent’s secretary, Brandi Griffin, who has been handling human resources, would also be serving as the superintendent’s secretary. Finally, Copeland presented an award to staff of Appling County Primary. The school won a Bronze Award from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement for outstanding student achievement. Copeland added that Appling Primary was one of only 92 schools in the state to receive the award. Board member Ammons stated that it was encouraging to see so many staff members at the meeting.
Board member comments
Sellers stated that he considered it an honor to be chosen by the citizens to serve on the board of education. He added that the board must follow its policies and the law.
Ammons stated that he was excited to have the opportunity to serve his district and the community. He thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and added that the door is open for questions, comments and feedback. “That is how we will get better,” he said.
Crawford thanked citizens for the support and opportunity to serve as a board member. He encouraged everyone, including teachers and parents, to get involved and attend meetings.
Barlow stated the he was encouraged by the new board members and believes that it will be a good year for the school system.
Barnes stated that she looks forward to working with the new board.
Under selection of a school board attorney for 2011, new Superintendent Scarlett Copeland recommended that the board use Harben, Hartley and Hawkins LLP, of Gainesville, and also use a local attorney on an as needed basis. Copeland stated that she had spoken with several local attorneys that expressed interest in possibly serving in this capacity. The board approved the recommendation.
The board set the schedule for meetings in 2011. The board will meet on the second Monday night of each month at 7:00. Work session meetings will be scheduled on an as needed basis.
A resolution for Copeland and Barnes to sign checks on behalf of the school system was unanimously approved.
The board tabled a decision to purchase an off-site data back-up service system after some questions were raised. Board member Randy Crawford inquired about a quote on the standard support, which stated that the cost for the support would be an 18 percent annual charge. Crawford asked what amount the 18 percent charge would be derived from. Board member Scottie Ammons asked if this was a non-compliance issue with the Georgia Department of Audits. It was reported that it is a non-compliance issue and has been for several years.
Field trip requests were approved for Appling County High School students to attend the Festival of Music on January 20 - 23 in Athens, a Show Choir Competition in Montgomery, Alabama, on Jan. 28 - 30, a District Honor Band Clinic on St. Simons Island on February 3 - 5, a Show Choir Competition in Nashville, Tennessee, on Feb. 18 - 20, and an All-Region Band Competition in Valdosta on April 14 - 16. It was noted that only one of the five trips would require a school system bus.
After a number of questions were addressed, the board approved the purchase of a new oven for Appling County Middle School. Norvell Fixture and Equipment Company, of Augusta, presented the low bid for the oven at a price of $18,919.00. It was reported that there is money in the school nutrition budget to cover this expense.
The board unanimously approved to add a Meetings Module to its Eboard/website. The new module would basically allow school board members and the superintendent a communications tool to discuss items and post items that need to be on the agenda each month on the school system’s website. The system would work basically like a discussion board and would be completely open to the public. Board member M. C. Barlow expressed concern to other board members that they should keep in mind that all information posted would be open for public review. Board member Crawford stated that this was the purpose for adding the module, as it would assist in keeping the public informed. The cost to add the new module to the system’s website for the remainder of the year is $2,750.00.
New board members Randy Sellers, Ammons and Crawford raised a number of questions about opening a position for an Energy Education Specialist to work for the system. The board members asked when the actual contract with Energy Education was signed and became effective. Copeland stated that the contract took effect January 1, 2011. A representative with Energy Education Alan Kimbro was at the meeting to also answer questions and concerns about the new energy program that is expected to save the system money. As part of the contractual agreement between the system and Energy Education, the system must hire a full-time Energy Education Specialist to work within the system. One of the questions asked was whether or not the contract is binding and the answer was that the contract is a binding agreement at this point. After a tremendous amount of discussion between the board members and Kimbro, Copeland stated that there are basically two choices and they are to move forward with the existing contract or cancel the contract. The only problem with canceling the contract with Energy Education is that a clause exists in the agreement that states that the board would have to pay Energy Education a penalty of $130,000.00 for canceling the contract. Sellers stated that he still had a lot of questions and also added that he felt the decision to enter into a contract with Energy Education was rushed into by former board members. The board unanimously agreed to open the position. The board asked that the position be advertised through local media and also requested copies of energy costs for the two past two years.
The board agreed to open the principal’s position at Appling County Primary School. Copeland left that position to assume the position of superintendent. Before approving the recommendation to open the position, Sellers asked how the position opening would be handled. Copeland stated that the position would be advertised internally and externally and added that she would like to see all positions start being posted in an open manner. The board concurred with Copeland’s comments.
The board agreed to meet on Saturday, January 15, for a board retreat to discuss a number of issues including reviewing board policies, budget issues, SACS, and goals.
Board members unanimously approved a Title IA Parent Involvement Policy.
Under information items, Facilities Director Winton Herrin updated board members on the Pre-K Project/Building to be located behind the Appling County Primary building. Herrin stated that he and Copeland met with Baxley City Manager Jeff Baxley about traffic concerns. He stated that it was resolved that Pre-K traffic would enter through Auburn Street and then exit either on U.S. Highway 1 or be diverted back around the complex. Traffic would not exit from Auburn Street. Herrin also discussed security cameras for the sports complex located adjacent to Appling Elementary and ACHS. He talked about some different options for installing a security camera system at the facilities and also pointed out that the school system could possibly lower its property insurance deductible from $5,000.00 to $2,500.00 at a cost to the system of $583.00 for the remainder of the insurance policy. Herrin stated that there had been several thefts at the facility and the price of the equipment and items stolen on each occasion was approximately $5,000.00.
Copeland reported to board members that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) would be issuing a report from its recent review of Appling County Schools in the next few days. A team from SACS made a visit on December 6 - 7, 2010 to review Appling’s progress after the system had its accreditation placed on probation for a number of issues in 2010. (The News-Banner will make this report available to the public as soon as it is released.)
Board members discussed an overall review of the system’s policies and procedures. Copeland stated she had contacted Harben, Hartley and Hawkins to get some recommendations for a review the current policies. It was noted that the system’s policies have not been reviewed since 2002.
Before the start of the meeting, and during public participation, ACHS Principal Gene Starr reported that a ninth grade student at ACHS, Devyn Woodle, had made the All-State Band. (The News-Banner has learned that an Appling County Middle School student has also been selected for All-State Band and we will have more on these students’ accomplishments in next week’s issue.)
Superintendent’s report
Copeland welcomed everyone in attendance to the meeting and said that it was an honor to serve as superintendent of the school system. She added that Appling County is a wonderful community and she has a vested interest in the community. She stated that since taking over as superintendent, she has been very busy. Copeland stated that she had met with central office staff, as well as principals, and went over some goals and expectations for the system. She reported that she would be addressing the entire school system on January 24. Copeland announced that instead of hiring a new superintendent’s secretary, Brandi Griffin, who has been handling human resources, would also be serving as the superintendent’s secretary. Finally, Copeland presented an award to staff of Appling County Primary. The school won a Bronze Award from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement for outstanding student achievement. Copeland added that Appling Primary was one of only 92 schools in the state to receive the award. Board member Ammons stated that it was encouraging to see so many staff members at the meeting.
Board member comments
Sellers stated that he considered it an honor to be chosen by the citizens to serve on the board of education. He added that the board must follow its policies and the law.
Ammons stated that he was excited to have the opportunity to serve his district and the community. He thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and added that the door is open for questions, comments and feedback. “That is how we will get better,” he said.
Crawford thanked citizens for the support and opportunity to serve as a board member. He encouraged everyone, including teachers and parents, to get involved and attend meetings.
Barlow stated the he was encouraged by the new board members and believes that it will be a good year for the school system.
Barnes stated that she looks forward to working with the new board.
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