PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.

← Back

The Appling County Board of Education honored this year’s District Spelling Bee Winners at a monthly meeting held on Monday evening, January 26. This year’s Overall District Winner is Rayne Teston. The District Spelling Bee Alternate is Jasie Crosby.
School Winners were Malakai Stone from Altamaha Elementary School (AES), Rayne Teston from Fourth District Elementary School (FDES), Jasie Crosby from Appling County Elementary School (ACES) and Glenn Shumans from Appling County Middle School (ACMS). School alternates included Noah Cruz from AES, Mylee Lane – FDES, Leah Hernandez – ACES and Gracie Stewart – ACMS.
Other business
Appling County High School (ACHS) Band Director Jonathan Hickox was present to introduce the band students who were selected for the 2026 All State Band. The two students include Parker Johnson, a 12th grader, percussionist, and Blake Anderson, an 11th grader, tuba player.
Superintendent Dr. Elgin Dixon recognized members of the Student Council for 2025-2026. Some of the members were present at the meeting. Student Council Members include 9th graders Ava Towns, Maddalyne Jones, Tobias Campbell and Mann Patel. 10th grade representatives include Jaesha Crayton, Raigen Murray, Tommy Beard and Jack Rountree. 11th graders include Scarlette Smith, Kennidi Hill, Kane Eason and Dareon Hood. The 12th grade Student Council Members are Emie Ewaldson, Layla Bergman, Chloe Jordan, Nate Carter, Lance McGill and CJ Salem.
Dr. Dixon reported that he had stopped by Altamaha Elementary School last week for a visit. He said it was very rewarding to see curriculum introduced and he added that the teachers were doing a great job.
Under consent agenda, board members unanimously approved the Appling Family Connections fiscal agent contract, ACHS Honor Graduate changes, financial reports, the ACMS/ACHS fence bid, December board minutes and field trip requests.
Superintendent Dixon discussed this year’s state school bus inspection. The Transportation Department’s Annual State Inspection was held on January 20–21. All buses were inspected
and there were no faults or findings on any bus; the department was 100% compliant on all buses. He congratulated the Transportation Department on a job well done.
Greg Hanson gave an update to BOE members regarding technology. Hanson expressed concern about the camera system around the ACHS baseball hitting facility. He reported that there have been issues with the facility being broken into. He said the school system could add more cameras to help catch the individuals. Hanson told the board that the cameras have not been updated since 2018 and suggested that the BOE start considering updating cameras. He also reported that there is another chip shortage and that is having an impact on pricing adding an additional $100.00 – $150.00 per device.
Superintendent Dixon and board members discussed the ESPLOST VII Referendum. Dixon stated they are working on the wording and will have a clean copy of the updated referendum to view at the next board meeting. The board hopes to get this on the May ballot. They also hope to raise the limit from $20,000,000.00 – $30,000,000.00.
There was one fundraiser request submitted for an ACES Online Ag Bake Auction (Adults Only) – February 12-13.
There were three field trip requests presented. One was for a Day at the Capitol on February 3-4 for ACHS, and there were two ACHS Bass Fishing Team requests for overnight trips.
The BOE voted to enter an executive session for personnel. Following the session, the board took the following action.
Superintendent Dixon recommended the board approve the following resignations:
– ACPS – Sierra McRae – School Nurse (effective 01/21/2026)
– ACES – Chason Pruitt – SPED Teacher (effective 06/30/2026)
– ACES – Emma Spivey – Paraprofessional (effective 06/30/2026)
– Transportation – Sharon Aguilar – Bus Driver (effective 12/29/2025)
Superintendent Dixon recommended the board approve the following recommendation to open position:
– ACPS – School Nurse – Open due to the resignation of Sierra McRae – open date 01/27/2026 with an effective date of 02/09/2026
Superintendent Dixon recommended the board approve the following recommendations to hire:
– ACPS – Brittney Yarbrough – School Counselor – effective FY27 (pending certification)
– ACMS – Kimberly Carver – ELA Teacher – effective 02/02/2026
– ACHS – John David Sellers – Head Football Coach/PE – effective 02/02/2026
Board Chairman Dr. Overstreet then addressed the audience. “Following thoughtful deliberation, the Board is pleased to announce Dr. Elgin L. Dixon as the finalist for Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Dixon has served as Interim Superintendent, during which time his leadership has provided stability and measurable progress for the district. In accordance with state law, the Board is publicly disclosing the name and background information of the finalist at least fourteen (14) days prior to taking official action. The Board is confident in the direction of the district under Dr. Dixon’s guidance and looks forward to considering his appointment following the required disclosure period.”