The Emanuel County Board of Education met Tuesday, April 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Swainsboro Elementary School. All board members were in attendance except Sandra Swinney. Chairman Mason Henry called the meeting to order and welcomed all before calling upon Vice Chairman Johnny Parker to deliver the invocation. Chairman Henry then led in the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the approval being made of the night’s agenda.
Following the approval of Tuesday night’s agenda, special recognition was given to the Mill Creek Foundation. The board expressed its appreciation for the foundation’s generous support of the Emanuel County school system over the past years and presented a plaque of appreciation to Denny Kea with Mill Creek Foundation.
In reference to the consent agenda:
Minutes from the March 9 regular board meeting and March 23 called board meeting were reviewed and approved as presented by board members.
Financial reports were presented by Molly Smith.
Discussion was held on the SRO agreement between the school system and Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office. Board members agreed this program is beneficial to the school system and wish to continue this service.
The purchase of two 2020 GMC work trucks and two 2022 Blue Bird gas buses were discussed and approved.
Board members approved a request for surplus materials at Swainsboro Middle School.
The continuance of the Family Connection fiscal agreement was discussed and approved by board members.
Dr. Kevin A. Judy addressed board members with the ECI modification certification.
Board members were then addressed with discussion of the Governor’s bonus pay to school system employees. The board agreed to honor a one-time payment of $1,000 to all school system employees.
Discussion and action were then held on virtual students attending prom this year. The board approved virtual students to participate in this year’s prom events if they choose to do so.
In reference to superintendent comments:
Dr. Judy thanked Swainsboro Elementary school administrators Valorie Watkins and Lara Norton for hosting the meeting and for the phenomenal job they have done this year keeping the students and school safe while also focusing on academics.
He then went over the 2021 GSBA Summer Conference registration sheets with board members for those that would like to attend. John Allen Bailey was elected as delegate and Phyllis Dixon was elected as the alternate delegate to attend this conference.
Chandra Hooks presented the Summer Feeding Program for this upcoming summer break. Details for this year’s program were provided, entailing minor changes to this year’s distributions. Changes include one location change in the Oak Park area as well as distribution dates being changes from daily to once a week. Hooks outlined that enough meals would be provided to students for a 7-day basis, with weekly drop offs set to fall on Tuesdays. She further announced assistance being received from the Augusta area during the month of July as a collaboration effort to ensure youth are fed while not attending school.
It was announced that a called board meeting would be held on Monday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the central office for the board to go over superintendent applications.
Dr. Judy announced that the second round of COVID vaccinations would be given Friday, April 16.
Dr. Judy then noted that he would be attending the 2021 Spring Bootstrap Conference on April 21-22.
Board members then took action on discussion held on the consent agenda. With a unanimous vote, the consent agenda was approved as presented.
The board then entered into executive session. Upon re-entering normal session, the following was announced:
Board members approved the employment of certified personnel Hunter Braswell, Barry S. Golden Jr., Rebecca McNeely, Christian Novak, Christopher Pye, and Chiquita Smith - teachers.
The board approved the employment of classified personnel Jessica Arms, Maurielle Harmon, Brittany Meade, Erica Smith, and Gail Williams, substitute teachers; Sonya Cunningham, substitute nurse; Shateria Jenkins, substitute bus driver; and Geraldine Rountree, substitute custodian.
Board members approved the resignation of certified personnel Sallie Jane Claxton, Jennifer Horton, Jennifer Phillips, and Malorie Rivera - teachers.
The board approved the resignation of classified personnel Tommy Neal, bus driver; Bryanna Riner, clerical; and Mallory Wheeler, paraprofessional.
Board members approved the transfer of certified employees Marla Hooks and Dena Walden, teachers.
