BOE hears facility plans

Next year, 5th grades from Yargo and Bethlehem Elementary schools would be moved to the Early Learning Center.

County Line and Bramlett Elementary 5th graders would be moved to the old County Line Elementary location.

In addition to providing a transitional environment for 5th graders, Creel told the board the proposed moves would “provide relief” to those schools by reducing the number of portable classrooms needed. A new middle school would open, as well as a move for Statham and Holsenbeck Elementary 5th graders to the new middle school. Construction of a new Career Academy for high school students would also begin.

In 2014, the new Career Academy would open, which, Creel told the board, “would allow choice options” for “at most 250 (high school) students” to pursue college prep or technical college, as well as “internships in approved programs.” This would “provide relief” in terms of student numbers to both local high schools.

The BOE did not discuss the plans at its meeting.


OTHER BUSINESS

Creel also announced the system’s first ever monthly “High Attendance” awards for one elementary school and one middle or high school.

August winners were County Line Elementary and the Alternative School/PLC (Performance Learning Center.) Creel emphasized that the awards were given for whole staff attendance, not just teaching staff. County Line achieved 97.65-percent attendance, while the Alternative School reported 96.5-percent.


ACCREDITATION

Acting on the superintendent’s recommendation, the BOE unanimously approved discontinuation of Barrow County’s contract with the Georgia Accrediting Commission, Inc. Creel told the board the school system could save $4,000-$5,000 per year by no longer paying for state accreditation.

She emphasized that the SACS/CASI accreditation (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Council on Accreditation and School Improvement) local schools now have is “more stringent” and inclusive (state, national and international accreditation) than GAC accreditation.

“We are not losing any accreditation whatsoever,” she stated.


OTHER ACTION

After a nearly 45-minute closed meeting, the board voted to continue to pay approximately $20,000 per year to the Georgia Insurers Insolvency Pool, which covers the cost of ongoing Workman’s Compensation claims.

•“Three outstanding schools,” as Vice Chairman Mitch Churchill described them, were recognized for exceptional cleanliness. Kennedy Elementary, Haymon-Morris Middle and Apalachee High School were commended. Apalachee received the “Clean School Award” for August.

•“Two extraordinary teachers,” from Bethlehem Elementary, Bridget Bach and Annette Sayles, were recognized by Barrow County ELL (English Language Learners) Support Specialist Julie Elmore for receiving a $1,000 grant from Georgia Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (GATESOL.)

•Kennedy Elementary was recognized by Ken Greene, Director of Student Services, for achieving Heart Safe School status. Greene told the board staff training in defibrillator use by Children’s Health Care of Atlanta resulted in the recent award.

•Claire Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Services reported that finishing touches are being made to the “Charter Schools Petition Draft,” which, when finalized, will be posted on the school system website. The board will vote on the petition at the Sept. 30 meeting.