Barrow Journal

Ken Cato was able to delivered some good news last Tuesday to the Barrow County Board of Education.

The assistant superintendent for business services said the Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax collection for July was $641,666, an increase from $632,995 the previous year.

“I feel August should also be a bump with all the back-to-school shopping,” Cato said. “September may even be strong without the tax free holiday this year. The only month which scares me is going to be December.”

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning Claire Miller told the BOE the system should hear on its appeal of the AYP for Russell Middle School and Bethlehem Elementary School should be available in September. [Full Story »] 

A candidate for the Barrow County Board of Education has been facing four civil lawsuits in the county.

Beverly Kelley is a candidate for the BOE District 4 seat that is being vacated by Larry Ballard.
[Full Story »] 

The Barrow County Board of Education continues to look at ways to save money as members believe the budget crisis is far from over.

While not in as bad a shape financially as some area systems, Barrow County BOE members are looking at various proposals on saving funds including the elimination of various positions ranging from an assistant superintendent down to lunchroom monitors and clerical positions.

BOE members even discussed during Tuesday night’s meeting the possibility of saving $687,000 in transportation by eliminating bus routes for students who live within 1.5 miles of their respective schools.

“With the problems many students in the country and in Barrow County face with juvenile diabetes and being obese, maybe they need to be walking,” board member Lynn Stevens said. [Full Story »] 

An impassioned plea by one Barrow County Board of Education member has brought a proposed Bible literature class back into the spotlight.

Board member Larry Ballard asked that the item be placed on Tuesday’s work session agenda and then proceeded to make a passionate plea for the board to approve the class for the system’s two high schools. [Full Story »]