The atmosphere at the August Board of Education meeting was one of celebration for the return of school and positive steps forward.
The Aug. 9 meeting was called to order by Board Chairman Ginger Bailey, and the first report on the agenda was the chairman’s report. Bailey said the open houses were wonderful and jam packed.
“Everyone was happy, and I’m elated students are back in school,” she said.
The chairman expressed her appreciation to law enforcement for their assistance.
“There was a big presence by the Gray Police Department and Jones County Sheriff’s Office making sure everyone was safe,” she said. “I can’t tell you how much better I sleep at night knowing they have our back.”
Each board member echoed how glad they were school was back in session, and Dr. Nancy Nash said she was excited to meet Lisa Collins, Jones County College and Career Academy’s new CEO and JCSS Executive Director of College and CTAE programs.
Collins has served as the Career and Technical Education Director for Fayette County Public Schools for the past nine years.
In his superintendent’s report, Charles Lundy spoke about opening ceremony for teachers. He said it was a big success and the first day of preplanning.
“Doug Fisher’s professional learning day was a very good experience. It was a great opportunity to hear him,” he said.
Lundy said he received positive comments from all groups who attended. He said active shooter drills were held Monday, and the officers did a great job sharing information.
“The first day of school and first week of traffic went as smooth as could be expected,” he said.
The superintendent said at the end of the first week, 5,110 students were enrolled. He said 3,000 students were transported, and 18,378 meals were served. The IT department served 10,000 devices.
Lundy said that he was contacted by Demun Jones about another fundraiser for Jones County schools. He said the fundraiser is scheduled Sept. 17, and the money will be donated to the art program.
“This would be his fifth fundraiser,” he said. “He likes to give back.”
The superintendent went on to talk about the Sept. 29 event planned at Butler Hall. Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan will host the 15th_Annual Business and Education Summit_that begins at 8:30 a.m. According to the JCCCA website, the event will include keynote speakers and panels discussing strategies for industries and educators to focus on emerging and high demand career sectors.
Lundy said the Board of Education will have a called meeting Aug. 23. He said he is recommending the millage rate be rolled back 0.024 mills.
“It’s a good sign that we can have a roll back for two years,” he said.
Finance report
CFO Tonya Merritt presented the finance report for the month ending July 31, which is 8.33 percent of the new school year. The total revenues are $3,499,209 and total expenditures $4,485,535. The ending cash balance is $21,757,891.
Education Special Local Option Sales Tax collection for July was $267,379, and the average monthly ESPLOST collection is $290,610.
Action items
Lundy recommended:
• The purchase of 75 Chromebook and licenses from Trafera for Gray Station Middle School at an estimated cost of $19,575 using funds from ESSER III
• Entering into a contract with Dodge Learning Resources to purchase Social Studies Read Aloud Text for Wells Elementary School at a cost of $11,818 utilizing L4GA funds
• The purchase of Broadworks Education Suite District License for K-8 schools at a cost of $18,839 using Title I funds
• The purchase of a Carrier 3-ton electric rooftop AC unit for Wells Elementary School at a cost of $10,527 utilizing the maintenance and operation budget
• The superintendent also recommended a $9,963,68 general fund investment into Treasury Bills with Truist Bank. The investment was the suggestion of Raymond James representative Tom Owens, who spoke to the Board at their June 14 meeting.
• The final action item was to table a complaint resolution policy for 30 days to allow time for its review. Board members unanimously approved the recommendations of the superintendent, and the meeting was adjourned to enter into closed session.
