(The Pierce County Board of Education discussed and/or voted on the following during their monthly work session, Thursday, September 4 and their regular monthly meeting Monday, September 8.)
Millage rate approved: The BOE set its millage rate at 13.951 mills, down slightly from the current rate of 14 mills. Reducing the millage will avoid state requirements on holding public hearings due since there won’t be a tax increase. (See related story in the Sept. 10 edition.)
Shade structure at the softball complex: Board members agreed to seek bids on a new shade structure at the softball complex at the high school. (See related story in the Sept. 10 edition.)
Closed session and personnel: The board adjourned into a nine minute closed session to discuss personnel. After the session, the board voted to hire Ashley Thomas as a paraprofessional at Blackshear Elementary, Lindsay Garren as receptionist at Midway Elementary, Rebecca Lowman as school nurse at Patterson Elementary and Brittany Cooper as a food assistant in school nutrition. The board also approved Jill Davis as a community coach for softball at the middle school and Keith Altman as a community coach for wrestling at the high school. Tommy Doss was given an 11 month contract to coach boys soccer and Abby Cuneo was given an 11 month contract to coach girls soccer both at the high school. Lisa Kicklighter was named special education lead teacher at Patterson Elementary. The board accepted the resignations of Jessica Johnson as paraprofessional at Blackshear Elementary, Robert Jewell as custodian at the high school, Doris Ramsey as school nutrition assistant and Brian Ricketson as a technology specialist. Ricketson is retiring.
Recognitions: The board recognized the state champion boys tennis team at the high school and the district teachers of the year. All schools also received the National BETA district of distinction award and all schools received GAC accreditation.
Edgenuity renewal: The board approved a renewal of the annual subscription for the Edgenuity program for the high school. The annual renewal is $16,080. The program is used for the high school’s alternative school.
Policy changes: The board approved the first reading for a new transfer and withdrawals policy and revisions to the charter schools, absences and excuses, suicide prevention and student records and parents’ bill of rights policies.
Board governance training: The board reviewed its governance training for the coming year which will include sessions Dec. 3-5 and Feb. 5.
Board of Health Emergency operations plan: The board approved a routine agreement with the Pierce County Board of Health for the high school and middle school to be used as response sites in the event of a terrorist attack, natural or man-made disaster or other emergency of public health significance.
Consent agenda: Several items were approved under the consent agenda. They include:
• approval of memorandums of understanding with Coastal Pines for dual enrollment classes at the high school for the 2025-2026 fall term.
• approval for second graders at Midway Elementary to go to the Jacksonville Zoo in November and for the girls softball team at the high school to stay in Phenix City, AL during the state tournament playoffs in Columbus Oct. 28-Nov. 1. All out-of-state field trips must have board approval.
• approval of a list of fundraising requests for the 4-H were approved by the board.
• approval of the second and final reading of revisions to the internet acceptable use policy.
Reports: Finance Director Melanie Helms gave the system’s financial report. The year end financial reports are still being compiled. Helms reported the system’s sales tax revenue was $256,852 in July up about $2,300 from June. Facilities director Harbin Farr updated the board on various projects underway in the schools. Farr reported plans for an expansion project for Patterson and the middle school were delayed for this month, but should be ready for presentation at next month's meetings. Farr reported issues with air conditioning have slowed down, now that the weather is cooling down. He also reported that new lettering has been installed at Blackshear Elementary and the middle school.
Public participation: There was no public participation.
Minutes: The board approved minutes for August meetings.
Information: Superintendent Bennett announced that Pierce County Schools and the central office will be closed Monday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 14 for fall break. Students will also have a holiday Wednesday, October 15, but staff will have professional development that day.
Next meetings: The next work session will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2. The next regular meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6. Both meetings will be held at the central office.
