Bus Drivers’ DUI Arrests Prompt Action from Board of Education
Board of Education, Featured, Featured News August 30, 2022
PICKENS COUNTY, Ga – Jeffrey Tucker and Tammy Decerbo, the the two bus drivers arrested and charged with DUI, will now face disciplinary action from the Pickens County Board of Education (BOE).
On Tuesday August 24th, the Pickens County BOE released a statement, detailing the county’s response to their DUI arrests.
Georgia State Patrol arrested Tucker after he registered .03 on the Breathalyzer. In Georgia, the legal limit for commercial vehicle drivers is .04% blood alcohol levels. Consequently, the BOE has decided to terminate Tucker’s employment.
Decerbo faces DUI and failure to maintain lane charges. According the Pickens County BOE, there were no indication that she drove her school bus while under the influence. Despite this, the BOE has decided to suspend her until the charges pending against her are resolved.
These two arrests have caused the BOE to review their bus related policies, procedures, and protocols. Furthermore, the BOE will be providing additional training to their staff and outside consultants who play a role in transporting the children of Pickens County.
Pickens County Bus Driver Arrested and Charged With DUI
Featured Stories, Press Release August 20, 2022
JASPER, Ga – On the afternoon of Friday, August 19th a Pickens County School District bus had an accident. This was a single vehicle accident, and none of the students needed medical accidents. There were no injuries either.
Afterwards, the Georgia State Patrol arrested Jeffrey Tucker, the bus driver, and initially charged him with DUI, failure to maintain lane, and 40 counts of reckless conduct. District personnel made contact by phone or have left messages for all parents with children on the bus.
Once law enforcement has completed its investigation, the district will conduct its own review into circumstances surrounding this event.
This is an ongoing investigation. At this time, this is all the information available.
Pickens County Board of Elections Meeting August 2nd 2022
Election, News August 4, 2022
Voice of Rural America provided the following video of a live broadcast on August 2, 2022. This is the Pickens County Board of Elections meeting.
Board Recognizes Camp Cool of the Wild
Board of Education, Featured News, Featured Stories July 19, 2022
PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. – The Pickens County Board of Education recognized the “Camp Cool of the Wild” (CCOW) summer camp program.
Janet Goodman, Director of Federal Programs, highlighted the best moments of CCOW. The program started as an means to keep 300 1st- 9th grade students engaged and learning while enjoying their summer vacation. According to Ms. Goodman, CCOW emerged from a “desire to engage the students in hands-on experiences connected to the community through agriculture, STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Math), and fine arts to continue learning beyond the regular school year.”
CCOW met for four days a week at Pickens Junior High School for four weeks. During that time, students went on a weekly field trip to “one of [the] teachers’ local farm.”
The Pickens County School District curriculum department, in collaboration with teacher leaders from different schools planned and carried out the activities. There were teachers from all six Pickens County schools. “Also, central office support personnel such as the district nutrition director and staff, district transportation coordinator and bus drivers, district nurse coordinator, district social workers, district bookkeeper, and administration from all schools [helped with camp]. Additionally, Lauren Chastain, a parent who is a Reinhardt University nursing student, volunteered for [the] first aid clinic.”
Ms. Goodman stated that the Pickens County School District is already looking to make CCOW even bigger next year. For those who are interested in helping, there will be opportunities to make donations. Also, the school district encourages people from the community to volunteer and assist with some of the CCOW learning projects. For instance, the Fire Department helped with the egg drop activities for a STEM activity.
Registration will open in April 2023. The School District will also send registration reminders through Infinite Campus, an all-call and all-email student information system.
Pickens BOE sets millage after Executive Session for personnel
News September 2, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – A special called meeting of the Pickens County Board of Education met this week and put the final approval on the board’s millage rate.
Upon calling the meeting to order and approving the agenda, however, the Pickens County Board of Education retreated to an executive session to discuss, as Board Chair Sue Finley read, “the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee. Or to interview applicants for the position of superintendent.”
The board took no action upon exiting executive session, but instead moved on to the regular agenda.
An official motion came to approve the Board of Education’s millage rate at 14.30 mills. Board Member Aaron Holland made the motion with a second from Steve Smith.
This sets the millage rate 0.53 mills lower than last year and continuing the steady decline according to the school’s 5-year history of the tax levied.
BOE FY 22 Initial Budget
The system estimates, according to the 5-year history, $22,648,385 in total M&) taxes levied. The budget denotes $24,908,755 in local taxes.
Finley said, “I would like to thank Mr. Young and Ms. Smith for their hard work to make this happen to bring our budget to the point where we can have our millage rate at 14.30 and still have our budget in the black. Thank you very much.”
A unanimous vote for both the millage rate and the FY 22 budget saw the board passing an initial budget for the year.
That budget totals $48.7 million, estimating that the school system’s fund balance will remain at $10.5 million.
Pickens County Board of Education approves 2021-2022 budget
Dragon's Corner, News July 9, 2021
JASPER, Ga – The Pickens County Board of Education (BOE) discussed the proposed budget for 2021-2022 school year, as well as additional funds for Superintendent and bonus pay for contracted staff. There would be no significant changes to the current budget for the proposed $41,642.
The only thing currently not approved but is expected to be would be the federal art grant. The eleven new FY 20 federal grants range from $750 to $11 million. The art grant was the only grant still waiting to be signed. Ms. Smith also stated that every department was eligible to receive a grant as long as it was allowable but everything must be related to the ‘COVID’ pandemic. The school system is eligible to receive various grants ranging from $624 to 7.1 million dollars. but she went on to explain that no matter the amount of the grant they all required the same amount of paperwork.
Amy Smith, Chief Financial Officer for the Pickens Education Board, explains the upcoming budget for the school year.
Amy Smith explained that even though the FY 20 grant came in late, it was still eligible to be used until June 2024. All the grant money has to be reported annually and proven as to how it was used. Their main goal was to get the students back to grade-level education. Many of the grants can also be used for transportation, food, instruction, and supplies.
During the public meeting, a handful of parents attended. One of the parents expressed a concern on whether or not any of the grants would be used for new HVAC systems for the schools.
Timothy Childree, a parent of one of the youngsters in the school system, expressed his concern about air quality. At that time Stacy Gilleland, Chief Operations Officer, explained that it had been looked into but was not needed at this time and the cost associated with the replacement of new units would not be cost-effective. The air quality was still at the expected level, and all equipment was in good working order.
Approved by the board was an increase in salaries (FY 22 salary schedule) for the non-technical staff employed in the education system, noting that to this date they had only received no more than an increase of $125 per year. Also approved by the board was FY 21 budget, approval of the spending resolution for August 2021, and approval of the FY 22 tentative budget. In addition, the board approved the funding of the “EdGenuity” online program for students grades 6 thru 12 at an estimated cost of $13,000. The panel also agreed to approve the cost of some surplus damaged tech equipment at one of the schools.
Also, present at the Board meeting was a group of six local high school students who received awards for their hard work and accomplishments in the field of Engineering and Biotechnology. The students received awards from The Tech Student Association which recognized them in the tech field for their various achievements. Two of the awards were for ‘Bio-Tech Design’ and the ‘Chapter Team’ award among others. The certificates were awarded by Destini Shope, Director of Community Engagements.
Destiny Shope, Director of Community Engagements, is seen here announcing the students’ awards.
Pickens High School Engineering Students receiving their award at yesterday’s meeting.
Chris Parker is seen here receiving his award at the meeting for writing the student handbooks.
Author
BOE confirms termination of Superintendent’s contract agenda
News January 17, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – After a recent special called meeting of the Pickens County Board of Education ended after three hours in executive session, all indications pointed towards discussions of termination the Superintendent’s Contract with Dr. Rick Townsend.
Rick Townsend, Superintendent of Pickens County Schools
FYN reported on citizens comments and sources relaying information confirming this as the next step along with a special called meeting for Monday, January 18, 2021.
Today, the Pickens BOE issued publications in advance of tomorrow’s 3 p.m. meeting confirming the agenda item titled “Termination of Superintendent’s Contract” along with “Appointment of an Interim Superintendent.”
With this on the same meeting agenda, the interim could potentially be someone already in position with the Board such as Assistant Superintendent Tony Young. However, there is no details available pointing to exactly who will be taking the Interim Superintendent Position.
It was exactly one year ago when the Pickens County Board of Education was going through the same process after the resignation of Dr. Carlton Wilson came amid procedures to dismiss him as well. He resigned on December 19, 2019, as was nearly reinstated the following month on January 9, 2020 when board member Sue Finley made the motion to re-appoint Dr. Wilson as Superintendent of Pickens County schools, seconded only by, then Vice Chairman, Steve Smith.
Pickens County Board of Education member, and former Chairman, Tucker Green
With obvious dissension amongst the Board of Education, the process continued under Interim Superintendent Dr. Charles Webb until Dr. Rick Townsend was hired. His contract becoming effective on April 27, 2020, Dr. Townsend was also hired by a split 3-2 vote.
He was praised by, then Board Chairman, Tucker Green who said, ““Dr. Townsend brings a wide array of educational experiences which is of great importance to the Board. Dr. Townsend’s experience at multiple levels, coupled with his proven track record of improving schools and school districts, was appealing to the Board. The Board also believes that Dr. Townsend is uniquely capable to provide clear leadership from the district level to the school level.”
Nine months later, the meeting will be held on January 18, 2021 with the agenda indicating that the Board will also terminate Townsend’s contract.
Three hour executive session leads to doubt for Pickens Superintendent
Featured News, Featured Stories, News January 16, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – Pickens County could be seeing another chapter in its ongoing Superintendent troubles over the years after a three-hour-long meeting was held almost entirely in Executive Session.
On January 16, 2021, the Pickens County Board of Education held a special called meeting posted to host both an Executive Session and General Discussion items on the Agenda.
During the meeting, it was said that the general discussion was originally put in to discuss a different topic. However, some citizens present said they were present to “show support” for Superintendent Dr. Rick Townsend.
Rick Townsend, Superintendent of Pickens County Schools
While the Board of Education spent almost all of the three hours in Executive Session, Dr. Townsend was not present for a large part of the meeting as he was seen exiting the room where the executive session was being held.
The only results of the meeting that were publicly stated as the Board returned from their executive session was the calling of yet another Special Called Meeting for this Monday, January 18, 2021.
However, sources have messaged FYN saying they are expecting the School Board to be dismissing or firing Dr. Townsend on Monday.
The board said in their Friday meeting, “We will have a Called Meeting on Monday at 3 p.m. It will be published over the weekend.” This means they will be meeting on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, although there is yet to be an agenda or meeting placed on the Pickens Calendar on their website as of the writing of this article.
BoE Recognizes Student and Faculty Accomplishments During February Meeting
Board of Education, Dragon's Corner February 15, 2020
JASPER, Ga. – The Pickens County Board of Education recognized student and faculty accomplishments during their meeting held on Thursday, February 13, 2020.
A video of the ceremony may be viewed at the bottom of this page!
7th Grade Jeremy Westbrook Wins State FFA Contest (Click to Enlarge)
In October, Jeremy Westbrook competed in the Area Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) Quiz event. This event is a fifty question quiz covering all aspects of FFA. Jeremy was in the top 2 of 48, 6th through 9th graders. He then advanced to the state contest which was held at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC). While there, Jeremy competed against eleven more students who qualified out of 243 total students from across the state. Of those eleven, eight were 9th graders and three were 8th graders. At the end of the event, Jeremy was recognized as the state winner. It has also come to our attention that Jeremy, a 7th grader, is the youngest student on record to ever win the contest.
Mykenzie Weaver reaches 2,000 career points in Girls Basketball (Click to Enlarge)
Congratulations to Mykenzie Weaver for recently passing 2,000 career points in Girls Basketball. Mykenzie is only the 3rd person in school history to achieve this feat. She currently sits 2nd in all-time leading scoring in Dragonettes Girls Basketball History!
She was also named the Region 6AAAA Player of the Year.
Dragons Esports Team Wins Second State Championship (Click to Enlarge)
Our Dragons win the Fall GHSA Esports Rocket League state championship!We defeated Forsyth Central 4 games to 1 at Mt Vernon at the GHSA State Esports Championships!
Congratulations to Mason Watkins, Carter Logan, and Tristan Warren and Coach Wil Nix on this accomplishment!
The Dragons Esports Rocket League team also won the Spring GHSA Esports State Championship last May.
PHS and PJHS Band Recognitions (Click to Enlarge)
The PHS and PJHS band would like to recognize our students who were selected for the District 9 Honor Bands, the GMEA All-State Band, and who qualified for the final round audition at the State level.
Hill City Elementary School was named to the 2019-20 list of Distinguished Schools released by the Georgia Department of Education. Title I Distinguished Schools are among the highest-performing 5% of Title I schools in the state. Hill City Elementary was 1 of 87 schools named to this list.
PHS and PJHS Band Recognitions (Click to Enlarge)
In a press release, State School Superintendent Richard Woods shares, “While we are focused on continuous improvement for all schools, it’s also essential that we recognize when schools are doing well, These schools are overcoming barriers, meeting challenges, and producing great gains for their students. I commend the school leaders, teachers, parents and communities in our 2019-20 Distinguished [and Reward] Schools who are opening up opportunities for their students.”
Congratulations, Hill City Elementary!
PHS and PJHS Band Recognitions (Click to Enlarge)
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Former Superintendent Wilson offers letter to citizens
News January 15, 2020
JASPER, Ga. – Many citizens in Pickens County have been closely following the developments in the Superintendent position at Pickens Board of Education (BOE) through a series of Special Called Meetings as well as those regular scheduled in the final days of 2019 and early days of 2020.
Even FYN reported statements from Wilson that he would offer a written statement of the proceedings as he resigned during one of the called meetings on December 19, 2019.
Later he was nearly reinstated as questions arose about the validity of the “emergency meetings.” But was voted down by Chairman Tucker Green, board member Joeta Youngblood, and board member Donna Enis.
This week, Dr. Carlton Wilson released a public letter to citizens fulfilling his promise of a written statement from last month. That letter follows:
Dear Pickens County,
Cindy and I wanted to take a moment to express our thanks to you as a community. When we relocated here more than 25 years ago we knew we had found our home. Cindy and I love living in and being a part of this community. We have raised our family here and we have worked to be a part of the community in every aspect. I knew when I interviewed for a teaching job here that this was the place I wanted to teach, coach, and live. Having had an opportunity to serve as your Superintendent of Schools was one of the greatest honors of my life thus far. I know we have one of the best school systems in the state of Georgia, some of the greatest staff, students, and parents.
We have been overwhelmed and extremely humbled by the love and support from the people of Pickens County. This is just another reason Pickens County is a great place to live. We love this county and I especially love our school system. The past month has been very difficult and confusing.
Our current school board is the third school board that I have served with as your superintendent. As school boards change board members, even just one, their personalities, priorities, and visions can change. Each school board is different from the boards they replaced. However, I felt it was very important to continual and complete the goals our previous boards had established not knowing these priorities, goals, and visions had changed. The current board never shared with me that that their priorities or visions changed for our school system. As Superintendent, I have always followed the strategic plan and direction that I was given. That was my job.
I am very proud of the accomplishments, partnerships, and relationships our school system developed over the past couple of years. I am very happy I can say I left the school district knowing every employee received a raise while we reduced the mileage rate for the fourth consecutive year. This took teamwork and I was proud to be a part of it.
I realize when information is not given, people will fill the void with rumors. Just to be clear, I was not given any reason except several of the board members had lost confidence in my leadership. Several members of the Board did not like the direction I was leading the school system. Concerning decisions that I made during my tenure as superintendent, I can assure you that every major decision was made with the school board’s understanding and approval. However, I take full responsibility for all day to day operational issues. Again, that was my job.
It has been a privilege serving the students, staff, and residents of Pickens County. I wish the greatest success to our school system and especially the young people they serve. The students deserve stability and strong leadership from our next Superintendent and the principal’s of our schools. Our teachers deserve the support of not only the board and school leadership but the community. I encourage you to help our community move forward by investing in our school district and helping them move to the next level. Cindy and I are excited to see what the future holds and I look forward to continuing to serve our great community in the future.
Sincerely,
Carlton Wilson
Dr. Wilson nearly re-instated as Superintendent
Board of Education, News January 10, 2020
JASPER, Ga. – Dr. Carlton Wilson was nearly re-instated as Superintendent during the Pickens County Board of Education meeting held on Thursday, January 9, 2020.
Dr. Robert Keller, first public speaker
Dr. Carlson, having recently been forced to resign from his position as Superintendent, was the topic of all four public speakers during the meeting.
Dr. Robert Keller was the first to speak, stating “[…]Watching the videos, as I hope most of you will, you repeatedly berated Superintendent Wilson, and other board members too, repeatedly berated him in regards in what turned out to be trivial events. So once, formally, you finally got it into a private session, you failed to arrive at a consensus, and we had this three to two decision that ultimately resulted in Carlton’s resignation. I think that we’re probably going to see alot more of the three to two decisions just like we’ve seen tonight. Not only was there not a consensus in this arriving at the decision, two publicly stated that they were not even informed of the situation. I’m worried how many more times we’ll see this three to two decision as you direct the school system in the wrong direction.”
All four public speakers, as seen in the video below, were met with positive reactions from a majority of the audience.
Cheryl Sams addressed the council towards the end of the meeting, stating “[…]How did this qualify as an emergency meeting, per the Georgia code? It did not. And Tucker, you know it did not. An emergency meeting can only be when it effects the public safety, public personnel, or public property. How did this qualify for that? And my question is, we pay you $100 a meeting, per day? Well why are there so many called meetings? Did somebody have a bill that they needed to pay? And why are these meetings called if we are required to give five days notice to speak before the board? Why do you do all of these called meetings at a time when most of your constituents are at work, we don’t have ample time to get our name on here… why do you do that? Apparently, you can send out all the surveys you want, but you’ve already shown us you don’t want community input.”
Cheryl Sams, public speaker
Upon hearing from the public, board member Sue Finley made the motion to re-appoint Dr. Wilson as Superintendent of Pickens County schools, seconded only by vice chairman Steve Smith.
Chairman Tucker Green, board member Joeta Youngblood, and board member Donna Enis voted against this motion however, and so it did not pass, leaving Interim Superintendent Dr. Charles Webb to fill the position at this time.
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School district may receive raises next year
Education, News June 4, 2019
JASPER, Ga. – During their FY20 (fiscal year 2020) discussion on Friday, May 31, 2019 the Pickens Board of Education discussed potential raises for the district in the coming year.
According to Chief Financial Officer Amy Smith (presenter pictured to the left above), a 4.45% increase is currently expected, with certified staff receiving a $3,000 state schedule increase, plus a 10% local supplement.
Smith states that this would include a one dollar an hour increase to all non-certified, non-administrative positions but not including bus drivers as they received a two dollar an hour increase last year. However, bus drivers would still receive a 2% state and local increase.
There is expected to be a 75 cent raise for food service workers, and a one dollar an hour increase to food service managers and book keepers.
The raises also vary by number of months worked for certain employees. For example, Smith cites that a 12-month principal would earn $3,900 more total, whereas an 11-month would receive $3,600.
As confirmed by Superintendent Dr. Carlson Wilson, all staff would ultimately be receiving a minimal 2% increase in pay.
No new teachers are currently expected to be hired, though one para-pro is likely to be needed to provide clerical and instructional support, plus virtual school support if needed.
These raises are not guaranteed as of yet, however, as the board has further discussion as well as voting on the proposed changes in upcoming meetings.
Stay tuned for future updates!
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Vaping Field Test presented to BOE by Clint Anderson
News, Police & Government April 15, 2019
JASPER, Ga. – A Vaping Field Test with the potential to examine the chemical composition of solids, powders, liquids, and gels utilizing a handheld laser reader and an updatable database of substances was presented by Clint Anderson of the company Safeware during the Board of Education meeting held on Friday, April 12, 2019.
Clint Anderson of Safeware holding a TacticID model 1064.
The device, called “TacticID”, uses something called “Raman Spectroscopy”, which according to Anderson is the process of firing a laser into a molecule to receive a unique fingerprint for the substance being monitored.
Each substance will have a unique fingerprint. If the substance being read by the laser on board the device is known to the device (utilizing its updatable software dictionary), then the results will be displayed to the operator of the device. If no known substance is found, then the results can be sent off to Safeware for further testing.
Any additional substances discovered will be added to the device via a free software update from Safeware, meaning that new and upcoming substances can be added at no additional cost to the county.
Examples of explosives and hazardous materials detected.
Anderson cites that there are over 10,000 agents currently indexed by the device, and not all are drugs. The TacticID also picks up on explosives and hazardous chemicals, and unlike previous models, the showcased model 1064 also has a much stronger laser with the ability to more easily determine the composition of darker materials. The laser is so strong, in fact, that it can read through bags, vials, etc.
Any drugs examined by the device will return different color codes that quickly determine their federal scheduling. Substances deemed not hazardous will return a green screen. A yellow screen represents drugs that fall under schedules three through five, such as Tylenol containing codeine, ketamine, Xanax, Ambien, Lyrica, etc.
Substances deemed most hazardous, which fall under federal scheduling one and two, will return a red screen. These substances include heroine, cocaine, meth, oxycodone, and even marijuana for reasons unknown to the author.
The TacticID device is ultimately a potential solution to the dangerous unknown substances being found within vaping products throughout the county, as well as others throughout the state. Anderson cites that the device would cost the county $43,831, though this includes all adapters, all future software and firmware updates, etc.
Raman MDMA spectrum examples.
The device would also make it less dangerous for law enforcement agents to check for potential hazardous materials and dangerous narcotics, as they can use the included adapters to scan the substances in question without needing to come into contact with them.
The Board of Education wouldn’t be the only ones to foot the bill. Sheriff Donnie Craig states that there would be other potential county and state funding sources as well, as the device wouldn’t be used just for incidents related to the school system.
Updates will be posted as we receive them!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF8lYBCxGv8[/embedyt]
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Pickens BOE Presents Several Students with Awards
Dragon's Corner, News April 12, 2019
JASPER, Ga. – The Pickens County Board of Education presented awards to several students during their regular board meeting on Thursday, April 11, 2019.
Valedictorian Emily Robinson (left), C. Wallace (right).
Emily Robinson was awarded the title Valedictorian, while Rosa Willis won Salutatorian. These titles are based on class ranking, determined by student Grade Point Average.
Robinson isn’t entirely sure where she wishes to continue her education, though she has narrowed her options down to Emory University, Duke, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins, all of which has already accepted her.
Willis has chosen Berry College as her college of choice.
The 2019 STAR Student award was presented to Dale Smith, having the highest combined three-part SAT score on the same date. Smith has decided that he will continue his education at the University of North Georgia.
Salutatorian Rosa Willis (left), C. Wallace (right).
Emma Long wasn’t present and won first place in the National Talent Competition at the National FFA Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana earlier this year. This is her second National Award.
On Thursday, March 21, 2019, the Jasper Middle School Math Team, comprised of Jeremy Westbrook, Eric Malcolm, Grayson Ludington, Diego Rivera, Wyatt Richards, Coleman Keener, Ada Keener, and Julie Hermann, won first place at the Berry College Math Competition for the second time this year.
The final round of awards presented were for a 4-H contest that occurred last March, known as the “District Project Achievement”. The seventh through twelfth grade students (Conner Watson, Colin Watson, and Titus Matteson) had to complete a portfolio to showcase their year-long work and project area in addition to their leadership and community service activities. They also had to present a 10 to 12 minute speech on their project area. Watson placed second in Wildlife and Marine Sciences, while Matteson placed third in Housing Equipment and Environment.
STAR Student Dale Smith (left), C. Wallace (right).
The fourth through sixth graders (Sarahi Flores, Sheila Flores, Sky Paredes, and Sophia Scott) had to prepare and present a four to six minute speech with props in front of two judges. All four girls placed first in their category.
Congratulations from the Fetch Your News team to all who received recognition during this meeting!
Berry College Math Competition Winners (one of two)
Berry College Math Competition (two of two)
4-H District Project Achievement Award Winners
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2MmOuRc0rQ[/embedyt]
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Pickens County Schools Start Back Today!
Dragon's Corner, News August 6, 2019
JASPER, Ga. – Pickens County Schools start back Tuesday, August 6, 2019, and the official calendar and daily schedule is as follows!
Tuesday, August 6, 2019: First day of school.
All are Monday – Friday.
Pickens County High School / Student Drop-Off: 7 am / Start: 7:45 am / End: 2:45 pm
Pickens Junior High School / Student Drop-Off: 7 am / Start: 7:45 am / End: 2:45 pm
Jasper Middle School / Student Drop-Off: 7:15 am / Start: 8:30 am / End: 3:30 pm
Harmony Elementary School / Student Drop-Off: 7:15 am / Start: 8:30 am / End 3:30 pm
Hill City Elementary School / Student Drop-Off: 7:15 am / Start: 8:30 am / End: 3:30 pm
Tate Elementary School / Student Drop-Off: 7:15 am / Start: 8:30 am / End: 3:30 pm
Monday, September 2, 2019: Labor Day Holiday
Friday, September 6, 2019: Progress Reports
Monday, September 23, 2019 – Friday, September 27, 2019: Fall Break
Tuesday, October 15, 2019: End of 1st Nine Weeks
Friday, October 18, 2019: Report Cards
Friday, November 15, 2019: Progress Reports
Monday, November 25, 2019 – Friday, November 29, 2019: Thanksgiving Holidays
Friday, December 20, 2019: End of 2nd Nine Weeks, End of 1st Semester
Monday, December 23, 2019 – Tuesday, December 31, 2019: Christmas Holidays
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 – Friday, January 3, 2020: School Holiday
Monday, January 6, 2020: Inservice
Tuesday, January 7, 2020: Students Return to School
Friday, January 10, 2020: Report Cards
Monday, January 20, 2019: Martin Luther King Holiday
Friday, February 7, 2020: Progress Reports
Monday, February 17, 2020 – Tuesday, February 18, 2020: Winter Break
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 – Friday, February 21, 2020: Potential Inclement Weather Make-Up Days for Students
Tuesday, March 17, 2020: End of 3rd Nine Weeks
Friday, March 20, 2020: Report Cards
Monday, April 6, 2020 – Friday, April 10, 2020: Spring Break
Friday, April 24, 2020: Progress Reports
Friday, May 22, 2020: Last Day of School, End of 4th Nine Weeks, End of 2nd Sesmester
Saturday, May 23, 2020: Graduation Day
Monday, May 25, 2020: Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 – Friday, May 29, 2020: Post Planning
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BOE Investigates allegations of segregation
News March 6, 2019
Jasper, Georgia – The Pickens Board of Education has made a public statement about allegations from a recent chorus concert.
Pickens Junior High School and Pickens High School chorus groups performed in a joint concert last evening. The district office is aware that some members of the audience have expressed concerns on social media based on their perception that a student was “separated, segregated, and alienated” during the performance.
Superintendent Wilson wants to assure the community and public that the allegations circulating on social media are serious in nature and are being investigated. The district is working with all individuals involved to ensure the concerns are resolved and that any misunderstandings are made clear. We appreciate your patience as we work through this process.