Pickens County Board of Education approves 2021-2022 budget

Dragon's Corner, News
budget

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.

budget

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

Pam Guenther

I am a native of N.H but more recently lived in Florida for most of my life recently moving to Georgia. I am a graduate of Concord, N.H. High School and also the N.H. tech Institute. I raised three children, my youngest being a Florida Highway Patrolman in Gainesville Fl. I love the mountain life and enjoy writing, walking, motorcycles and most outdoorsy activities. I love meeting new people and making new frineds because everyone has a story!

BoE Recognizes Student and Faculty Accomplishments During February Meeting

Board of Education, Dragon's Corner

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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