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Thursday evening, the Board of Education held their monthly meeting and special recognition and presentations for members of the Industry Certification Programs, Georgia Tech Rural Computer Science Initiative School Partnership, and the Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) Sorority.

Keith Lyle called the meeting to order and Winston Rollins did the invocation. Lyle also did the adoption of agenda and the approval of meeting minutes.

Afterwards, the meeting went into special recognition and presentation. Scott Morehouse, CTAE Director at Bainbridge High School, awarded Toyna Welch, CTAE Family & Consumer Science Teacher, the industry certification. Huge thanks also goes to Welch’s team members for all their assistance at the advisory board, creating the ECE Lab, and documentation preparation: Jennifer Wilkinson, Christy Cox, Jennifer Oldaker, Paris Birdsong, Crystal Birdsong, Teresa Adkins, Tiffany Madge, Brooker Vickers, Mindy Strickland, Falicia Caraballo, Nancy Griffin, Janette Grimsley, and Scott Morehouse.

Afterwards, Amy Zock, Director of Instructional Technology and Digital Learning, announced that Hutto Elementary, Bainbridge Middle School, and Bainbridge High School have been named GaTech partnership schools as part of the innovative Computer Science for Rural Georgia Program. Additionally, Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) and STEM@GTRI, the GA TECH Research Institute, are working with the school’s Computer Science Teachers, WOZ ED instructor, and STEM teachers to provide interactive computer science modules that focus on critical areas like coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, sensors, robotics, and data visualization with a rural and agriculture context. The goal is to empower the next generation of tech students who will foster an interest in the STEM field and open doors to exciting career opportunities for students in Decatur County. Zock recognized staff from Hutto Elementary School, Bainbridge Middle School, and Bainbridge High School.

Hutto Elementary School: Quinten Fuller, Principal, Assistant Principals, Tammi Godwin, Michael Austin, and D’Nena Lanier. Instructional Coach, Alicia Cloud and Media Specialist and WOZ ED Instructor, Samantha Palmer.

Bainbridge Middle School: Principal, David Kirkland, Assistant Principals, Trish Taunton, Valerie Brooks, and Chad Smith, Instructional Technology Specialist Mary Jo Boutwell, and Computer Science/Robotics Elizabeth Hill.

Bainbridge High School: CTAE Director Scott Morehouse, Engineering Teacher, Mac Lewis, and Computer Science Teacher, Jarod Lovering.

Afterwards, Suzi Bonifay, District Chair of Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK), talked about the background of ADK. Bonifay stated that ADK participates in various projects each month, and their contributions have helped the community. Bonifay thanked the community for the opportunity to continue to work with the schools and many chapters across the state and nation. If there are special projects that you would like ADK to consider, just let them know. Additionally, Superintendent Dr. English read a proclamation in honor of the month of October being international Alpha Delta Kappa Capitol month, “whereas women in education constitute a great portion of the nation’s workforce and are constantly striving to serve their communities, nation, educational cultural, and charitable programs in harmony, happiness, and peace.”

Following this, Lyle discussed that the month of November is to celebrate Decatur County’s faculty and staff. The BOE is partnering with the First Port City Bank for the month of November.

Additionally, the board discussed the Financial update for FY25 which are monthly reports for year dates through September of 2024. Revenue stands at $9,183,150 and expenditures are $12,449,444. Also, December 20 is when property taxes will be rolling in and that’s what helps the BOE meet their budget and remain in the black at the end of the year.

On October 22, the board held a meeting about the construction of Bainbridge Middle School. In November of 2024, Bainbridge Middle School is still in the launch list process, but it’s the target month.

Furthermore, December 20 will be an abbreviated day of dismissal for students and faculty.

Afterwards, the Out of Town field trip request and Personnel was approved. The meeting was adjourned with the pledge of allegiance.