Commissioners approve street widening project in Centerville

Ten local schools were awarded an Innovation Grant Award at Tuesday afternoon’s Houston County Board of Education meeting.

Chairman Fred Wilson said a great opportunity was offered by Superintendent Dr. Mark Scott for the second consecutive year. He said Scott had the idea to give the schools a chance to apply for funds that they need, primarily to teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

According to the board of education website, the grant supports local schools in implementing innovative education programs that advance student achievement throughout Houston County. The goal of the grant is to identify best practices and innovative programs that advance student achievement.

For the second year, $200,000 was earmarked in the budget for innovation grants, said Wilson. At Tuesday’s meeting, a representative from each winning school was presented with a check.

The following schools were awarded based on their application and innovative ideas in support of STEM education: Feagin Mill Middle School, $16,700; Huntington Middle School, $36,000; Kings Chapel Elementary School, $32,000; Langston Road Elementary School, $21,000; Mossy Creek Middle School, $18,000; Northside Elementary School, $8,400; Quail Run Elementary School, $14,000; Thomson Middle School, $36,000; Tucker Elementary School, $5,400; and Westside Elementary School, $12,500.

Scott commended the teachers and administrators for doing a good job writing the grants.

“We’re very proud that the board supported this initiative,” he said, noting that shortly after they implemented their innovation grant, the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement came up with a innovation grant.

Furthermore, the board recognized Northside High School Thespian Troup 2892 for their production of “Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe,” which won the 2016 AAAAA state one-act play championship. The Georgia High School Association competition was held Nov. 12, 2016, at Veterans High School.

According to the board’s website, “‘Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe’” is a unique and wildly theatrical musical play combining haunting music, poetic storytelling and stunning stagecraft to tell the fascinating and moving life story of iconic American writer Edgar Allan Poe (1809-49). A literary star in his day, Poe struggled with tragedy, addiction, poverty and loss, yet produced some of the world’s most original, visionary and enduring literature before dying in unexplained circumstances at the age of 40. At once gorgeous and grotesque, ‘Nevermore’ blurs the line between fact and fiction, exploring the events that shaped Poe’s character and career and giving powerful expression to Poe’s words, ‘All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.’”

Wilson said since 1978, Northside High has won one-act play state championships 20 times.

Brian Barnett, who serves as Northside High’s drama director and teacher, was presented with a certificate by the board following a performance of the prologue by some of the student cast members. He informed the crowd that they still have an opportunity to see the full show on Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. at Northside High, which benefits the local food bank in Warner Robins. According to their Facebook page, tickets are $5 each at the door or bring five canned goods.

Also, in old business, the board approved Scott’s recommendation to hire Kevin Smith as the new Perry High School athletic director. In new business, members approved for William R. Jerles Jr. of the law firm Daniel, Lawson, Tuggle and Jerles in Perry to remain as general counsel for the Houston County Board of Education.

Additionally, Wilson (District 4) was reappointed as the 2017 chairman, and Helen Hughes (District 5) was appointed as the vice chair. Wilson has been a board member since January 1995, and Hughes has been a board member since June 2009 and was recently sworn in for another term.

Wilson thanked fellow board members for entrusting this “important duty to me again.” He said it’s a privilege to serve the board and the community. He thanked everyone for their support.

During the meeting, Northside High School teacher Kylie Tierce was recognized for being selected as a recipient of Georgia Power’s New Teacher Assistance Grant. Due to her giving an end of semester final, Tierce was unable to attend last month’s meeting, where teachers Shancandice Thomas from Morningside Elementary School and Ashleigh Knight from David Perdue Elementary School were recognized at that time.

Also, Marla Garnto, Northside Elementary School music teacher, was recognized by the board for being chosen as the 2016 Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Farm Bureau.

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