School district goes with All-State for meeting

PERRY, Ga. — In the last meeting of the school year on May 9, the Houston County School District had multiple avenues for students to be involved, as many were recognized for their achievements, or simply participated in the festivities.

Students from across the county came together to perform a special rendition of the National Anthem, members of the 2023 All-State Chorus. The room stood to their feet for the performance, as well as for the Pledge of Allegiance following, also led by the chorus.

Board Chairman Helen Hughes congratulated the group and choral directors, called their performance that day a blessing, and gave them well wishes.

“My hope is that you will use your God-given talents to bless others as you go through your life’s journey,” Hughes said.

Superintendent Mark Scott took the time as well to recognize distinguished guests at the meeting. First up, he recognized students who became Georgia Scholars.

Georgia Scholars are high school students held to a high standard in both academics and community service; only 154 students in the state receive the title. Nine students came from Houston County Schools.

Also recognized were state champions from Future Business Leaders of America, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, and Future Farmers of America.

District 7 member Jon Nichols commented on the exciting time ahead for his family, as he has a senior graduating from Northside High School, encouraging outgoing seniors along the way.

“What a great time it is in your lives. I’m 58 years old and I remember being 18, and I had no idea where I was going,” Nichols said, laughing. “I hope you all got a plan; I hope you have a goal and I hope you meet that goal.”

Nichols also excitedly reported a 4.2% increase in staff pay, increased benefits across the board and a starting teaching salary of over $48,000, thanking staff along the way.

After recognitions and comments, Scott also gave the Superintendent’s Report. He commended Bonaire Elementary School, Bonaire Middle School and Matt Arthur Elementary School for receiving the Military Flagship Award.

Scott also highlighted a recent retirement banquet, regional track champions from Houston County and Veterans High School, All-Sport regional champions from Houston County and Perry High School, middle school baseball champions from Bonaire and Perry Middle School, and track champions from Bonaire and Mossy Creek Middle School.

Lastly, Scott recognized recent celebrations, including Teacher Appreciation Week, National School Lunch Hero Day and National School Nurse Day. Upcoming important dates for the school district are National Armed Forces Day on May 20 and graduation from May 26 – 27. The last day of school will be a half-day for students and will fall on May 24.

After the Superintendent’s Report, the board moved to new business. First up on the agenda was a public hearing for the school year’s tentative budget for fiscal year 2024. Nobody spoke out against the budget, while Michelle Morris, the district’s chief financial officer, spoke in favor.

The tentative budget, totaling about $542 million, was approved at May’s meeting, with a full approval requiring a vote in June.

In construction updates, the board entered into an agreement with Snowco General Contractors for site and parking improvements to Feagin Mill Middle School.

In policy revisions, the Board added conspiracy to break the Code of Conduct into their definitions, defining actions that, with one or more persons, intentionally causes students to commit prohibited acts, intentionally aiding in commission of prohibited acts, or intentionally advising, encouraging, hiring, procuring, or counseling students into committing prohibited acts.

In compliance with federal guidelines, the board also approved a 25 cent increase to school meals. Prices have not increased since 2017.

Finally, the board heard a public comment from Courtney Flores, a concerned parent addressing issues she had experienced with her son, who has autism and recently attended sixth grade at Feagin Mill Middle School. She said the school he attended did not have a sensory room, nor did she feel teachers were trained for students with autism, saying there were times she would need to pick her son up early due to disregulation.

Flores’s solution to the board was to seek out consultation, training and advice from neurodiversity-confirming consultants.

After public comments, the meeting was adjourned. The next board meeting is scheduled for June 13, at the Board of Education building, located at 1100 Main Street, in Perry.

HHJ News