Monday’s Board of Education meeting was full of squeals, smiles, and tears as kindergarten through 12th-grade students received their awards from the Oconee RESA regional art competition.
The board said goodbye to board member Eugene Smith.
Oconee RESA hosted its second annual art competition, with over 170 pieces submitted for judging. The competition is open to kindergarten to 12th-grade students and has two categories for submission. Two-dimensional art is any submission on a flat plane, while 3D submissions are solid figures with the three dimensions of length, width, and height.
At the meeting, each art piece was presented to the audience, and each artist’s name was read out loud. Those who attended the meeting were given their awards directly, while the other awards were sent back to their respective schools to be passed on to the students.
“The students did a fantastic job. We are proud of each of you who made it tonight to receive your awards,” said Laura Melton, assistant superintendent for Student Achievement and Accountability.
Following awards, Director of the Putnam County College and Career Academy Christina Hinz reported the findings of the Putnam County Charter School System exit report findings from the academy.
She reported that there are currently 17 pathways with a 98% Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education program graduation rate. The academy met all five certification standards, and the team behind the academy was commended for their leadership and the culture they have built within the academy.
“Certification occurs in a five-year cycle,' said Hinz. “Our in-person visit was on Oct. 30, and the team had this to say, “The quality time that we were able to spend with students, staff, and stakeholders during the visit was significant, and they were very complimentary.” I can’t tell you how much they complimented our students, and they were very impressed.'
Superintendent Derick Austin updated the board on House Bill 581, known as the “Save Our Home Act.” House Bill 581 establishes a statewide floating homestead exemption that limits the annual increase in property tax assessments on homestead properties. School districts have the option to opt in or out of this bill, and Austin recommended opting out.
“The decision we make starting the first of the year will be in effect forever. Our philosophy has always been to maintain full control and flexibility for the future boards,” said Austin. “Right now, the board has the choice based on how they can roll back, increase, or decrease by way of millage, but if we stay in, we give up that choice.”
According to Austin, this bill is separate from the current homestead. It will not affect the current homestead, but rather opt out of a different homestead specific to this bill. Three public hearings will be held to discuss opting out. The first one will be on Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Board of Education.
In other news, the board unanimously approved the purchase of Salto locks from Academy Lock and Key, Inc. for the new elementary school for $59,270.56.
Closing the meeting, Austin presented board member Eugene Smith with a plaque to thank him for his years of service to the board. Smith accepted it in tears, and each board member shared a heartfelt thank you and goodbye as this was his last official meeting.