The Putnam County Board of Education met Feb. 9, covering both the current agenda and items from the previous meeting, which had been canceled due to inclement weather.
After the agenda was approved, the board moved into the meeting, opening with four students recognized as the Superintendent’s Students of the Month.
Christopher Morales was honored as the primary school student; Mariah Pettigrew as the elementary school student, Rosalie Caballero as the middle school student, and Brian Kelly as the high school student for February. Each was selected for their “hard work, great attitudes, and exceptional character,” the proclamation stated. Two district employees also received the H.E.A.R.T. Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in Helping others, Educating, Advocacy, Respect, and Trust. The recipients were educator Tammy Nelson and Scott Cruikshank, an activities bus driver. Both were thanked for their “dedication, passion, and impact” while serving their roles within the Putnam County school system.
Following the recognitions, the superintendent’s report began with minor corrections to previous meeting minutes being approved. National School Breakfast Week was announced for March 2-6, when school cafeterias nationwide will feature themed breakfasts, special menus, and displays to promote healthy eating.
Student Government Association and BOE training was also discussed. It was announced that next month the business portion will be shortened to allow a trainer from the Charter Foundation to speak with board members and SGA representatives from each school about dues and next steps.
The board also addressed its five-year local facilities plan. A meeting was scheduled for Feb. 12 to present district facilities to the state. An update on the meeting’s outcomes will be shared at the next board meeting.
Once the postponed first meeting was adjourned, a second meeting was called to order with an agenda for the make-up meeting quickly approved.
The board discussed its FY27 Putnam Head Start grant application. The grant would provide $1.6 million for education, health, nutrition, and family services for children from birth to age 5. The board approved the application.
A statewide day of service was also mentioned. The proposal, submitted by a Morgan County teacher, will be discussed further at the next Putnam County BOE meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the BOE building (158 Old Glenwood Springs Rd., Eatonton).