The Putnam County Board of Education heard updates on school safety and the new elementary school along with approving the FY24 budget and millage rate.
Assistant Superintendent Derick Austin and Safety Director Ken Vance gave a report on school safety to begin the meeting. According to the pair, the relationship between law enforcement and schools has been exceptional. In addition, general safety measures around the school, like locking doors, have been improved.
Per the new state mandate, Vance explained that he has been talking with the sheriff to discuss what an intruder drill should look like and what they should be looking for in one. During the drill, response time from law enforcement and reactions of internal faculty and staff will be the two main factors being examined. After the drill, there will be a review done for each school to discuss what went well or did not.
According to Austin and Vance, the first drill will occur within the next few weeks and will be announced so as to not surprise anyone. After the initial drill at each school, the drills will not be announced in advance again.
Austin and Vance also reported changes to safety protocols for football games. When entering the stadium, all bags will be required to be clear and everyone will be wanded. Adults will also be required to accompany any children 14 years old or younger. Austin and Vance are continuing to meet with Putnam County High School Principal Dr. Andrew Cooper to discuss further safety measures.
After giving an update on safety, Austin presented a short update to the board regarding the current traffic plan for the new elementary school. The district met with the architect, construction manager, and civil engineer to create this plan and were looking for approval from the board to present it to the traffic specialist so they may create a final design. The conceptual design was approved to go into further study with the specialist so a final design may be presented soon to the board.
Closing the meeting, the board approved several agenda items:
• The five-year tax levy and millage rate of 11.250
• The fiscal year 2023-2024 budget
• Putnam County High School was approved to use custodial services from Cleanstar National Inc. for $379,600. No employees are being let go by this decision but rather moved to help with custodial services at other schools.
• Approval of the Public Participation Policy ensures public commentary will be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes. Anyone may view this policy on the Putnam County Charter School System website by going to the meetings listing and clicking on the Aug. 21 meeting link.
• Approval of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) 2023-2024 grant applications