The Putnam County Board of Education honored Superintendent Eric Arena and bus driver Willie Reid on May 20 for their years of service to the Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS).
Reid received the Bus Driver of the Year award for his 56 years of driving history with PCCSS. Since 1967, Reid has only missed two days of work and has become one of the “most valued and respected” drivers statewide. As part of his recognition, PCSS gave him gifts, including a cup, blanket, sign, and more.
“He is one of the best drivers in the state of Georgia,” said Donald Tuft, head of transportation at PCSS. Assistant Superintendent Derick Austin added, “I’ve seen him on the Macon and Atlanta news. It’s been statewide. People are very appreciative of what he does.”
Reid told the board and meeting attendees that the key to being a bus driver is respecting the students and treating them right so that they respect their driver as well.
In addition to Reid, Arena was honored toward the closing of the meeting with many kind words from the board and his colleagues to congratulate him on his retirement. In response to the stories shared and each address, Arena told the board that “if there is a better board of education in the world that wants to represent students in public education, I’d like to see it.” He described the board as a “beacon” for “what is right for kids” and stressed that during his 12 years of service, he has only ever seen the board collectively put the kids first.
“I am absolutely the proudest I can be to have served with you,” said Arena.
Closing recognitions, Austin announced that the NAMM Foundation recognized Putnam County in 2024 as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education,” making this the eighth year in a row that PCCSS has received this award.
Moving into board matters, Austin briefly reviewed drafts one and two of the FY25 budget. Draft one showed a $2.5 million increase from last year, accounting for unfunded mandates by the state. Draft two had a $15 million increase for the 2025 budget, accounting for funds set aside for the new elementary school and the unfunded mandates.
“When you take out the $15 million and the difference of the revenue coming versus the expenditures, our fund balance at the end of FY 2025 will be about $6 million,” said Austin. “So, for next year, with how things are unless something comes out before voting, we will likely not look at a tax increase for next year.”
Other board matters included the approval of the following:
• The purchase of school nutrition equipment for the new elementary school from Mobile Fixtures, Inc. for $639,701.28.This expenditure is within the guaranteed maximum price of $33,506,815, approved on March 18.
• Anannual software renewal for Instructure for $51,779.50 and Harris School Solutions for $66,126.26.
• Technology purchases for student and teacher laptops from DHE Computer Systems will not exceed $250,000 from federal funds.
• ThepurchaseofLiteracy Curriculum from Benchmark Education Company for a total of $440,838 using federal funds.
• The continuation of Cleanstar National Inc. custodial services at Putnam County High School for the FY25 school year for $342,000 annually.