Putnam County Board of Education members discussed a borrowing resolution, approved personnel changes, and recognized several outstanding employees at their monthly work session and a called meeting on Monday night.
School Superintendent Derick Austin reminded board members that the school system had not needed to borrow funds in more than five years; however, they would now need to do so to keep the system operating until tax revenues started coming in. The members will vote on the borrowing resolution at their regular meeting.
In his discussion of the matter, Austin said he attended the tax assessor’s meeting earlier Monday and learned that the tax exemptions for seniors will be applied to the assessed value instead of the market value of an individual’s property.
“That wasn’t what we proposed, but that’s how it came out,” he said. “So, just making you aware of that.”
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Scott Sauls presented the latest list of personnel changes, which the Board of Education (BOE) approved in a called meeting that immediately followed the work session.
Included in the list were three people who would be working part-time, specifically 49% of workers. Those included Putnam County Elementary School Assistant Principal Joy Williamson, District Instructional Support Specialist Tammy Burroughs, and Transportation Director Donald Tuft. Austin explained that they had retired and would be working part-time to assist the people hired to replace them as they transitioned into the new elementary school building.
Others listed on the personnel list include Deborah Pittman, a primary school paraprofessional who has retired; Margaret Fazio, a primary school teacher who has resigned; and Desiree Greene, a high school paraprofessional who has also resigned. New hires include nutrition assistants Dorothy Griffin, Elizabeth Green, and Tammy Wallace; primary school paraprofessionals Jamyla Bailey, Marcus Coxwell, Ashley Crooks, and Sandra Webb; new primary school teacher Cynthia Jackson; and new middle school paraprofessional Rufus Daniels.
Sauls recognized the final two recipients of the school system’s H.E.A.R.T. (Honoring Exceptional and Remarkable Teamwork) Award for this school year.
Chenetta Thompkins, known as “the face of the BOE office” because she’s the receptionist and the first person anyone sees when they walk in the door, was recognized for her calm demeanor, professionalism, and fun spirit. Thompkins is also the administrative assistant for the human resources department.
Maintenance Specialist Kevin Thompson also received the H.E.A.R.T. Award. Sauls said Thompson not only maintains all of the system’s buildings, but he also works on new projects, all the while handling repairs of all types, including structural, plumbing, and electrical.
“The HEART Award celebrates classified employees who consistently go above and beyond in their contributions to our district every single day,” he said. “Both Mrs. Thompkins and Mr. Thompson truly exemplify exceptional teamwork, collaboration, dedication to their jobs, and foster a positive and supportive atmosphere for students and staff.”
The next Putnam County Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, June 16, at the BOE office, located at 158 Old Glenwood Springs Road, Eatonton.