The Putnam County Board of Education approved the purchase of a $149,000 school bus, a $97,000 facilities contract, and discussed an $18 million banking proposal Feb. 23, during the second of two routinely scheduled monthly meetings.
The board also presented three local students with awards, reviewed financial reports, and revisited long-term facilities planning.
Putnam County Schools Superintendent Derrick Austin recognized four students as Superintendent Students of the Month; however, just three were available to receive their awards.
Catherine Wooten was recognized at the primary level, Rivka Brown at the middle school level, and Sophia Kelly at the high school level.
Each student was selected for their “high quality of character, kindness in class, and dedication to their studies,” Austin said.
The superintendent also presented each board member — Dr. Steve Wiener, Doris Clemons, Rev. Simone Jones, and Charles Trumbo — with a plaque featuring a recent school board article from The Eatonton Messenger.
The presentation was made in honor of School Board Recognition Week this month, thanking each board member for their service and leadership within the county.
A proposal to move district funds was presented during the superintendent’s report.
Coretta Harris outlined a plan to transfer money from the district’s Georgia Fund 1 account into a money market account with the Federal Home Loan Bank. Harris said the move would allow automatic transfers between accounts, keeping funds held locally, and ensure all banking options remain FDIC-approved. The bank proposed securing $18 million in deposits through a special program.
Board members also discussed how to allocate remaining funds from the district’s 10-year stepdown bond. The first five years of the bond were fully committed to constructing the new elementary school.
Remaining funds will be reserved for ongoing maintenance and general facility needs.
Assistant Superintendent Scott Sauls later presented a recommendation to purchase a 72-passenger International CE school bus to the board for $149,000, which approved the purchase.
Members also approved a $97,000 contract with Terry’s Tractor Works to remove trees, sediment, and muck from the primary school’s retention pond and rebuild the pond’s dam.
Additionally, the board approved the January meeting minutes and the Head Start and finance reports. The schedule for National School Breakfast Week, set for March 2-6, also received approval.
Board members revisited the district’s five-year local facilities plan following a Feb. 12 presentation of district facilities to the state. Austin said the presentation “went well.”
Contracts for 2027 were approved following legal review and administrative staff recommendations.
Concerns regarding traffic congestion in school parking lots were raised before the meeting adjourned.
The board’s next meeting will be on March 16, featuring a work session combined with SGA training.
For more information about the Putnam County Charter School System, including upcoming BOE meetings, visit putnam.k12.ga.us.