The Putnam County Board of Education recognized the superintendent’s Students of the Month and heard safety concerns from parents Monday night during its first scheduled meeting of the year.
As Students of the Month, River Knight, Mable Esau, Bentleigh Crumptom, and Yashvi Patel each received Certificates of Excellence, a medal, and a bookbag with goodies from Superintendent Derick Austin.
River was placed in a high reading group and praised for her hard work and dedication to schoolwork. Mable and Zazu in The Lion King were recognized for their leadership and theatrical skills.
Bentleigh was recognized for her leadership and achievements as an honor roll student, house leader, and president of the Junior Beta Club and for attending the upcoming National Beta Convention. Yashvi was recognized for her leadership, hard work, and bright future.
Following the recognition, multiple parents approached the podium with concerns about safety and bullying. Several parents claimed that drugs and vapes are being sold at Putnam County High School and have been offered to their children.
Several parents also told stories of their children being bullied and not receiving the support needed to assist with their mental health or prevent the confrontations from happening.
One parent submitted a petition with 130 signatures requesting that artificial intelligence weapon detection be installed in schools.
The board reviewed copies of the petition and signatures. Another parent asked for the addition of metal detectors at the schools and the ability for people to volunteer as a “manpower” team to offer more protection.
“My time in the schools was unpleasant,” one former Putnam County student and parent said. “I don’t want that to be the experience for my children.”
The meeting concluded with the approval of:
• Purchase and installation of a storage building at the stadium, not to exceed $132,000;
• Certification by the latest vote for the ESPLOST resolution to extend another five-year term;
• Purchase of playground equipment, not to exceed the $250,000 from a Headstart grant, and;
• The job description for an educational mental health specialist.