With holidays right around the corner and high schoolers taking exams, the Columbia County Board of Education held a meeting covering a variety of topics on Tuesday evening, Dec. 13.
Opening the meeting, several staff and students were recognized for academic, athletic and creative achievements during the school year.
From the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Evans High School teacher Taylor Thompson has received the Dwight Love Award, and Stephanie Frey, teacher at Greenbrier High School, received the Teacher of Excellence in Secondary Mathematics Award.
According to the council’s website, the Dwight Love Award is given to an educator who models excellence in their profession and in life, while Frey’s earned award is given to a master teacher who is professionally active and promotes GCTM.
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Immediately after, Assistant Superintendent Steven Cummings announced Martinez Elementary School as one of Georgia’s 2021-2022 Title I Distinguished Schools. According to Assistant Superintendent Steven Cummings, only 71 state schools were awarded the title.
Next, Caroline Hilley High School student, was recognized for being the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association’s Cheerleader of the Year, and Columbia Virtual Academy student, Leila Hill, won the Scholastic Art and Writing Award National Gold Medal.
“I think it’s a testament to how well-rounded we are just looking at all these recognitions,” said board member and District 1 representative David Alalof. “But when you look around we have a lot of talent, and it’s because of the faculty, the administration and especially the parents that we’re able to do this, so we thank you all for what you do.”
Following the recognitions, Superintendent Steven Flynt gave brief construction updates on the county’s 10-year building plan, and the board approved various property contracts. Updates included electrical improvements at Harlem Middle School, and further detention pond work at Euchee Creek and Blue Ridge Elementary School.
“North Columbia [Elementary School] we’re just getting into the architectural plans there; we timbered the land next to North Columbia, and so the site work will begin out there as well,” he said. “We’re excited to get that work underway … and looking forward to the next steps.”
With a minor update of the progress with Junior Achievement Discovery Center, the district partnered with Richmond County to create a 30,000 sq ft facility on Riverwatch Parkway. According to Flynt, the establishment is scheduled to be finished in October of 2023, and will be mainly utilized by middle schoolers.
“It can serve up to 15,000 [students], but there will be a little less with us and Richmond County,” said Flynt. “There’s two programs there. There’s Biz Town and then there’s Finance Park – both are very unique programs, and they’re an immersive experience where students get to participate in their learning.”
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Flynt said students will be able to take on the role of a business owner and learn more about finances, specifically how to handle money and complete one’s taxes.
Ending the meeting, Flynt mentioned the district has been getting into the holiday spirit with several events such as volunteer work with the Salvation Army, toy collections, Christmas concerts and participation in county parades.
“Our school social workers are also hard at work connecting students and families who may be in need with local community resources over the holidays,” said Flynt. “Currently our team has identified more than 600 children from families we serve who will receive holiday assistance from the Columbia County Foundation for Children.”
After a short executive session, the meeting was adjourned, and the next regular board session will occur on Jan. 10, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
