Opening the first 2023 Columbia County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, board members Kristi Baker and Judy Teasley were announced as reelected, and were sworn in once again by local Judge Alice Padgett to serve another four years.
“Thank you to all who helped in my campaign and my election. It’s an honor, truly an honor. I believe in our county. I believe in our school system,” said Baker, who has served three previous terms in the county. “I believe we have great people teaching; we have great parents and we have great students. We have great staff, and it’s an honor to serve as a school board member.”
Immediately following, Teasley was selected and approved to also serve as vice-chairman of the board during her second term.
“I’m just happy to be on the board and moving in the right direction – moving Columbia County in the way we want to go. We have great plans,” she said. “We’re guaranteed not to make everybody happy, but to be best for everybody.”
In place of Michele Sherman, Superintendent Steven Flynt and the board promoted Kellye Bosch to associate superintendent.
Along with various special student and staff recognitions, Evans’ Girls’ Cross Country Middle School team competed at the Georgia Middle School State Cross Country Division 3 Championships and won third place. One student, Liliana Beemer, broke her personal record after winning first place after running two miles in 12 minutes and just over 24 seconds.
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“She has continued her winning streak this season by medaling in all six of her races – four of which she placed first,” said Bosch. “Congratulations to all our girls from Evans Middle.”
The Riverside Middle School’s Boys’ Cross Country team competed at the state championship meet and won second place overall in the Boys Division.
“Prior to competing at the state championship, this group of young men ran in three meets where they placed first at each competition,” said Bosch. “This group truly exemplifies what it means to be a good teammate by supporting one another. Once the top runners finished their run, they would go back and encourage the others still running. What an example of leadership.”
Assistant Superintendent Steven Cummings said Harlem Attic Treasures, a local, nonprofit thrift store, donated a total of $50,000 to five Columbia County schools including: Euchee Creek Elementary, Harlem Middle, Harlem High, North Columbia Elementary and Dearing Elementary.
“Through profits received from sales as a thrift store, the staff of Attic Treasures has worked to meet the needs of people in the community for the past 14 years, including students and their families in Columbia County district,” said Cummings. “In the spring, Attic Treasures celebrated a milestone of having donated 1 million dollars to date to local schools, and other nonprofits in the area.”
Flynt then gave a brief update on the Junior Achievement Discovery Center, and listed businesses that would be partnering to provide programs for Columbia County and Richmond County middle schoolers. While several more are expected to be added before the center’s expected ready date in October, the affirmed involved businesses are currently Chick-Fil-A, SRP Federal Credit Union, Delta, YMCA, Publix and Georgia Power.
“In addition, Georgia United Credit Union is going to be sponsoring a classroom in the facility, and Chick-Fil-A has agreed to be the official café sponsor within the facility,” he said.
Flynt followed by inviting the county’s parents and students to the upcoming Rising Freshmen Night on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. at students’ zoned high schools. He said that attendees will be given the opportunity to meet with teachers, and preview the various offered courses and elections; he hopes this will give students a better sense of direction when choosing a pathway to pursue in high school.
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Prior to opening the floor for public participation, Flynt ended the meeting by reminding the board and staff of University of Georgia’s recent national football championship win.
“University of Georgia actually won their second football championship, and even if you’re not a football fan or a Dawgs fan – there is something we can all celebrate,” he said. “Among the championship team is Grovetown High School Class of 2022 graduate Marcus Washington Jr., who’s number 28 and is the freshman defensive back.”
During his senior year at Grovetown High, Flynt said Washington was considered a four-star prospect after leading the Warriors’ defense with 48 tackles, one sack and two fumble recoveries.
“He was eventually signed with UGA where his father also played as a linebacker in 2005 to 2009. So we wanted to give a shoutout to Marcus for being a part of the winning national championship football team,” said Flynt.
Afterwards, a parent once again shared grievances about the county’s current bus policy, and asked the board to reconsider a more secure policy than the “unsafe” standard set up by the state.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
