Columbia County’ Board of Education recognized many school district triumphs on Tuesday evening, July 9, for this month’s regular session.
While Greenbrier High School’s girls 6A golf team placed second at this year’s state championships, Lakeside High School’s 6A boys golf team placed first and returned home as state champions, which last occurred in 2010.
MORE: New squatter law now in effect in Georgia
“We’re getting used to the notion of seeing state champions at our board meetings, so no pressure, but you all need to keep it up,” said board member Judy Teasley. “We appreciate you and all the hard work your parents and coaches also put in.”
Board members were also proud to witness the school district’s police force receive its Georgia Law Enforcement certification, making it the fifth school district police department to be officially certified out of the 180 school districts in the state.
“I had nothing to do with it other than voting that they could move forward with the certification … but when it’s all said and done it’s all for our students,” said board member Lee Ann Meyer. “We appreciate everything you all are doing and it’s a pretty proud moment for Columbia County that you all have achieved this.”
After complying with 140 standards, Superintendent Steven Flynt said the police department earned its certification until 2027, which represents a significant professional achievement for a law enforcement agency.
“It’s happened in a record amount of time because we have the utmost professionals here,” Flynt said.
As the certification program provides a comprehensive blueprint for effective and professional law enforcement, Police Chief Gary Owens said he was grateful to his dedicated team and incredibly sharp staff because earning the certification was truly “a team effort.”
“What this means to the community and the agency is a huge commitment to transparency and honesty,” he said.
Following a brief pause of the regular session to hold a special public input meeting regarding the 2025 millage rate at 6 p.m., Flynt started the meeting back up by moving on to updates on the school district’s long term building program.
More: Columbia County School District holds first two millage rate hearings
Due to not all construction being completed by this year’ academic start date, Flynt said the new Westmont Elementary School will be open and welcoming students in early August with a few minor adjustments.
“We will still have some construction left to do and so we may be altering a few procedural items for students as we start … but I think one of the largest impacts will be for our teachers moving in there,” he said. “From everything I hear, they are extremely excited about getting in the building.”
With ceiling tiles still needing to be installed and cabinetry needing to be finished, Flynt reassured board members that students, staff and teachers will not have a problem entering the school on Aug. 8.
Construction on Lakeside High School also continues to be well underway. However, Flynt reported a three-day setback on the student parking due to heavy summer rain preventing significant progress.
“If you’ve been by there you’ve probably noticed a whole lot of work going on there,” he said. “… but we’re expecting the parking lot to be finished sometime around September.”
Prior to the meeting’s conclusion, Flynt asked for the board’s approval on two bid results for future contracts with the school district.
For updates to technology, specifically appliance and computer server related issues, Flynt suggested PC Solution, Inc. for the job with a contracting bid of $170,741.85, and for the demolition of South Columbia Elementary School a contracted bid of $289,000 to Tristar America LLC.
Board members approved both bids before adjourning to executive session and ending the board meeting.
The Board of Education will meet next for a work session on Tuesday, July 23, at 5:30 p.m. within the Board of Education building, located at 4781 Hereford Farm Road, and will also vote to approve the final millage rate for 2025.
