Steven Flynt was sworn in Tuesday as Columbia County’s school superintendent.
“I’m looking forward to talking and meeting people across the community,” said Flynt, who previously served as the associate superintendent in Gwinnett County in charge of the Division of School Improvement. “I’m looking forward to hearing from folks and working directly with stakeholders what they expect of their school system.”
MORE: Columbia County’s New School Superintendent Settling In
Tax millage rates were one of the many issues on the agenda about which Flynt presented to the board. A hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 27, to further discuss millage rates.
Flynt also addressed several issues in his superintendent report. Among them were a change in the student code of conduct that altered disciplinary proceedings, a 10-day suspension for fights and long-term suspension after the third illicit substance offense and shorter suspensions for each. The board voted to approve the changes to the handbook.
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Also during the meeting, Columbia County resident Katie Allen spoke about a lack of transparency concerning sexually-explicit materials available to students. Allen mentioned a petition of 70 Columbia County residents in agreement with her.
“We may not always agree on what content is appropriate for children, but if you are transparent and consistent, that way we can find common ground between educators and parents,” said Allen.
Aymen Fadel, an Augusta resident and former Columbia County student, countered.
“Adding a warning label to the media policy isn’t transparency,” said Fadel. “It’s an attempt to use county resources to spread unfounded moral panic and recruit more parents to future censorship efforts.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a reporter with The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
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