Graduating seniors have something to look forward to this year.
The Richmond County Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to award a $34,911.20 bid to Norcross-based Classic Tents and Events to provide equipment for this year’s graduation ceremonies, planned to take place outdoors.
Traditionally held at the James Brown Arena, the board moved the event outside due to the pandemic that continues to threaten crowded public gatherings. The school system conducted virtual graduations last year.
The school system typically spends more than $62,000 to rent the arena.
“This will actually be less by having it outdoors,” member Jimmy Atkins said.
The graduation plans do not include Richmond County magnet schools.
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In other news, T.W. Josie High School will have its own baseball field. Richmond County Commissioners and the school board completed a deal that enabled the school system to own land on the corner of Eagles Way. The property currently houses an “old baseball field.”
Additionally, the Board discussed Gov. Brian Kemp’s and Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods’ announcement earlier this month that coronavirus funds would be used to provide bonus pay of $1,000 to K-12 teachers. Teachers and full-time state employees who make less than $80,000 a year qualify. The RCSS staff should all qualify, according to Atkins.
“I don’t want anyone to go out and spend that money until we get clarification,” Atkins said and mentioned that Woods will send out the specifics pertaining to the one-time payments in the near future.
Finally, BOE members are heading toward normalizing school activities. They are giving its schools prom blessings. Each school may decide if they elect to hold dances, though such events are known to be difficult situations in which to uphold social distancing requirements.
Shellie Smitley is a staff writer for The Augusta Press. Reach her at shellie@theaugustapress.com
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