Board Hears Nutrition Updates
Much of Monday’s Board of Education meeting was spent hearing an update on the School Nutrition Program by Director Janice Conley.
Conley used a Power Point presentation to explain the school system’s breakfast and lunch programs, including the participation rates. She detailed the number of students who eat free at the schools, pointing out that the programs has not had to increase prices for three years, and also has not had to increase the staff.
“They work really hard and I appreciate all they’ve done,” Conley said of the nutrition staff.
Conley also discussed training and certification and the challenges the program faces for 2020.
Finance Director Betty Corbitt pointed out that the school system was “very fortunate” that Conley’s management of the department had kept the costs of the program low. “There are some systems that have to pay for the lunch program out of the general fund,” Corbitt said, which is not the case in Jeff Davis County.
Spotlight on Student Achievement focused on the elementary school. Students recognized were:
• Students who made 100% on 2nd Multi Grade Diagnostic for Math (MGD): 3rd grade Patrick Fitzwater, Addison Wooten; 4th grade – Kolby Jarrell.
• Students who had the highest growth from MGD #1 to MGD #2: 3rd – Bryson Anderson King – 49%, Alexander Plascencia Gonzalez – 48%, Carolyna Googe – 48%, Grayson Nelms – 45%, Ember McKinnon – 42%; 4th – Pablo Zarraga – 46%, Ailea Morrison – 37%, Ava Anglin – 35%, Tanner Johnson – 35%, Jayden Walls – 29%, William Varnadoe – 29%, Jaxson Adams – 29%; 5th – Alexander Cruz – 56%, Tamya Crawford – 50%, Johnathan Bellamy – 48%, Azucena Plascencia – 45%, Anthony Aguirre Mendez – 44%
• Students who had the highest growth from RI (Reading Inventory gives Lexile Score) #1 to RI #2: 3rd – Trevor Smith – 392 points, Gaberiel Carter – 363 points, Braxton Cooper – 303 points, Kelbi Jarrell – 258 points, Marily Andablo – 226 points; 4th – Noah Brantley – 347 points, Sherlyn Guillen – 209 points, Uriah Turner – 196 points, Karen Olvera – 190 points, Mark Durden – 176 points; 5th – James White – 244 points, Kacei Byrd – 192 points, McKenzie Floyd – 150 points, Annabelle Taylor – 143 points, Sierra Lewis – 143 points.
In other action, the board ….
…. approved an out – of – state trip for the band instructors.
…. heard financial updates from Corbitt who continues to be happy with Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E – SPLOST)collections which remain higher than usual.
…. accepted the retirements of Cecelia McLoon effective Dec. 1, 2019, and Janice Conley effective March 31, 2020.
…. heard the Jeff Davis County Veterans Association recognized our school system for its unselfish devotion, continued support, and our recognition of Jeff Davis County’s veterans and especially for inspiring our children to honor and respect all veterans and the flag of the United States of America.
