School system technology running smoothly
The Jeff Davis County School System’s technology is state-of-the-art and running smoothly.
That’s the takeaway from Technology Director Kelly McLoon’s update to the school board at their Monday meeting.
McLoon detailed the technology equipment — MacBooks, iPads, etc. — available to teachers and students in all the schools, the protections in place to prevent infiltrations to the Internet connections, and systems in place to upgrade the technology on a regular basis.
He also touched on the security systems throughout the schools, including extensive video cameras in place, a badge reading system staff members use to access the schools, upgraded firewall security to protect teachers’ and students’ data, etc.
“I’m proud of how far we’ve come,” McLoon said. Adding, “We’re actually in pretty good shape as far as technology goes …. things are running pretty smooth.”
One of the brighter moments of Monday’s meeting came when Transportation Director Alvin Merritt recognized young student Skyden Cravey for what he termed her “heroic act” to save a student on a school bus who was choking on a quarter. Merritt, who had the quarter in question with him at the meeting, explained that the choking accident happened when the bus driver was at a place where he could not pull off the highway safely to help the student. So he instructed Skyden about keeping the student calm and helping him cough up the quarter. Which he did.
“A hero is defined as a person who is admired for doing a heroic act,” Merritt said. “And that’s what she did.”
High school principal Dr. Greer Smith shared with the board the interest students have shown in establishing a fishing team to participate in Georgia High School Association sponsored fishing competitions. Smith said 52 students had expressed an interest in the matter and several parents have come forward to offer the use of fishing boats for the team.
School Superintendent Dr. Chris Roppe added his support on the matter and the board voted to approve the new school activity.
In other action, the board ….
…. listened as Dr. Smith and Assistant Principal Sarah Beth Swain recognized the high school Student Ambassadors who give support for new students at the school.
…. heard a report from Adam Kirby and Grant Miles on their work to purchase a used telehandler, a forklift with a telescopic handler, for the school system at a cost of $36,000.
…. approved an out-of-state trip for the high school and middle school bands to Troy State University to attend the Middle School SEUS Honor Band and Conductor Clinic.
…. heard a financial report from Finance Director Betty Corbitt.
…. accepted the resignations of custodian Shante Harris and high school teacher Ruby Carelock, and the retirement of high school assistant principal Doug Alexander.
…. hired School Nutrition Program assistants Diane Boyett and Sherry Newell, custodian Naundus Miles and 49% primary school teacher Vicky Varnadore.
…. approved the purchase of land adjacent to the new practice football fields between Pat Dixon Road and Collins Street.
