School Board meets

Following is a summary of Monday’s meeting of the Jeff Davis County Board of Education.
Jeff Davis Primary School Principal Dr. Shelly McBride recognized 1st grade student Finn Mullis for having the highest score on the iReady Reading Diagnostic.
Jeff Davis Middle School Principal Dr. Brent Coleman recognized the following students for winning the Georgia Young Authors contest: Autumn Thompson, Kairi White and Truitt McBride.
March 9-13 is School Board Appreciation Week. School Superintendent Dr. Chris Roppe presented board members gifts from the district and a gift basket from School Nutrition. The district leadership wrote cards expressing appreciation for their service. Board Chair Roger Ogilvie thanked the teachers and staff, noting that their daily work caring for and educating students makes everything possible.
Dr. Roppe presented the February attendance report, indicating the average attendance for Jeff Davis County Schools was 92.34%.
Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Jason Kennedy provided an update on the Curriculum Department including Georgia Early Literacy & Dyslexia Law (HB307) Grades K-3, New Teacher Academy, New ELA State Test and Looking Ahead to Strategic Plan.
Mr. Kennedy explained the HQIM Adoption for the primary school to the board.
Director of Student Services Garrett White gave an update on the Strategic Planning process. The four teams met Feb. 23 and March 5 to finalize goal areas and begin work on objectives and action steps. All teams will meet together March 30 to finalize the plan.
Dr. Coleman recognized Middle School Nurse Donna Bohannon for her outstanding care, concern and professionalism given to a student at the school. Dr. Coleman received a letter from the student’s parent expressing appreciation for Mrs. Bohannon’s dedication and for going above and beyond to ensure the student’s medical needs were properly addressed.
Dr. Adam Kirby gave an update on the new primary school’s progress. He steady progress is being made and the project continues to be on schedule to open next school year.
The following items were unanimously approved by the board:
• Jeff Davis Tennis Team to travel to Charleston, S.C., for a tournament.
• The selection of Larry Allen as the delegate and Greg Brantley as the alternate to represent the district at the GSBA Summer Conference, June 8-10.
• The HMH Education Company as the vendor for the HQIM Adoption.
• P & G Excavating to perform land clearing and replanting services pending confirmation of product.
Chief Financial Officer Joshua Worth presented the January 20026 financial reports. The board approved the reports as presented.
Dr. Roppe presented certificates of Whole Board Training completion to board members.The board accepted the resignation of JDES Paraprofessional Cameo McClendon and JDHS SNP Assistant Manager Hykeem Holloway.
The board accepted the retirements of JDMS teacher Angela Purvis and JDHS teacher Michelle Davenport.
Recommendations approved were JDES Teacher Allie Beth Lytle, JDES Paraprofessionals Crystal Cerrillo and Taylor Fountain and FY27 Certified Personnel.
Dr. Roppe reminded the board about the 2026 GSBA Legislative Positions and the Board Retreat on March 17.
Dr. Roppe informed the board that a called meeting is scheduled March 31 at 12 p.m.