Tennis facility almost done

Progress is being made expeditiously on several Jeff Davis County Schools projects and all appear to be on schedule.
That’s what Assistant School Superintendent Dr. Adam Kirby told the school board at their January meeting Monday.
The first of several projects to be completed is the tennis field house located next to the high school tennis complex. Kirby said the work is in its final stages and the facility should be completed just as the 2026 tennis season begins in a couple of weeks.
Work is also almost completed on the auxiliary gymnasium next to the high school and students will soon be able to move into the building, Kirby said.
The largest project underway is the new Jeff Davis Primary School on Pat Dixon Road, not far from the existing middle school. Kirby informed the board on the different construction crews working simultaneously on the project and estimated there were upward to 100-plus people on site daily working to complete the project. Work is still on schedule for the finish target date for early July.
With the completion of the primary school this summer, school personnel will face a huge relocation effort. While the new primary school will be outfitted with new desks, tables, etc., there will still be much to move from the old school to the new school.
Additionally, Choices Academy, Coastal Pines, Head Start and, eventually, the board of education offices will be relocated to the old primary school.
Because of all the activity planned for the summer months, summer school will not be offered this year. Instead, School Superintendent Dr. Chris Roppe explained, principals are working on remediation efforts to help students who are facing the need for summer instruction.
With new equipment headed for the new primary school, the existing primary school equipment will be excess equipment and plans will be formulated to sell the surplus equipment, probably through an online auction, Kirby said.
Later in Monday’s meeting, the board accepted the bid to purchase the furniture for the new primary school. Roppe told the board that school officials were pleased that the low bid of some $670,000 was well below the budgeted expense of $750,000 previously approved by the board.
In other action, the board …
… listened as Pre-K Director Dr. Denise Haley recognized the following students for showing the most growth on the social emotional checklist from August to December. Asher Caballero, Winterlynn Cone, Ryker Hesters, Julian McCarty, Karely Del Valle Aquino, Erick Alfonzo, Damyen Bennett, Eliseo Lopez and Aaron Harrelson.
… heard from Dr. Roppe who presented board member service pins and expressed his appreciation of the board for their commitment and dedication to the school district. Receiving pins for 12 years of service were Greg Brantley, John Girtman, Andy Ramay and Larry Allen.
… heard the December attendance report from Dr. Roppe who said the average attendance for Jeff Davis County Schools was 92.67%.
… listened as CTAE Director Dr. Sarah Beth Swain Barber gave an update on the CTAE Department in the following areas: FFA Advisor Courtney Hester recognized Brooklyn Parlor – National Proficiency Winner Equine Entrepreneurship and Brinley Parlor (8th grade) – Georgia National Fair Junior Floral Design Champion.
… heard from Jamey Collins and Amanda Towns of Southern Pines College and Career Academy who delivered a presentation of CTAE opportunities offered through Southern Pines College and Career Academy. Jeff Davis High School students Samantha Darley and Jacob Duckett also shared their experience in the programs.
… heard Director of Student Services Garrett White who shared the Strategic Plan schedule and meeting times.
… listened to a financial report from Chief Financial Officer Joshua Worth.
Consent Agenda
… accepted the resignation of JDHS nutrition assistant Atoria Harris.
… accepted the retirements of SPED Administrative Assistant Brenda Brantley and primary school teacher Pam Williams.
In other action …
… Dr. Roppe informed the board that Whole Board Training is scheduled for Feb. 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the board retreat will be March 17 from 5-8 p.m.