VALDOSTA — At a recent Lowndes Board of Education meeting, school board members recognized significant achievements of programs and teachers. The meeting also revealed a proposed new track and field facility and a potential rezoning of school zones.
The Feb. 12 meeting began with recognizing the most recent One Lowndes Spotlight Winner, Vicki Campolo, from Parker-Mathis Learning Center. Superintendent Sandra Wilcher endorsed Campolo’s contributions to the center and stated, “She has made a huge positive impact in the overall atmosphere of Parker-Mathis Learning Center.”
In honor of Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Month, Dr. Cloise Williams awarded CTAE accolades that included two awards in the agricultural education area. Hahira Middle School Future Farmers of America (FFA) teacher, Kristen Thomas, was recognized as the National Association of Agricultural Educators “Teachers Turn the Key” Award winner, and the Lowndes Middle School FFA chapter was named the Agricultural Education Chapter of the Year. Advisor Pam Ross was in attendance at the announcement.
The board discussed many high-impact items at the meeting. These included a proposal for a new track and field facility and a potential rezoning of the school zones due to uneven student populations.
Jeff Hill, executive director of facilities and operations, took to the podium to discuss maintenance and new additions to the Lowndes County School System. A big topic of discussion was the showcase of a potential design for a new track and field facility.
Board member Amy Stecz spoke up in support of the new facility, referencing the lack of quality of the current track and field and the hard work the athletes put into the sport.
“These kids that do this deserve to be on the top-grade facilities just like the band, football, and everybody else,” Stecz proclaimed.
The last subject for discussion was showcasing a proposed map for school rezoning. Wilcher took the floor to run through the map quickly and explain why it needed to be updated.
“In one of our elementary schools, we have 548 students, and in another, we have 937,” Wilcher said. Wilcher discussed how the rezoning mainly affects elementary schools, although some middle school students will also be involved. The board encourages feedback from the community when the map is released to the public.
The board approved a truck purchase for transportation and a reroof on the Pine Grove Farm Barn. The board also approved the purchase of Apptegy, following up on the previous meeting’s discussions regarding the use of Apptegy as a communication tool for all stakeholders. A total of ten buses were purchased – nine for general use and one for special education students.
The Lowndes Board of Education will meet at Lowndes Middle School on March 4 for a work session.