Architect selected for upcoming school renovations

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architect

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Board of Education selected an architect for upcoming construction projects in the November meeting.

Breaux and Associates received contract approval with the stipulation submitted pending department party approval. The school is only obligated to the architectural firm for the CTA building and primary school. The elementary school is too far out to establish the contract.

The pay schedule will be percentage based depending on the scale of each project.

“We have to have them in place; then we have to have our construction manager advertised for at least 28 days. We believe a construction manager at risk is the best option for our district with three different projects running simultaneously,” Assistant Superintendent David Murphy explained.

The construction company also needs to have the “horsepower” to complete all three projects.

Breaux and Associates have built several school facilities including CCA buildings, additions, and football fields. Image courtesy of Breaux and Associates.

Once selected, representatives from the construction and architectural firm can collaborate to build the best and most cost-effective school facilities.

The contract would cover upcoming architectural work within the next 24 months, such as a new elementary building, college and career academy, and minor projects where an architect is necessary.

The school chose from six architectural firms, interviewed four, and sought prices from the top three. The difference in price between the final two was half a percent.

Officials spoke with other schools in the area to learn more about the quality of work.

“We based our invitations to the firms that we invited to interview on a lot of historical data. Most of the local schools that have had an expansion in the last ten years we contacted them. [We spoke with] all the superintendents and facilities directors [for] preferences that we have, who we should look at, who we should stay away from,” Facilities Director Patton explained.

One firm did turn down the invitation because it had too much work to continue to take on more.

“It came down to a decision on the fee schedule,” Patton added.

Ideally, the school system would like to issue an RFP so construction companies can bid for the job and select the company best suited in January 2021 in a called board meeting.

Superintendent John Hill explained, “We can work on the drawings…and we can start construction of the new facility in September. One reason we want to wait to start any construction on the primary school and renovation to the current CTAE lab is we can apply for state funding in July through the [department of education]. We can get some renovation money on the current vocational lab. We can get substantial renovation money on the primary school.”

The primary and CTAE renovations would begin in the summer of 2022.

Chairman Tony Hunter asked if the application for funds to the state would save local tax funds. Hill confirmed that it would.

Another example of Breaux and Associates’ work.

Pioneer RESA Facilities Consultant Doug Fields advised that the school system could receive $2 million in state funds for the primary school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It allows us to deplete our entitlement funds. Remember, [Fields] talked about creating the need. So that depletes our entitlement funds, so I think that gives us $4 or $5 million more plus the early advanced money. That would help us out for down the road as well. He gave us some really good information to maximize dollars for our taxpayers,” Assistant Superintendent David Murphy stated.

Board member Jana Akins asked if Fields’ previous conversations about timetables and processes remained part of the plan. Hill advised that it still is the plan, but timelines needed to be sightly tweaked due to COVID-19 and the career academy $3 million grant.

The site evaluation plan for the elementary is still in process because the department of education is moving slowly. Also, the site approval for the CTAE building has begun.

“Lot of hiccups with the [department of education] on the funding side that Fields can help us,” said Hill.

“So, the idea is still a new 2-5 facility, major overhaul at the primary and then basically [closing older buildings]?” Akins asked.

The board and Fields previously discussed closing the old high school building so it couldn’t accumulate entitlement funds. The facility can still be used, but state funding can’t go toward repairs or updates to the building.

The building would fall into an ESPLOST 6 project.

“We handle ourselves, conduct ourselves properly we can utilize a little bit of ESPLOST 5 money to complete all our projects,” Hill explained. “Our community has grown so much that SPLOST cap was set 21 million years away. If the economy holds strong like it is now, we’ll hit that cap early. We’ll hopefully have that EPLOST 6 passed here early. We can start construction as early as 2023 on the elementary…the elementary would probably be a July abdication of 2023, so it would be 2024…if EPLOST 6 passes, we could bank some money, save our money. Totally believe in what you all have set forward, which is pay as you go, no bonding.”

“Let’s maximize our state dollars, keep our local taxes down, and be able to complete this project. It may take us another year or two, but I’d much rather do that than be in debt,” Hill declared.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf7ueHolQcA

UCS ranks number 1 in graduation rates from Pioneer RESA

Community, Panther's Corner
graduation rates

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Schools earned the top spot for graduation rates from Pioneer RESA with a 98. 5 percent overall rate.

“Mrs. Knight and Mr. Hussion, you’re both to be applauded as high school principals. Woody Gap has its graduates and Union County has its graduates,” Union County Schools (UCS) Superintendent John Hill stated. “This a culmination from Mrs. Owenby’s primary school teachers, elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, through your high school staff.”

UCS is waiting to approve the calendar for the 2021-2022 school year until March because of COVID-19 and future uncertainty. However, board meeting dates will be presented in the December 2020 meeting which will take place at the high school multipurpose room. The damaged roof at the board of education building is the reason for the move.

Hill also spoke about the “ridiculous” situation of statewide testing for the 2020-2021 school year.

“Many of our students in Union County and other districts have missed multiple 14-day stints in school. It’s ridiculous. It’s the last thing we should be worried about,” Hill said. “Also, there is no opportunity, my understanding to even test from home, that’s not an option…They discussed reducing the percentage of the end of course test, but that’s still spending $20 million of state taxpayer money on a test that’s not valid.”

Georgia’s Department of Education must hold statewide testing because the Federal Department of Education did not approve the state’s testing waiver.

Pioneer RESA is also expressing concerns about the full-time equivalency (FTE) hold harmless, which is being discussed by the state. The hold would freeze school districts’ FTE. Union County received $15 million in state FTE funding which makes up 50 percent of the budget.

“We would not receive funding if that’s the case if they pass a hold harmless straight up FTE from last year. We would lose funding from what we should earn this year and that’s an effort to save the folks that are struggling from students moving to this area or homeschooling or whatever the parents are choosing,” Hill explained.

He said to expect an update next month.

Additionally, he said the school won’t be taking any chances with the weather as they enter the winter months.

COVID-19 update for November 20,2020

Students and parents are encouraged to remember to wash their hands and wear masks over the holiday breaks. Every holiday has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 numbers. Since fewer students have been wearing their masks to class, quarantine numbers continue to increase. 125 students were quarantined because of potential exposure as of Friday, November 20 with zero positive student cases. Seven teachers were quarantined with one positive case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf7ueHolQcA

 

 

Union County Board of Education lowers tax rate

Community, News, Panther's Corner
lower tax rate

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In an 8 a.m. called meeting, Union County Board of Education unanimously voted to leave the millage rate at 11.74 mills for the 2021 fiscal year. By leaving the millage rate alone, the board effectively lowered property taxes by not accepting the advised rollback rate of 11.76 mills.

In other words, the school’s portion of property taxes will not be going up. They will be staying the same, and revenue will decrease slightly. The total decrease is .02 mills or .17 percent. One mill represents a tax liability of one dollar per $1,000 of assessed value.

“We’ve chosen given the situation many of our residents are in to leave it at 11.74, which does show as a slight tax decrease from the Board of Education,” explained Superintendent John Hill. “We appreciate the board’s supporting us on that and rolling back taxes a little bit for our taxpayers.”

In Georgia, the state calculates a rollback rate to ensure that the county or school receives the same amount of revenue as the previous year’s digest if no reassessments occurred.

If a county or school board decides to raise the millage rate higher than its rollback/ increase property taxes, officials must hold three public hearings, issue a press release, and place a notice in the county’s legal organ. Local government is currently undergoing that process.

Union County Schools make up two-thirds of overall property taxes. The county represents one-third. Now that the school has officially announced and approved its millage rate, the commissioner must establish the county’s overall millage rate.

On August 27 at 6:30 p.m., Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris will officially set the millage rate. Residents can expect a property tax increase of 6.8 percent because of the county’s decision to raise its millage rate by 1.226 mills or 19.98 percent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMcZxviqnwI&feature=youtu.be

UCS awarded $3 million grant for college and career academy

Board of Education, Community, Panther's Corner
college and career academy

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Schools (UCS) was one of three districts in the state to receive the College and Career Academy (CCA) grant for $3 million. The school will establish the first multi-state CCA in Georgia.

UCS has several similar program initiatives with its Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) efforts, but the grant money will allow them to expand their offerings. Students will also have opportunities for dual enrollment through some of the CTAE programs.

CTAE Director Josh Davis explained why UCS decided to apply, “After researching the grant process last summer and discussing with our stakeholders, we realized we already had many of the CCA best practices in place. We decided to write the grant and go through the grant process, and all of our business, community, and post-secondary partners played a big role.”

It’s a reimbursable facility grant, and the school will move forward with the College and Career Academy with the board of education’s guidance. The grant was appropriated through the Georgia legislature and gives a school system five years to spend the allotted funds.  The first year will focus on planning and strategy to identify the best path forward.

CTAE Director Josh Davis spearheaded the CCA grant process.

As for the area of focus, Davis added, “Initially, we will utilize our current program offerings including automotive technologies, computer programming, construction, cybersecurity, engineering, entrepreneurship, nursing, sports medicine, and welding. We will develop new programs if needed as local workforce needs change and resources are available.”

The skilled training provided by a CCA allows students to seek out specific high demand, high wage jobs available within the region, which will enhance their employment opportunities. It’s a win-win for students and regional employers.

“We’ve had wonderful support from our business community. They’re hungry for employees,” explained Superintendent John Hill. “They’re a lot of employers that need employees in their high skilled, high wage jobs…Now some go to college, but a bulk goes to technical school and receives some really good training, and a lot of it, we can do in-house here.”

Chairman Hunter spoke with Technical College System Project Manager Frank Pinson over the phone.

Current Union County business partners include Advanced Digital Cable, Bank OZK, Chick-fil-A, Corrugated Replacements Inc., Lamin-X, Nelson Tractor, Panel Built, Pat’s Hallmark, The Saw Mill Place, Union General Hospital, Union County Chamber of Commerce, Union County Economic Development Authority, United Community Bank Inc., and WJRB Radio. Community partners from neighboring counties and North Carolina include Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Brasstown Valley Resort, Moog Industries Inc, and Snap-On. North Georgia Technical College, the University of North Georgia, and Young Harris College are the post-secondary education partners.

Technical College System of Georgia Project Manager Frank Pinson called into the July Board of Education meeting to congratulate UCS and expressed his enthusiasm for the school’s initial idea.

“You’re going to establish Georgia’s first multi-district model that extends across state lines…we had the privilege way back in March of coming up and visiting with them. John and Josh took us over to neighboring counties that you’ll be partnering with. We just couldn’t be more excited about Union County and everything that you’re going to be able to accomplish up there,” Pinson expressed.

“We’re equally excited about this. I can’t wait. Once we get this going, you’ll be able to take a tour of our facilities again and see what we’ve done with the good taxpayer monies that we’ve been able to secure from you guys,” said Chairman Tony Hunter.

Evans and Appling County were the other two school systems to receive the CCA grant.

https://youtu.be/wLImaVwmWPM?t=1410

Feature image from Georgia Career Academies Facebook.

Union opts for 4 days in person, 1 day virtual class schedule

Community, News, Panther's Corner
Union BOE

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the July Board of Education (BOE) meeting, Union school officials announced in-person and virtual-only options for the 2020-2021 school year. 

Parents can choose from a four day in-person week with virtual Fridays or a strictly online learning program. If parents decide to move their students into online learning, the student must remain in that program of the nine weeks. 

Students moving from online to in-person must provide notice before the nine weeks ends, so the school can prepare for the increase in population. 

“There are a lot of moving parts. When a parent decides to go to online learning, that’s fine, but when they want to come back because of all the social distancing, assigned seating, bus routing,” explained Assistant Superintendent David Murphy.

Additionally, the start date to the 2020-2021 school year was pushed back from August 12 to August 17. The measure accommodates for virtual pre-planning and a controlled meet your teacher day environment. 

Murphy explained how children would transfer from Union virtual classes to in-person.

A huge part of this plan involved parent choice. 94 percent of parents and guardians responded to Union County Schools’ (UCS) survey and 80 percent were comfortable with in-person learning while 20 percent were not. The employee survey received 253 responses out of 500 and 83 percent of those surveyed were ready to return to school while 17 percent were not. This plan allows for flexibility for the staff and students. 

The virtual Fridays allow for janitorial staff to deep clean school buildings and for transportation to sanitize the busses. It also provides an opportunity for teachers to dedicate time to those in online learning only. 

As for lunch, each week, certain classes will eat in the lunchroom. The remaining classes will eat inside the classroom, or outside if the weather allows. This prevents the lunchroom from becoming crowded and gives room to socially distance. 

Superintendent Hill expressed the fact that the safety of the staff and students is the main priority of the BOE. However, he admits cases will occur, and complete prevention is impossible. Hill added, “schools weren’t made to socially distance.” 

The UCS Covid-19 task force will assist in guiding school safety decisions along with CDC and the Georgia Department Of Health protocols. 

Students will have assigned seating, so if a case arises, the school can assist the health department epidemiologist in accurately contact tracing. Children who test positive must stay home for 10 days or until they test negative. Students exposed to Covid-19 will stay home for 14 days. 

Masks won’t be required, but the Covid-19 prevention measure is highly encouraged and recommended for all students. Free and reduced meal students will have a mask provided to them. However, there will be certain situations where the students will be required to wear a mask, such as if they visit the school clinic. 

Once students walk into their first class, teachers will take their temperature. If the student has a fever of over 100 degrees, they will be sent to the nurse for further evaluation.

Parents can keep their child home if they have Covid-19 symptoms without penalty. These children can also participate in online learning for those days without being enrolled in the online-only option. Students who participate in online learning won’t be marked absent for those days at home. UCS wants to keep as many people safe as possible from the virus through the best means available.

Union Superintendent Hill stressed the fluidity of the Covid-19 situation and the benefits of one virtual learning day each week.

UCS will be following the Georgia Department of Education Path to Recovery. Superintendent Hill made sure to state that this document will be constantly changing and evolving. UCS will have this as a Google Doc so if it changes they will update it immediately.  

Hill finished with, ”What we don’t have to change is our commitment to our kids.”

Further details will be released about the remaining plan on the UCS website on July 22. Parents and guardians should expect another survey gauging commitment to be sent out soon. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLImaVwmWPM&t=3742s

The BOE Recognizes The Hard Work of The Staff and Community

Board of Education, Featured Stories
Union BOE

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Last night, during the Union County BOE Meeting, Superintendent Hill expressed his thanks, appreciation, and gratitude for the staff of Union County Schools.

He recognized the school nutrition staff, who have served a total of 132,000 meals. Children in Union County will continue to receive meals until June 25th.

Hill also acknowledged the police department’s efforts. The officers gave out 600 twenty-pound boxes of produce to the community.  

The superintendent stated that the entire faculty and staff went “so far above and beyond.” He acknowledged their long hours working for the students.  Their efforts weren’t limited to meal service, education, or sanitization. Coach Corey Garrett developed an online workout program for students.

Lastly, Hill commended staff who completed the summer preparation early. He also acknowledged Union County High School Principal C.T. Hussion for hosting “the best graduation in the United States.”

Superintendent Hill said, “I couldn’t be more proud of our staff. Every single employee in this district has done more than we’ve asked.” The BOE plans to honor and recognize all the hard work from the entire staff. Hill states that once social distancing is lifted, the BOE will need to have a meeting in the fine arts center to recognize everyone’s hard work. This meeting will be, as Hill adds, ”a long, but a good one.” 

The BOE also voted unanimously to renew the Union-Towns contract for Alternative Education. This allows alternative students from Towns county to attend Union County Alternative School.

Additionally, the BOE unanimously voted to renew the Family Connection contract for the 2021 fiscal year. Family Connection has provided students with anything they need such as shoes, food for the weekend, or a trip to the health department.

Dr. Paula Davenport states, “Anyway they can help they find a way to do it.”

 Family Connection services pose no extra cost as the expenditure budget remains the same as last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4SyL5XJVNc

Union County Schools preparing for state budget cuts

Board of Education, Community
state budget

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Schools getting ready for state budget cuts in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying shutdown.

During the Superintendent Update of the May 19, 2019 board meeting, Superintendent John Hill addressed the statewide cuts of 14 percent for the fiscal year of 2021.

“Please be aware that we are following that very closely, but at this point in time, we don’t have any valid information concerning the budget. We will not get our allotment sheet from the state until after the Legislature has met,” Hill explained.

The current plan is for the 2020 legislative session on Thursday, June 11, 2020, with offices reopening on June 1. Until the General Assembly finalizes the 2021 budgets, it’s difficult for schools to proceed.

Gov. Kemp’s office released the following information concerning state revenues for April 2020:

“The State of Georgia’s April net tax collections totaled nearly $1.84 billion for a decrease of $1.03 billion, or -35.9 percent, compared to April 2019 when net tax collections totaled $2.87 billion. Year-to-date net tax collections totaled $19.23 billion for a decrease of nearly $680 million, or -3.4 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year (FY) when net tax revenues totaled $19.91 billion.”

Georgia’s constitution states that is must have a balanced budget for each fiscal year, but the loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 shutdown will likely see several programs in education and elsewhere suffer.

“I do want everyone to know that we’re doing everything we can to take care of our employees and continually provide the high standard of quality for our students,” stated Hill.

In the May 7 called board meeting, board members unanimously approved the allocation of $527,000 in CARES Act Funds to 2021 salaries and benefits to offset the state reductions.

Georgia public school district received a total of $411,452,867 in CARE funding from the federal government to combat shortfalls due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

In a release from Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) concerning CARES, it clarified:

“The CARES Act funds are flexible in nature; districts can use them for a wide variety of efforts including distance/remote learning, school meals, supporting at-risk student populations, mental and physical health, supplemental learning, facilities/equipment, and maintaining continuity of core staff and services. The funds can be used to reimburse expenses retroactive to March 13, 2020, and do not expire until September 2022.”

CARES Act Funding graphic courtesy of GaDOE

Surrounding school systems are in the same boat as Union County and are currently waiting to see what the legislature does before making any decisions.

The board also confirmed the certified rehires for the next school year.

End of School Year

As for the end of the 2019-2020 school year, Hill also commended Union County Schools for bringing all students up to proficiency before the end of the year. The high school had 68 students in remediation. All seniors met graduation requirements. Primary school hosted one on one online meetings to help children meet all goals. The elementary school has also moved almost all their students up to As and Bs. Woody Gap’s students are all at proficiency.  Union County Middle School (UCMS) will hold a virtual award ceremony next week over Google Classroom.

UCMS Theatre Arts also aired a program “10 Ways to Survive During Quarantine.”

GaDOE left it up to local schools to determine proficiency in a subject and offered grading guidelines. Students are allowed to submit an assignment multiple times, a “no zero” policy for any homework issued after schools closed, option for assignments to be marked as compete or do not complete, establish competencies from before closure to identify a cutoff date and benchmark for course completion, and prioritize seniors, K-3, and at-risk populations for direct instruction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U2pbIUsyWA

Schools work tirelessly to ensure “success for all” for students

Featured Stories
students

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Once Union County Schools (UCS) decided to close school buildings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, school leaders knew they needed to quickly find a way to remotely educate students and feed children in need in the community.

On Friday, March 14, UCS applied and received a school nutrition waiver. The waiver allows UCS to provide meals to children from ages one to 18. They don’t have to be UCS students.

Faculty, staff, and administration worked all weekend, March 14-16, to create easy to understand digital learning environments for students. As well as help each other through any technological-related issue.

“No hesitation with our people,” Superintendent Hill said.

The technology department and police department also delivered 100 wi-fi hotspots to children without internet connection. All students also received a Chromebook to access their virtual classrooms.

Wi-fi hot spots were delivered to students without internet access.

Wi-fi can also be accessed at Farmer’s Market, Meeks Park, Reese Farm (next to the store), Union County Public Library parking lot, Burger King parking lot, Chick-fil-A parking lot, McDonald’s parking lot, and Rib Country parking lot.

“Union United and success for all that’s not just our logo, that’s what we do,” declared Hill.

UCS nutrition department, police department, transportation department, and other support staff delivered 2,448 meals on Tuesday, March 17. On Thursday, March 19, they delivered 3,600 meals to the designated pick-up locations across the county. The locations are at the 12 polling stations.

Goodies from the Heart also delivered 500 bags of food to 170 students on the last day of school.

Family Connection Coordinator had the following to say about the program, “Shout out to Audrey Gilliam and the Goodies From the Heart program for packing extra food with just a few hours of notice. Then, Family Connection was able to get that delivered before students went home. Thanks to those who donated food to the pantry. Thanks to Union County Schools Police Department for helping our staff and the school social worker with delivering food to the homes of those without transportation. It’s truly a school-wide and community effort!”

The school delivers two days’ worth of food at a time. Starting on March 23, the pick-up days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Image from UCS Facebook on Monday, March 23 staff were preparing to deliver meals to students.

If parents or guardians would like to be added to the UCS meals program, they can still sign up online.

Counselors are also available online for students to offer social and emotional support while everyone does their best to self-quarantine and social distance.

“I was very proud to be a part of a system with those kinds of teachers,” stated board member Cynthia Odom.

Assistant Superintendent David Murphy, custodial department, and some paraprofessionals and nutrition staff are disinfecting and deep cleaning the UCS campus.

The success of these efforts is all down to the faculty and staff at UCS. Hill read letters from staff members about their pride in UCS and its efforts to come together during this time. These statements can be found in the video.

https://youtu.be/hnraFhYrlE0

“It’s not that they’re being told or made to do something. They’re a part of it. They’re here on Sunday afternoon. It’s a collaborative thing, that’s something that comes from the top and has to flow down,” board member Janna Akins explained. “It almost brings tears to my eyes the way this has come together. A huge project, but even the big guys are willing to do the littlest things.”

Images courtesy of UCS Facebook page.

Union County Schools establish COVID-19 protocols

Board of Education, News, Park and Recreation
COVID-19

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Schools (UCS) released a memorandum on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 detailing protocols for COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus.

Effective immediately, the two-page document details a 14-day quarantine and self-monitoring policy for students, employees, volunteers, and substitutes. It follows guidelines provided by the CDC, Union General Hospital, and the Union County Health Department. However, the protocols are subject to change as more knowledge about the virus becomes available.

The 14-day quarantine asks anyone who visited a level one or above country, came in contact with someone (a family member who recently traveled) who potentially has Coronavirus, or had close contact with someone with a confirmed case of the virus to stay home for 14 days. This begins on the first full day back in the United States.

CDC has an updated list of level two and three countries, which are Japan, Iran, South Korea, China, and Italy.

In order to return to school, the individual must fever free for 14 days. Anyone who believes they might have contracted COVID-19 should self-monitor for symptoms. “The Department of Public Health must be notified immediately at 1-866-PUB-HLTH, and the student/staff member should seek medical assistance,” explained the memorandum.

Those who have traveled to an area with widespread outbreaks are responsible for their transportation to and from wellness centers to receive daily health checks. This needs to happen “the first thing each morning during school throughout the monitoring period.”

During quarantine and self-monitoring students will receive assignments through digital learning, and absences will be excused.

Those who are self-monitoring should “be mindful of their respiratory function and overall general health.”

In a statement released by UCS Superintendent John Hill stated:

“The Union County School District understands the concerns attributed to the COVID-19, and we are working with the Georgia Department of Public Health and Union General Health System to develop plans and procedures that best meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.

At this time, we are monitoring the situation and will continue to work with our public health officials to maintain current best practices and understanding of the virus. The newness (novelty) of this virus creates additional concern for all.”

To help keep families safe against COVID-19, UCS suggests:

  • “Keep children who are sick at home. Don’t send them to school.
  • Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
  • Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.
  • Teach your children to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick or avoid them altogether.
  • People who are sick should stay home from work or school and avoid other people until they are better.”

For those interested in making handwashing more fun for themselves or their children, try timing the 20 seconds to your favorite song, like the opening of Black Parade by My Chemical Romance or like the graphic All Star by Smashmouth.

courtesy of Twitter user Tender_rachet.

Hill advocates for College and Career Academy

Board of Education, Business
college and career academy

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Schools (UCS) moved forward with the creation of a College and Career Academy (CCA), presenting the first reading of the by-laws for the program. Superintendent John Hill championed the CCA and the opportunity it creates to provide local businesses with highly skilled employees.

“We have to feed our [big] employers a sustainable workforce,” stated Hill. “They are so hungry for good employees. We’re not talking about minimum wage jobs; we’re talking about kids that can graduate from the C&C pathway, at 18 years old, and go to work making $40,000 right out of the gate.”

Hill also mentioned how some of these companies are prepared to pay for their employees’ secondary degrees. As a result, these individuals work and later graduate from a college or trade school with zero debt.

Once the by-laws are approved after the second reading, the CCA board of directors can be created, which must include business and industry leaders. However, the ultimate authority will remain with the board and superintendent.

Majority of the board reviewing the by-laws.

No additional staffing requirements are expected at this time, but a secretary might be necessary, in the future.

UCS is in talks with North Georgia Technical College and Blue Ridge Mountain EMC to partner together for certain career pathways. This could also eliminate the need to hire additional staff.

Welding, automotive, computer science, cybersecurity, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and sports medicine would all be career pathways available under the CCA. It also can expand if necessary.

The goal is for the CCA to be regional as well, so students from Towns County could participate.

Hill warned that if UCS doesn’t act, then in a few years, no one locally will be able to fill the roles in the community.

“A lot of the skilled builders and tradesmen are older ladies and gentlemen, and [if] we’re not able to feed that workforce student graduates, they will have to go somewhere else. It’s a much bigger problem than just a Union County issue. It’s a nationwide problem. This is our attempt to address it,” said Hill.

He believes if UCS doesn’t “open [students] eyes to every option available, then they aren’t doing their job as educators.

Businesses in the community will soon experience an aging-out problem and students need to realize that a vocational program might be their better option. The owners of these businesses are also eager to help the school in CCA efforts. They’ve offered to instruct students and work to find solutions.

“I was shocked when I got into some of these businesses. They were open-armed. There are so many jobs, and they can’t keep up. They’re having to bring people from the outside in because we’re not meeting the workforce,” affirmed Union County High School Principal C.T. Hussion.

UCS plans to apply for the College and Career Academy Grant as well.

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