Union County Schools preparing for state budget cuts
Board of Education, Community May 20, 2020
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.
UCS Increases Coaching Stipend and Receives Bump in Revenue
Education, News July 17, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Union County Schools’ (UCS) coaches to receive Pioneer RESA recommended athletic supplements for the upcoming school year.
Board approved the athletic supplements for coaches and trainers for the 2019 salary budget.
“We did not cut the budget, explained Superintendent John Hill, “In an attempt to compensate our coaches at a more adequate level, we got our supplements aligned with the RESA low average. We’re still on the bottom end of the athletic supplements.”
Overall supplements have gone up around $150 across the board, but to achieve this they absorbed some positions when people left the schools. Now, the coaching supplements are slightly more competitive than before.
Strength and Conditioning coach stipend remains on the pay scale, but no one is receiving it.
“We’ve had it for probably five years and they did it by season. They gave a coach a stipend to work before and after school. They didn’t run it the way I wanted it run. At this moment, no one is receiving that but it is a placeholder if we have someone who can do it correctly,” explained Hill.
UCS is the only system in Pioneer RESA that doesn’t pay coaches extended year salaries. Those changes were made to save money during the recession to help save money.
“It also is helpful to the younger employees because if you’re a brand new employee five days versus a person with a specialist degree and 25 years’ experience, that amount of money is a lot different, stated Hill, “Everyone is paid the same.”
They also added a new supplement for $2,000 for an athletic trainer.
July Financial Report
UCS is one step closer to receiving entitlement funds from the state.
The state released $346,000 of funding, and the district’s waiting on a document from a construction management firm for the state to release the second round of funds.
Assistant Superintendent David Murphy mentioned that he spoke to UCS’s consultant last week, and the consultant stated that all schools in the state of Georgia are waiting on entitlement funds.
Currently, the budget is 86 percent complete for the fiscal year and only 78 percent of the money has been spent.
“I’m looking at these numbers, we’ve taken on a new police department, ran all the way through,” said Councilwoman Janna Akins, “We’ve only spent 78 percent of the money that’s been budgeted, so we’re doing awesome things. I think it’s really impressive.”
UCS Financial Director Karen Bundy commended Police Department Chief Chad Deyton on his frugality and always coming to her before making a purchase.
“This proves that you are also very frugal,” said Chairwoman Cynthia Odom, “It shows that people are working hard to cut, which is wonderful.”
UCBOE Chairwoman Cynthia Odom
“It shows that people are working together, not working in isolation. They’re problem-solving,” said Hill, “They are a high-functioning team. We have the highest-functioning team that I’ve been exposed to.”
Local revenue has increased because of interest earnings, which totaled through June at $153,000. Originally, UCS budgeted only $20,000 for local revenue.
Forestland earnings came in at $57,780.04, and the school doesn’t budget for that because it isn’t guaranteed.
State revenue also significantly increased due to grant money that isn’t budgeted for in the initial balance.
Instructional Services department went over their budget because of unpaid student salaries. EPLOST money has also gone up.
Bids
UCS hired Athens Janitorial to save on custodial expenses. They will visit all the schools in the district, inventory supplies, and order as needed. This should eliminate supply overages that the schools experienced with Supply Works and ordering their own materials.
“Last year we spent around $125,000 – $150,000 with Supply Works just to keep our schools staffed for custodial and we had to do the ordering,” said Murphy.
Athens Janitorial will inventory, order, provide recommendations, and train custodians in OSHA for $76,500 a year. No contract’s involved; it’s paid month to month. It should save UCS around $50,000 a year.
The board also approved an off-bid from BSN on new gym flooring for the middle and high school. The current flooring surrounding – walking track, stairs – the courts are safety hazards for students and faculty.
The bid came in at $90,000 and the school district expected around $180,000 for the project, but labor isn’t included in the current bid.
Samples are coming to see the product before entering into an agreement and ensure quality flooring for both schools. Also, BSN is new in the flooring space but did provide the new goalposts for the football field.
$2M UCS Field House Under Reevaluation
News, Panther's Corner May 25, 2019Blairsville, Ga – New field house being reassessed after bids come in $1M over the initial budget.
Board of Education elected to reevaluate the scope of the field house project after bids for came back around $2M.
“I had anticipated a million. This is way more than I anticipated,” stated Chair Cynthia Odom.
Board asked for options on the new field house.
“When we started out the architects the number was a lot lower, but it seems like it has grown and grown with its costs and we actually value engineered practically everything,” explained Assistant Superintendent David Murphy.
Superintendent John Hill offered to go back and reevaluate the specifications, including the architectural drawings and RFP to find a reasonable solution.
Odom suggested looking at the current fieldhouse and trying to modify it before proceeding with this project.
“We’re a pay as we go,” said Odom, “It’s going to delay other items.”
Board Member Keith Potts added another approach to the field house project, “Maybe the footprint of it can be what you’re looking at, but downsize the building so you can expand maybe in five years to get that number down.”
These bids for the project came in last week, and due to architecture fees, the school system’s already paid over $50,000 into it. The bidding was very tight among the lowest three within $50,000.
“It’s a terrible time to build,” stated Hill.
“It’s hard to justify the costs of double, $2M on a non-academic building, used by a finite number of students,” said Board Member Janna Akins.
“We need to provide a facility, but we can reevaluate exactly what that is,” stated Hill.
Odom the discussion closed with, “We appreciate all the time, effort, and energy. I know this is not an easy thing to do.”
Safety access doors for all the schools are proceeding and should be installed by the new school year. All teacher IDs have been updated, and the switch should begin soon.
Paving for the primary and elementary pick-up line, two parking lots, as well as primary and elementary bus drop-off/pick-up areas. The paving project will cost the school system $511,775.88.
Privacy fencing for the primary school also received approval to move forward with a bid of $76,867.20. It will include a six-foot chain link fence with privacy slating around the pick-up lane. This fence will allow traffic to start earlier in the day and hopefully speed up the process.
“Those were the areas we identified with the most potholes and issues for parents, but also they drop off the most children there. It will really benefit a lot of our students,” said Hill.
“We never let them back before 2:30 because we still have children on the playground,” explained Murphy, “The privacy slating will allow us to have them out.”
Union County Primary School Principal Millie Owenby agreed that the fencing should improve the pick-up process in the next school year.
Union County Board of Education approves Hill to succeed Dr. Rayfield, ESPLOST Resolution
News January 18, 2018
Dr. Fred Rayfield
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – The Union County Board of Education (UCBOE) convened for their January workshop and meeting at the Board of Education (BOE) building on Jan. 16, 2018, at 6 p.m. All board members were present as was Union County School (UCS) Superintendent Dr. Fred Rayfield.
John Hill
BOE Chairwoman Cynthia Odom addressed the board describing the search process implemented since Rayfield’s retirement was announced in November 2017. Odom said, out of several qualified candidates considered, John Hill, who is already familiar with the intricacies of the Union County School System, was considered by all involved to be the best choice. Odom asked for a motion to approve Hill to succeed Rayfield as UCS superintendent on July 1, 2018. The motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved.
Cory Kirby
Immediately following the approved motion, Hill’s Superintendent Employment Contract was approved and signed by Hill and each board member.
Cory Kirby, of Harben, Hartley and Hawkins, legal counsel for UCS, addressed the board regarding the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) resolution and ballot question. Kirby reviewed the parameters of ESPLOST V, which had already been discussed and agreed upon by the board. Kirby recited the parameters: five-year term, $21 million cap, and project itemization as discussed in the November 2017 BOE meeting of only maintenance, upgrades and upkeep tasks to keep UCS a smooth running, state-of-the-art facility. Ten more new buses over the next five years were also listed as a result of the past deficiency over the last 10 to 15 years in keeping the bus fleet up to date. Along with the resolution to put the continuation of the 1 percent sales and use tax (ESPLOST) in Union County on the May 2018 ballot was the question of whether to include language authorizing the board to approve the issuance of up to $13.5 million in bonds in the event of a dire emergency or catastrophe. Rayfield recommended the resolution with the ballot question as submitted. A motion made to approve the ESPLOST resolution as submitted was unanimously approved.
Dr. Rayfield, left, and Timothy Jennings.
Larry Garrett, left, and Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris.
Partner in Education awards were presented to Union County and to the Union County Co-Op Extension. Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris and Union County Manager Larry Garrett accepted the Award for Union County. Timothy Jennings accepted the Award for the Union County Co-Op Extension, which is part of the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environment.
Due to what Rayfield referred to as the “Trifecta of Events”, that is, an eclipse, a hurricane and a winter storm, which kept students out of school for more days than planned for, he recommended that the 2017-2018 school calendar be revised to make Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, a make-up day to get back on track. The superintendent also recommended that the board accept the 2018-2019 school calendar as submitted, which allows for the maximum number of weather days. Rayfield said next year’s calendar is very similar to that of this year. The board unanimously approved both recommendations.
Rayfield recommended that the board approve the November 2017 financial report. The board unanimously approved the report.
Megan Hayes’ petition for early graduation, submitted by Casey Jones and signed off on by Rayfield and Hill, was unanimously approved.
An alternate board training date of Jan. 30, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. was unanimously approved.
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Union County School officials dealing with Sexting issue
News, Union County High School March 15, 2019
Asst Superintendents David Murphy, Paula Davenport, Blairsville Chief of Police Chad Deyton, UC School Superintendent John Hill
Sexting and cyberbullying is becoming a nationwide issue. It has recently reared its ugly head in the North Georgia Mountains city of Blairsville. There were victims, perpetrators, and bystanders. All apparently have suffered in one way or another.
Union County Schools Superintendent John Hill, Assistant Superintendent Paula Davenport, and Assistant Superintendent David Murphy were available for a candid interview at the Union County Board of Education office. They spoke about the recent events relating to Union County High School students who were involved in a sexting scandal.
Hill advised the investigation is ongoing because “You still have to follow up on some information.”
No arrests have been made at press time.
Conclusion of the School’s investigation showed only 46 students were involved in the sexting scandal. Disciplinary actions against the teens are on a case-by-case basis and the severity of the crimes committed by each student; suspension or alternative schools, Hill added.
According to Hill, the School system became aware of the scandal “a few weeks ago”. Since that time, the Union Schools Police Investigator, Keith Lockwood, began investigating the allegations.
Lockwood declined an interview referring all calls regarding the incident to Hill.
The students involved in this incident are aged 14-18, freshman to seniors. All indicators have been isolated to Union County High School students at this time, Hill said.
Counseling will be available for students, whether a victim of these crimes or not. Davenport stated “We have advised them to reach out to school counselors. We have met with pastors in the area and they offered to pass the word there would be some Christian counseling available. Of course, there a few private counselors in the area as well.”
Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jeff Langley hosted a meeting for all concerned citizens, parents, and students on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at the Union County Arts Center.
GBI’s Steven Blackwell and Jamie Ambercrombie
GBI’s Jamie Abercrombie and Steven Blackwell presented a slide show on ‘Sexting’ and ‘Cyberbullying’; a riveting presentation on the dangers of sexting and cyberbullying. Emphasis was made on parents monitoring their child’s social media actions and interactions.
Langley told the crowd gathered at the Union County Arts Center Thursday night he did not want to ruin any child’s life in this matter, but would take harsh measures if any of these students run afoul of the law again.
Many citizens were upset with the entire situation involving these teens and the punishments meted to them. Arguing the punishment is not in relation to the possible felony charges all 46 students could be facing, it was deemed by some these students were getting off “with a slap on the wrist.”
Ann Houser, a member of the audience, said, “I can’t imagine kids being stupid, whatever you want to call it, to do something like that. It just blows me away.”
Dakota Stanger, 13 year-old daughter of Melonie and Ken Stanger, stated, “First rumor I heard it was one of the teacher’s daughters sending pictures. And I heard people they didn’t bother with (handling the situation) until a teacher’s daughter was involved. People are mad about it. The kids in this community shouldn’t be involved in this. It’s crazy.” She continued, “The cyber bullying, I don’t get that. They get home and they are on their computers 24-7. Why would they do that? They don’t need social media at a young age. They don’t need to have access to everything. Websites were made for adults. Adults should keep it.”
Melonie Stanger told FYN, “I think it’s probably been going on for a couple of years. I think it’s blown up so much I don’t think it can be covered up at this point because so many are affected by it from what I’ve heard. And I think actions are being taken. I hope it’s got some teeth behind it and put a stop to it and change the culture of our young kids (to) realize this is not acceptable. These kids are not ready for this kind of technology and all the dangers that come with it. You have to wait until you get to a certain age and are mature enough to handle the responsibility of tools like this.”
Ken Stanger, when asked about what punishment should be meted out at this time, “You scare the hell out them first of all. You get a kid by himself and he’s most likely not going to do anything stupid. But you get a bunch of kids together, friends, stupidity is rampant. I think some dares were made, things were done, and it escalated. And it should have never even started. I don’t think their lives should be ruined, but I do agree with the prosecutor that this is the time to scare them. This is the time to tell them ‘I could go a lot further but I don’t want to ruin your life but if I see you again, I’m going after you.’ And he needs to stick with that. If any of the boys or girls get into the system again for that kind of activity, then they should go to jail. If they didn’t learn their lesson, then it’s ‘I’m sorry. We gave you a pass, you messed with you, you’re going to jail.’ I think that’s the way it should be. I don’t think the school is covering it up either. And to be honest, it’s probably been going on for awhile. I think the school is handling it right. They’re doing a good job.”
For more information on Sexting and Cyberbullying, please visit www.cybertipline.com, http://www.ncmecnycr.org/, or https://www.netsmartz.org.
If you or your child suspects or has been a victim of sexting or cyberbullying, inform law enforcement authorities immediately.
“THINK BEFORE YOU POST!”
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UCHS Receives STEM Certification
News, Panther's Corner May 25, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Union County High School (UCHS) named the fourth STEM certified public school in the state.
State Superintendent Richard Woods visited UCHS a few weeks ago and recognized the school as the 14th STEM certified program in the state and fourth public school to earn the honor.
STEM teaches students computational thinking and using scientific methods to solve real-world problems. It helps children to develop technological skills that they can use to one day find highly-sought after jobs.
At the May Board of Education, Superintendent John Hill presented the STEM certification award to Ms. Alecia Frizzell.
“Ms. Frizzell was extremely dedicated and instrumental in the high school receiving the certification, and it’s going to have a lasting impact on students of our county,” said Hill.
Ms. Frizzell also received the Outstanding High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year 2019.
“I have not met a teacher more dedicated to her students and her profession,” said Hill, “we’re very proud of her.”
“I had no idea I was getting the award. I think I was nominated by Mr. Hussion,” explained Frizzell, “I had a student write a recommendation letter that is framed and on a wall in my house.”
Three Partners in Education were recognized for their significant efforts to improve the schools’ facilities and life of the students.
Gene Sprayberry donated his greenhouse to Woody Gap in memory of his wife, Louise.
Gene Sprayberry donated a large greenhouse to Woody Gap Schools in memory of his wife, Louise.
“I’m thankful that the school system accepted the schoolhouse in memory of Louise,” said Sprayberry, “She would be so thrilled to see that it was doing some good, and students might take up her passion. She loved it.”
This year the Chamber of Commerce had an entire night dedicated to recognizing Union County Schools’(UCS) students and set up two committees devoted to finding ways to help students.
“Our local chamber has always supported our school system, but this past year they have truly been a partner in education,” said Assistant Superintendent David Murphy.
“We appreciate the opportunity for the chamber to participate in the program,” said Chamber of Commerce President Steve Rowe, “These students are the future of Union County.”
RC&D Council sponsored a number of learning opportunities for the students of UCS and Woody Gap, including sponsoring a steer for middle school agriculture day, a pig for the cafeterias, fire-wise programs, a high-wind tunnel, drone software, wick-whacking device, and a number of the members.
Jason Moore’s recognized for his outstanding service on the middle school governance team.
UCMS Principal Gwen Stafford recognized student Jason Moore for his commitment to the School Governance Team.
“Jason Moore has been our representative at the middle school for the past two years, and he has done an outstanding job, said Principal Gwen Stafford, “If he doesn’t know what the students would like, he goes out and sees them. He gets there opinion and comes back and reports to us.”
UCHS FFA Students also received recognition for winning first place in state competitions.
Isaac Hunter placed first at the state level for the ocular estimation event at the junior foresters’ field day.
“Ocular estimation is where I have to stand five feet away from the tree and guess the diameter of it,” said Hunter. He can’t use any tools to assist with the process, just his best sight guestimation.
Isaac Hunter and Timothy Dye both won first place in the state FFA competition.
Next, Timothy Dye won first place at the state competition for timber cruising for board volume.
“You have to stand 66 feet away from the tree using logger tape, diameter tape, and clinometer. The diameter get the actual diameter of it, and with the clinometer, you get the height of it,” explained Dye.
The Union County Primary School recognized two teachers who achieved perfect attendance for the 2018-2019 school year. Kelsey Miller teaches Pre-K, and Tina Payne is an RTI specialist who teaches Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade students.
UCPS Principal Millie Owenby recognized the two primary school teachers Kelsey Miller and Tina Payne for their perfect attendance.
“We all know that as teachers that the more we are there, the better the students perform,” said Principal Millie Owenby, “Sometimes at the primary school that is quite an accomplishment.”
The board also presented Superintendent with an award to commemorate his 15 years of service.