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Consolidation hot topic at school board meeting The Washington County Board of Education met Jan. 15 at the Chatom City Hall and an item not on the published agenda created the most comments. In the superintendent's remarks, Tim Savage announced that this is School Board Appreciation Month and urged all to "…take time to thank the board of education that works hard for the schools." Leadership Washington County and Consolidation It was the second item in Savage's remarks that created intense opinions. He introduced Janie Stephens, chairperson of Leadership Washington County (LWC) who was present to give an overview of the organization, and to ask permission of the board to go into the five high schools to organize a Youth Leadership Washington County. The students will need to be out of school four days this semester and three days the first semester of the 08-09 school year to undergo the training. Through the office of Arthur Threat, county coordinator for Auburn Extension Service, LWC has received a Rural Initiative grant for $14,700 which will become $28,000 with additional matching money. The grant is to fund a Youth Leadership Washington County (YLWC) for 15 students in grades 10 and 11 with three coming from each of the county's five high schools. The program is fully funded through the grant except for a $100 entrance fee. Chase Black also spoke for YLWC saying that through this program we "…hope to show them (students) the potential of their county and encourage them to come back to Washington County to work and live after college and/or job training." He said that LWC gives scholarships each year to seniors and they hope to increase the amount. Elaine Beech, school board member, stated that she is presently a member of LWC and though a native of this county, has been introduced to positive things here of which she was unaware. Jessica Ross, Washington County Public Library director, emphasized that students did not have to be in the top two or three in their class academically, but LWC is looking for those students who are "…giving back to their communities through community service." Nollie Dees, school board member from Fruitdale, stated that "…sometime back, a survey was sent into the schools asking questions about school consolidation." The consolidation survey was sent out by LWC. "There is always a thought, an intent, that goes with words put down on paper," he said. Dees inferred that LWC is promoting consolidation of Washington County schools. Fruitdale High School is the smallest school in the system. Janie Stephens said that some members of the 2004 LWC class had gotten citizen comments about school consolidation. She explained that LWC wanted to know "what people were thinking." The surveys were sent to fifth grade students to guage parent opinion. She said when objections were raised against the survey, there was never any compilation or publication of the results. Ross said, "LWC is not promoting any agenda. We are about school progress and county progress and educating students about their county." Elaine Beech said that recently LWC went into Fruitdale, Chatom Middle, Leroy and the Career Technical School and heard presentations from representatives from Millry and McIntosh Elementary. We learned a great deal and enjoyed our visit." Dees asked, "Did the board authorize LWC going into the schools?" "The principals gave permission," Beech responded. Superintendent Savage told Stephens that he would get back to her when the matter is resolved. Action items •Kelly Norstrom was employed as assistant principal at Leroy High School. •The board voted to accept a proposal from Technical Engineer Consulting, Inc. for lighting the girls' softball field at Leroy High School. •A contract was approved to Southern Linc for system cell phone services. •A consultant contract for Cleophus Stephens was revised to make it retroactive back to Oct. 2, 2007. •April Coaker resigned as special education aide at Chatom Elementary School. •Larry Moss, chief financial officer, presented the November and December financial statements, which the board voted to approve.
•Savage announced that the board would go into executive session to discuss the character and good name of a school employee.
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