RSS Feed
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Convicted teacher remains on BOE payroll The Washington County Board of Education met Feb. 22 and took care of several items of business, but releasing classroom teacher Charlene Schmitz from her contract and pay was not one of them. Schmitz was convicted in federal court on Feb. 14 of using a cellular telephone and computer to lure a 14-yearold student for sex. Since her initial arrest in June 2007, she has remained on the payroll of the Washington County Board of Education with all accompanying benefits. When asked if any action would be taken on this matter by the board, Washington County Schools Superintendent Tim Savage replied, "Not today." He was then asked if action would be taken in the future, and replied, "Yes." To the question if she remains on the payroll, he also said, "Yes." Larry Massey, principal at Leroy High School, where Schmitz remains "technically employed," made the following statement: "It is my understanding that the Schmitz case is under legal review by school board attorneys." There has been no advertisement for a replacement for her position. When contacted about the pending state charges on Schmitz in Washington County, Sheriff Richard Stringer said there has been discussion between his office and the local district attorney and there is at present no plans to try her on the state charges. Her file remains active. Powell urges price hike Leroy High School Athletic Director, Danny Powell, addressed the board urging them to raise ticket prices for all athletic contests to $5. He said, "Admission prices to Washington County athletic events are underpriced." He reminded the board that they (board) do not underwrite athletic programs and listed at least half-dozen fund-raisers that the Leroy Athletic Club has held since Christmas vacation. One of the expenses connected with sporting events Powell emphasized was umpires and referees. Superintendent Savage said, "The board will take your remarks under advisement." Action items: •Approved the resignation of Tamara Abston, a special education aide at Millry High School. •Approved a Resource Associates reciprocal agreement which is a threeway grant funded by federal money by which Washington County Schools receive $300,000 to supplement reading programs. •Approved a $25 per hour contract for Shelly Herbert at Fruitdale High School for student support services. •Approved the low bid from Assurance Services Group of Thomasville to renovate restrooms at Fruitdale High School. •Approved the January financial statement. Chief Financial Officer Larry Moss reported that the bookkeepers at the schools had been working hard on the new software system. Plaques of appreciation in absentia Donzetta Thompson, Child Nutrition Director, presented three plaques of appreciation to three child nutrition workers in absentia: Rosie Wright of Wagarville and Leroy; Virchus Reed at McIntosh High; Willow Dean Reed at Washington County High and Reed's Chapel.
The board will meet next on March 18
|
for larger version       |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
