School systems normally recognize one Teacher of the Year. But this year in Long County, two teachers had the same score after all information was gathered.  

So Long County School System Superintendent Dr. Robert Waters said during the Sept. 14 Board of Education meeting that this year, there would be co-recipients.

The two winners were Dennis Pattison, who was presented the award for his work last year at Long County Middle School, and Barbara Pelton, who earned the award for her work last year at Smiley Elementary School.

LCMS Principal Heath Crane praised Pattison, saying he was “a class act” who was always the first to arrive at the school and the last to leave. Crane added that Pattison went above and beyond with his work and was always around to be a mentor to his students. This year, Pattison is the assistant principal at Smiley.

David Edwards, who was SES’s principal last year, said Pelton is not just an awesome teacher, but an awesome person. He added that she is always a team player, and was an asset at SES.  This year, both Edwards and Pelton have both transferred to Long County High School.  Edwards said he is glad Pelton transferred to the high school, and he hopes he can work with her for another 20 years.

Edwards also gave the board members a report on the high school’s new block scheduling. He said that from all of the information that he has received, the new schedule is well-liked by all. Edwards said the number of mandatory tests decreased for the students and that the number of classes teachers are responsible for teaching dropped from six to three.  

“I think block scheduling is a great win for everybody at Long County High School,” he said.  

According to Waters, LCMS teacher Christy DeLoach and Walker Elementary School teacher Donna Sertich were selected to participate in a data-review workshop for the Georgia Milestones Assessment System. He said they will review the performance data for items that were field-tested last spring.

Though most of the business at the meeting was agreed upon by the board members, when the consent agenda items were brought up, Dr. Carolyn Williamson requested that one transfer be voted on separately. After amending the agenda, Sue Anderson was approved by a vote of 4-1 to be the new English for Speakers of Other Languages instructional-support member. Board members Julie Dawson, Dennis DeLoach, Florence Baggs and Chairwoman Janet Watford voted in favor, while Williamson voted no.  

All other items on the consent agenda were passed unanimously.