Open houses
Times for parents to meet their children's teachers and discuss their classes have been set for Wednesday, the day before classes start.
Time are:
11 a.m.-2 p.m. for pre-K students
3-6 p.m. for kindergarten through seniors
With the start of the 2009-10 school year just days away, Liberty County schools are facing a set of challenges that have never before cropped up in the system.
Between recent budget cuts, furloughs, slightly extended school days and a new middle school under construction on post, Superintendent Dr. Judy Scherer, the Board of Education and local educators certainly have their hands full this fall.
But administrators say it’s nothing they can’t handle.
“It is during the tough times that you realize what you are made of as a team; and the staff and faculty who make up this school system consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the students of Liberty County get outstanding instruction and service in every area,” said Demere’ Bowen, spokeswoman for the LCSS.
The BoE already has a head start preparing for some of the challenges.
Regarding financial issues, Scherer said it has been difficult to get everything balanced since a recent $2 million budget cut handed down by Gov. Sonny Perdue is forcing all employees to take three furlough days this fall. To offset the lost instructional time, the BoE voted to lengthen fall semester school days by 15 minutes — a first for the system.
The most recent cut came after Georgia schools took funding hits earlier in the year that totaled close to $7 million.
Regarding progress on the $20 million middle school on Fort Stewart, Scherer said things are still moving quickly and they’re on track for the 2010 fall opening date. Although the project once was halted due to confusion surrounding the arrival of the 5th Brigade Combat Team, the project is moving steadily forward.
“Plans for the middle school are under way,” Scherer said.
Despite the changes, Bowen said beginning a new year is always fun and exciting for both the students and the teachers.
“We are a family here with a phenomenal community and business partnerships countywide, and we are prepared to have our best year yet.” she said. “The Liberty County School System is more prepared than ever to embrace a new school year with enthusiasm and a very positive attitude.”
Between recent budget cuts, furloughs, slightly extended school days and a new middle school under construction on post, Superintendent Dr. Judy Scherer, the Board of Education and local educators certainly have their hands full this fall.
But administrators say it’s nothing they can’t handle.
“It is during the tough times that you realize what you are made of as a team; and the staff and faculty who make up this school system consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the students of Liberty County get outstanding instruction and service in every area,” said Demere’ Bowen, spokeswoman for the LCSS.
The BoE already has a head start preparing for some of the challenges.
Regarding financial issues, Scherer said it has been difficult to get everything balanced since a recent $2 million budget cut handed down by Gov. Sonny Perdue is forcing all employees to take three furlough days this fall. To offset the lost instructional time, the BoE voted to lengthen fall semester school days by 15 minutes — a first for the system.
The most recent cut came after Georgia schools took funding hits earlier in the year that totaled close to $7 million.
Regarding progress on the $20 million middle school on Fort Stewart, Scherer said things are still moving quickly and they’re on track for the 2010 fall opening date. Although the project once was halted due to confusion surrounding the arrival of the 5th Brigade Combat Team, the project is moving steadily forward.
“Plans for the middle school are under way,” Scherer said.
Despite the changes, Bowen said beginning a new year is always fun and exciting for both the students and the teachers.
“We are a family here with a phenomenal community and business partnerships countywide, and we are prepared to have our best year yet.” she said. “The Liberty County School System is more prepared than ever to embrace a new school year with enthusiasm and a very positive attitude.”