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Long Co. sets 2014-15 calender, honors teachers
Teachers of the Yr
The Long County Board of Education recently recognized its 2014 special education teachers of the year; from left, Donaldlyn Williams, Jessica Strickland, Destiny Walker and Lydia Simmons. - photo by Photo by Mike Riddle

The Long County Board of Education had several items on the agenda last week, including approval of the 2014-15 school calendar. Special-education teachers of the year also were recognized.
Jessica Strickland had been selected special education teacher of the year for both the county and Smiley Elementary School. SES Principal David Edwards said Strickland is a dedicated employee who always is available for her students.
“We’re proud to have Jessica represent us at Smiley Elementary School,” Edwards said.
Lydia Simmons was picked as special-ed teacher of the year at Walker Elementary. Principal Shaun Peek said she always is willing to help both co-workers and students.
“She always takes an interest in her kids and she really loves them,” Peek said. “I can say she is always willing to do anything that we ask of her.”
Donaldlyn Williams was named the special-ed teacher of the year at Long County Middle School. Principal Heath Crane said she is willing to do more than what is required of teachers.
“She is awesome at everything she does, whether it is being a track coach or teaching, she does those extra things that make her a great teacher,” Crane said.
Destiny Walker was Long County High School’s selection.
“She loves her students and loves working with them. She is always available and willing to help with whatever we need her to do,” Principal Scotty Hattaway said,
Board Chairwoman Janet Watford praised all of the teachers and thanked them.
The BoE also approved the 2014-15 school calendar. The first day of classes will be Aug. 1, and the last day will be May 22. The Thanksgiving holiday is Nov. 24-28. Christmas break is Dec. 19-Jan. 2. Spring break runs April 6-10. There also are nine other student holidays throughout the year.
Watford reported that the exit review from the state for the system’s audit was complimentary. Superintendent Dr. Robert Waters said the audit rated the school system as “low risk.” Watford praised the entire staff, but recognized finance office Bridget Welch individually, saying much credit for the rating was because of her work.
The board also approved a resolution opposing the Townsend Bombing Range expansion. Watford said the county would lose at least $140,000 annually to the expansion. The unanimously approved resolution was to be sent to lawmakers in Atlanta and Washington.
In other business, the BoE:
• Scheduled a work session for April 7. A charter workshop will take place at 5 p.m. and a facilities workshop will be at 6 p.m.
• Rescheduled next month’s regular meeting from April 14 to 6:30 p.m. April 21. Schools start spring break April 14.
• Selected board member Dennis DeLoach to represent it at the 2014 GSBA conference. Dr. Carolyn Williamson is the alternate.

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