The Long County Board of Education met on June 14, to discuss the latest items of information and possible action for the different schools.

First up on their agenda was the renovation for the track. The estimate is around $300,000. The Board wants to add two lanes and padding so that track events could be hosted by Long County Schools and another option is to hold events without going to eight lanes.
There are funds available as well as bids at which building will cost around $3-4 million. The Board has money is expecting to set aside around $3 of federal funds from the ARP (American Rescue Plan).

The School Resource Officer (SRO) at Smiley Elementary came up next. The Long County Board of Commissioners is asking for an increase of around $137,000 including an additional SRO and another crossing guard at the high school. The total amount is at around $250,000 with three SROs, five crossing guards, and six vehicles.

The Board also discussed setting the FY22 Budget in which the first public hearing will be June 28th and the second will be July 12th at 5:30 p.m. The Board made for a motion to advertise the hearings.

The Board also made motions and approved the following:

Facilities for Assistance from Ga DOE Facilities Unit
Spending Resolution for July 2021
Policy GBIA- Teacher Evaluation Appeals
Policy IDE (3)- Competitive Interscholastic Activities, Grades 6-12
Policy GARH- Employee Leaves and Absences
Approving FY22 Salary Scales

The Board also made a motion for their Heritage Bank Accounts. They have been sold to Vystar Credit Union and they plan to move the accounts by September 30th. The Board made a motion and approved moving to Glennville Bank.

The 2021-2022 School Year was also discussed especially with matters pertaining to whether students should return to the premises or continuing virtual learning. They recommend to not offer the virtual option and the policy will be in effect before the school year begins.

Lastly, Capt. Lee Sirmans of the JROTC spoke at the meeting to give a clear illustration of what JROTC is and isn't.

"JROTC is designed to be a citizenship and leadership course," he said. He further elaborated by saying those who join the program are not required to join the military, but rather it is all about helping kids be better in their community.