The dates for the graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021 have been set by the Liberty County School System. During their April 13, Board of Education Meeting, LCSS Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Susan Avant outlined the detail for the upcoming ceremonies.
Avant said the graduation plans include a traditional graduation ceremony with modifications for social distancing.
Liberty County High School will host their ceremony at 7 p.m. May 21, at Donell Woods Stadium. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Bradwell Institute will host their ceremony at 7 p.m. May 22, on Olvey Field. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Avant said each graduate will receive 12 tickets so they can limit the stadium capacity. Graduates will be transported to the stadium via school buses. There will be a modified student lineup and processional. The seats for the seniors will be placed on the field to allow for significant social distancing. They also plan to modify the handling of the diplomas and exit procedures. There will be no gatherings allowed on the field after the ceremonies.
For those unable to attend the ceremonies will be livestreamed on the LCSS website at: www.liberty.k12.ga.us
During the BOE meeting the Board approved interior renovations at Lewis Frasier Middle School. According to LCSS Chief Operations Officer Arnold Jackson the renovation will upgrade and replace original interior components. The scope of services in the bid includes replacing existing flooring, ceiling tile, fluorescent lighting with LED lighting, window blinds, water fountains, restroom upgrades and painting interior walls. Jackson said bids were opened on April 5, and four proposals were evaluated. The bid was awarded to Dabbs-Williams Construction for $1,932,000, and be funded through the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST). The project will start on May 3, 2021 and is scheduled to be completed on July 26, 2021.
The Board also approved the replacement of the stadium scoreboard at Donell Woods Stadium. Jackson said the bids were re-advertised and Dabbs Williams Construction provided the best overall value and lowest bid. Jackson assured the BOE the company has worked on similar projects and once complete the scoreboard will feature state of the art technology and graphics. The project is scheduled to start in May 2021 and be completed in July 2021 before the start of the football season. The cost is $450,000 funded by E-SPLOST.
Under informational items the BOE discussed replacing the walk-in cooler / freezer at Frank Long Elementary, upgrading the system’s telephone system, remediation updates and the upcoming Board Work Session and Retreat.
There was a lengthy discussion about the replacements of the high school marching band uniforms for both Liberty County High School and Bradwell Institute. Color schemes, uniform materials and changes to the currently proposed designs were discussed.
Marcus Scott IV, from District 2, asked that the BOE research costs, evaluate programs and implement system-wide Middle school sports programs. Scott said student athletes are falling behind in sports because the high schools currently don’t have Middle School feeder programs for various sports activities.
Scott said several surrounding school systems have Middle School sports programs for all their sports programs, offering Long County School System and others as examples.
LCSS Superintendent Dr. Franklin Perry said they could discuss Middle School Sports at their upcoming retreat. He said eighth graders are currently able to participate in high school junior varsity teams and sixth graders are able to participate in certain sports but they needed to figure out what to do about the seventh graders.
But Perry said the priority right now is getting kids back in school and caught up academically.
“That is the priority,” Dr. Perry said.
On Tuesday the LCSS also issued a press releases stating Pre-K registration is now open for the 2021-2022 School Year. The release said to be eligible, students must turn four years old prior to Sept. 2.
Registration will be completed at the Pre-K Center by appointment only. Visit www.lcprek.org, for the required documents for registration and to schedule an appointment. If you are unable to schedule an appointment online, or if you have questions, call the Liberty County Pre-K Center at 912-876-0773.