JCHS principal transferred to BOE office
to serve as Director of Educational Services
By Deborah Bennett

During a called meeting held Thursday, Jan. 11, the Jenkins County Board of Education (BOE) announced the transfer of Jenkins County High School (JCHS) Principal Dr. Diane McNeely to the BOE central office as Director of Educational Services.

Jenkins School Superintendent Joan Blackwood commented that McNeely's transfer was a promotion, adding that Dr. Joseph Kirkland, principal of Jenkins County Middle School (JCMS), would also assume the duties of principal at JCHS for the remainder of the current school year.

Business conducted at the Monday, Jan. 8, regular meeting of the BOE included the approval of administrative contracts for the 2007-2008 school year as follows: Melissa Williams, director of instructional services; Emma Whiters, director of special services; Ray Miller, director of administrative services; Debra Herrmann, director of nutrition; Dr. Judy Holton, Jenkins County Elementary School principal; and Dr. Joseph Kirkland, JCMS principal. Charles Conley was approved for employment as weightlifting, physical education teacher and head football coach at JCHS.

For clarification, it was noted that Dr. McNeely was under a 2-year contract that did not expire until June 30, 2008. It was, therefore, not necessary to approve her continued employment.

It was reported that construction of the new gymnasium at JCHS was on target for completion.

In related matters, the BOE voted to delete three observation windows in the lobby/concession area of the new gymnasium due to safety issues, and authorization was granted to solicit bids for fixed seating, backboards and scoreboards, if needed.

Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $6,120.12 was presented for information. This change order is for additional masonry units and brings the total new contract sum for the project to $4,363,419.12.

Superintendent Blackwood reported that a wetlands permit has been issued for the project from the Department of Army Corps of Engineers.

In other business, Carroll Gay and Roderick Campbell were reappointed chairman and vice-chairman, respectively. Vanderver R. Pool was reappointed as school board attorney, and newly elected BOE member Irene Drummer was welcomed.