School system to get JROTC program
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

The Jenkins County Board of Education (BOE) announced Monday, May 21, that the local school system would implement a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program sponsored by the Army.

Hector Vasquez, instructor for the program at Metter High School, spoke to the group, outlined the program's mission and brought with him cadets who conducted a flag presentation ceremony.

"The purpose of the JROTC program is to encourage young people to be better citizens. The mission is not to recruit for the military. It teaches citizenship, and the cadets are exposed to things they don't get in the regular classes," Vasquez said.

Jenkins County School Superintendent Joan Blackwood reported that the program had already been approved for the local system and would be fully funded by the state. She also noted that Planters Electric Membership Corporation had contributed $2,500 to the program.

Chairman Carroll Gay pointed out that Jenkins County was only one of 12 school systems across the state to receive full funding of the program.

BOE members voted to proceed with the program, pending the receipt of funding.

Jenkins County Middle School teachers Marian Pennington, J.C. Paulk and Elouise Wright addressed the BOE with concerns and questions on the process for selecting an assistant principal at the middle school. The teachers questioned why a school committee recommendation of a candidate was not accepted.

Mr. Paulk also addressed the group requesting that extended day pay for his role as in-school suspension instructor be restored to his contract. The supplement had been removed for the 2007-2008 school term, he said.

Adhering to board policy, no decisions or comments were made by BOE members on either issue at that time.

Superintendent Blackwood reported that a 45-day extension was needed on the new gymnasium contract due to site preparation work. The extension was approved.

BOE members opened and reviewed proposals for copiers but delayed action on the matter until the school attorney could review the documents.

A proposed Millen Rotary Club project was discussed with the club to be contacted concerning the location of the project.

Other actions taken by the BOE were as follows:

+ Accepted recommendation for the purchase of math textbooks for K-8 grades;

+ Accepted bid for pest control in the amount of $224 monthly from I Spy, low bidder;

+ Accepted bid for janitorial services in the amount of $9,718 monthly from Bazemore Janitorial Service, the only bidder;

+ Accepted bid for fencing at new gymnasium site in the amount of $11,920 from Ronnie Fleming, low bidder;

+ Accepted bid for replacing carpet with tile at Jenkins County Elementary School and Jenkins County High School from low bidders, subject to availability of funds;

+ Approved the installation of emergency lights at the football field;

+ Approved the installation of restroom facilities at the football field;

+ Accepted the resignations of Melissa Lane, first grade teacher, Tamoreio Mincey, Alternative School teacher and Lisa Smith, JCHS special education teacher;

+ Approved renewal of contract with Jenkins County Extension Service for 4-H program assistant;

+ Approved the employment of Rochelle Shephard as JCES special education teacher; and

+ Agreed to advertise a position for a Transportation Coordinator.