Board of Education Plans to Request Bids for Davis Rebuild Project in 2024

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

The Sentinel was unable to attend the Dade County Board of Education meeting on November 13th due to the City of Trenton Commission meeting being held that same evening. The meeting was not livestreamed by KWN News Now. However, according to the agenda and the slide deck, school board updates covered a variety of small bits of news from across the school system and progress on the Davis Elementary rebuild project.

In his report, Superintendent Josh Ingle recognized the monthly Character Strong recipients and two Dade Middle School eighth graders (Amaya Wilson and Bella Gibson) who were awarded with the $10,000 valued 2023 REACH Georgia Scholarship.

He noted that November is National Parent Family Engagement Month, and he encouraged parents to be involved with their children’s education. Ingle highlighted the recent elementary school fall festivals, Veterans Day programs, and DES’ Pastries with Parents and Grandparents as ways to connect families with their students’ education.

He noted a Dade County High School field trip to Trenton Pressing. Mike Beeler’s mechatronics students toured the facility in the industrial park to see presses, robotic welders, and assembly lines that are part of the manufacturing process.

Ingle recognized the DCHS softball team’s achievements, Pitcher of the Year Kayleigh Warnock, and Coach of the Year Stephen Graham, as well as the DCHS football team’s 49 to 7 win against the Mt. Pisgah Christian Patriots which advanced the team to the Sweet 16 round of the playoffs.

He noted a Youth Assembly trip with the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement. Three DCHS students and one substitute teacher will be traveling to Atlanta on November 26th for the conference.

During the facilities update, Ingle reported that the architect has submitted the Davis building plans (to replace the old rock building) to the Georgia Department of Education and the State Fire Marshal for approval. Once approved, the board will request bids and proposals for the project. Ingle anticipates that this will be after the first of the year.

Last year, the board paused all new construction projects due to increased building costs, but Ingle reported that they are now in a financial position where they feel comfortable moving forward.

As usual, the board approved the monthly financials and General Fund report. Other approved action items were the purchase of milk coolers and surplusing old coolers and HVAC work at DCHS.

The board then entered executive session to discuss personnel.

The personnel report is as follows:

• Resignations: Ethan Blake, Kimberly Patton, Kelly Broyles
• Hire Certified Position: Blake Myers
• SNP Worker: Dora Lea Branch
• Other: Daniel Goff (Community Coach – DMS Track), Sarah Blevins (DMS Golf Coach)