School Board Moves on New Map

During the mini retreat session held before Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting, the five board members were in consensus on the new voting redistricting map.

Board Chair Jeff Morris of District 5 recently compiled the map to be used as a “starting point” and revealed it at the Sept. 19 board meeting.

Morris said the map reflected moving 8,000 people out of Janet Kelley’s District 3 area with its population of 26,000 people and splitting those into Michael Miller’s District 1 and D.T. Jackson’s District 2 areas to keep district populations as equal as possible.

The board will officially vote on the new voting redistricting map at the Oct. 17 meeting.

During the mini retreat session, the board also agreed to preliminary shared goals with Superintendent Gordon Pritz. These were “improved community engagement and involvement” and “enhanced communication strategies.” Separate superintendent and board goals were also discussed.

During the regularly scheduled evening work session, the board was informed that insurance rates for district employees on the state health benefit plan would increase either 11 percent or 18 percent next year, depending on whether employees choose the “wellness” or “standard” plan options. The less expensive wellness plan requires policy holders to do certain wellness activities and a medical checkup by June 30, said district Benefits Specialist Stephanie Groover, who gave the presentation with Human Resources Assistant Director Jill De Priest.

The open enrollment period for the insurance starts Oct. 11 and ends Nov. 10.

The board also was also given a presentation about Title I by the program’s district director, Renee Davis. Much of Davis’ presentation focused on debunking misconceptions about the federal program, which began in 1965 and focuses on “improving the academic achievement of the disadvantaged,” according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Douglas County School System has 10 Title I schools. Sweetwater Elementary and Youth Villages at Inner Harbour receive “Targeted Assistance,” which identifies eligible students based on a multiple of factors including test results, attendance, etc. Annette Winn, Beulah, Burnett, Eastside, Lithia Springs and North Douglas elementary schools are designated school-wide Title I schools, along with Stewart and Turner middle schools. A school-wide program aims to help an entire school, particularly the lowest achieving.

Davis detailed some of the common misconceptions people have about Title I schools:

• Schools are Title I because they did not achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).
• All students receive free lunch.
• All students hail from poor families.
• The curriculum is different (much easier) from what’s offered at non-Title I schools.
• Teachers aren’t as well trained.
• Parents don’t care about their child’s education.
• Schools don’t have programs such as the gifted program.
• All students have behavior problems.
• Schools are in “bad” neighborhoods.

Davis said students benefit from Title I services in many ways, including additional teachers to reduce class sizes, instructional coaches, enhanced technology, tutoring opportunities and parent workshops. Douglas County Title I schools also boast unique facets, such as the Saturday Academy, Parent Resource Centers in every school, a Parent Outreach Facilitator, a Netbook checkout program and homework stations.

Following her presentation, Miller suggested to Davis to inform the community more about the Title I program and all its benefits. Davis said she planned to put the information on the school system’s website. Miller also added that it would be good to share the information with the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce.

Early in the 85-minute meeting during his announcements and spotlight portion, Pritz reminded the board and audience to attend the district’s Teacher of the Year ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Douglasville. All 32 school winners, the three finalists will be honored and the district winner will be named at the community event.

Week proclamations were also spotlighted by Pritz with National School Lunch Week set for Oct. 10 through 14, Georgia and National School Bus Safety Oct. 17 through 21 and Red Ribbon Oct. 24 through 28.

Red Ribbon Week will be highlighted by the Power in Truth conference Oct. 25 at First Baptist Church of Douglasville. This marks the eleventh year of the conference, which is “designed to empower Douglas County youth to resist underage drinking, tobacco use and all other substance abuse,” according to the event’s flyer.