Athens City School Board met Thursday for their monthly meeting to discuss the construction of new elementary school buildings as well as changes in state legislation for schools.
East Elementary School and Morrison-Gordon Elementary are both undergoing construction projects to build new buildings. A 3D rendering of both schools was presented to the Board detailing outdoor spaces, bus pick-up and drop-off areas and classroom spaces.
Presenters noted that more green space will be included at East Elementary and that the landscape architecture is starting at Morrison-Gordon.
School Board President Sean Parsons also spoke about his recent experience in Columbus testifying against the EdChoice program.
The state pays about $6,000 per student in the case of ACSD. If a student decides to transfer to a private school, it is a matter of transferring money. However, under the program, if a student did not initially attend a school in ACSD, the district would still be required to pay $6,000, Parsons said.
In districts where less money is received from the state, student transfer to a private school could create a deficit the school has to cover. Parsons said if it were based on income instead, the state would be required to cover the difference.
“If I had to guess, I would assume that they’re gonna make the amendments,” Parsons said.
Superintendent Tom Gibbs gave a report addressing personnel changes in which a recent resignation created an open position to be filled as soon as possible.
“In preschool classrooms, you have to have a specific adult-to-child ratio in classrooms,” Gibbs said. “If you do not have that ratio, you cannot have school.”
He also addressed retirements and the employment of three new substitutes.
The school board approved the Athens High School’s varsity baseball trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as well as various donations, the athletic training services agreement and the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school calendar.
