Oakland Elementary talks: BOE meeting

Gilmer County citizens continue to come out to local meetings in droves to object to how proposed 2011 budget cuts will affect their everyday lives.

Over 50 citizens were packed in tight at the Board of Education’s Tuesday, December 14, 2010, meeting—many to protest the rumored closing of Oakland Elementary school, some to protest the forced reductions in the workforce, and a few to support educators’ retirement announcements.Mark Chastain stated in the previous BOC meeting that the school system controls about three-fourths of the county’s property tax collection revenue, the county government controlling the one-fourth remainder.

And since Gilmer County has such a low collection rate, it is difficult for county government and school systems to function properly.

When asked via email whether Oakland Elementary closing was based in fact or rumor Superintendent Randy Parson commented, “Rumor. I have not been involved in discussions with the BOE on any closings.”

Parson will retire as of December 17, 2010, and associate Superintendent Bryan Dorsey will take over for the New Year.

All of the reductions, official and alleged, are in an effort to offset a projected $8 million deficit in the 2011 Gilmer County School System budget.

Director of Finance Julie Swindle stated that at the end the 2010 fiscal year, there is a budget surplus between $4 million and $5 million that can be voted on by the board to help offset the projected deficit as well.

Among the citizens who notified the board of their wish to make a public comment 24 hours prior to the meeting—as per current BOE policy—Danette Ozment pleaded with the board to reconsider the proposed reduction in workforce notion, which will take away five teacher’s positions before school resumes after the holiday break in January 2011.

She outlined that three of the positions are held by teachers ready for retirement, so they will not be affected as negatively as the other two teachers. These teachers are single women—one with three children—with no other source of income.

Neil Ellis spoke about the benefits Oakland Elementary continually brings to the community and how its closure does not make sense according to projected county growth.

After the 45 minute executive session held after public comments made by concerned citizens, the board did not make any direct comments about the closing of schools or changes to the reduction in the workforce.

“We are trying to make the best decisions we can,” said Chairperson Kathy Jones.

Along with the official announcement of his retirement from Gilmer County School System Administration, Wes Clampitt advised the board on project bids for the Gilmer Middle School renovations, and the construction of the Gilmer County High School baseball field.

“The field will be ready to play on,” said Clampitt.

It is uncertain exactly how much of the project will be finished before the first game in February 2011, but enough of the project will be completed to host a game.

“As long as there’s a structure there, we can play a game,” Clampitt added.

Both projects are SPLOST expenditures mandated by law that the funds are used exclusively for construction and renovation type projects.

Board member Ronald Watkins will also be leaving his position, to be replaced by Gary Hyde.