The Gilmer Board of Education began its work session Monday by honoring its Varsity Cross Country Team. Noted by Coach Thurman as the fastest team in Gilmer High School history, the Runners were honored with patches commemorating their ninth-place in State and Runner-Up in Region 7-4A.

Superintendent Dr. Shanna Wilkes suggested make-up days for staff due to the weather days involving one late start, one early release, and three missed days. Thursday the Board will vote on the suggestion to add two days to the end of the current calendar on May 25 and 26 and to make up one day through after school Professional Learning. However, these make-up days do not reflect today’s, February 9, closing of school. Dr. Wilkes stated she  did not wish to make up the days in Winter Break with it being so close as it would disrupt Teachers who had already made plans.

Along with Calendars, the online voting is now complete for the six calendars presented to the public for consideration. while Calendar #1 led for the majority of the process, it was actually Calendar #5 that came back in the end. Dr. Wilkes stated with the voting process covering public citizens and staff, she would be recommending the public’s choice on Thursday. The calendar will include 180 student days and 190 staff days.

The Code of Conduct is also almost complete, though, the collaboration brought together to re-work it is set to meet one more time to finalize the handbook and cement the final touches. They have met twice already and held several online sessions for their work. Dr. Wilkes stated she expects this will be put on next month’s meeting agenda as they continue working.

Policy changes presented to the Board include GAN Employee Tobacco Use, JAA Equal Educational Opportunities, JB Student Attendance, JBC(1) Homeless Students, JBC(3) Social Security Numbers, and JCDAA Student Tobacco Use for First Reading and GCRA(1) Drug Screening of Bus Drivers, GCRGA Classified Personnel Emergency and Legal Leave, GCRGB Classified Personnel Sick Leave, GCRH Classified Personnel Vacations for Second Reading.

GCRG Classified Personnel Leaves and Absences was also returned to first reading and is set to be rescinded due to another policy containing the same items in a more encompassing policy.

The remaining items presented to the Board will be voted on in Thursdays Regular meeting including the Financial Report, the 2010 ESPLOST Report, the 2015 ESPLOST Report, and the Nutrition Report.