Board of Education approves athletic supplement schedule
Board of Education April 15, 2022
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. — The athletic supplement schedule for Gilmer coaches was an important topic of conversation at the Gilmer Board of Education’s latest meeting. The board also recognized several students and approved a $2,000 district bonus.
Athletic Supplements
During a discussion on Georgia’s Charter School Systems, both Superintendent Dr. Ridley and board member Doug Pritchett highlighted the flexibility afforded to Gilmer County Schools because of their charter status. “The things we’re talking about are issues of local control,” Ridley said, “That’s really what being a charter allows us to exercise.” He also noted that the charter status also allows the school system more freedom to use local money, create curriculums, and run school programs that work best for the community.
That monetary freedom includes approving supplements for coaches, which was an important topic of conversation at the meeting. The athletic supplement schedule was brought to a vote, with one board member voting against and one abstaining.
Board member Joe Pfluger criticized the large disparities between coaches’ pay scales, depending on the sport they are involved in: “We’ve made up some ground this year, thankfully, and I appreciate that ground we’ve made up, but I think we have to level that playing field, and we have to work hard at it because every coach is equally important and they put in equal amounts of time.” Noting that coaches are involved in creating the supplement schedules, Pfluger criticized the current process as a “slippery slope.” Going forward, he said, “I‘d also like to see it move towards a committee that would involve top-level administrators and school-level administrators to create this list, so no coaches are making decisions to build this list in the future.”
In response, Chairman Watkins said “You can’t treat them all equal … These teams that don’t bring in the money … they want an equal cut to everything? … it don’t work that way.” While Watkins cited the revenue differences between sports, Plfuger noted that athletic supplements are paid for with local taxes and not each team’s revenue.
Gilmer Head Coach Paul Standard also addressed the board, “I continue to hear the same ‘We want all coaches to be paid the same.’ … There is not one high school in this state where each head coach gets paid the same amount of money. That’s a fact. Is it right? I’m not going to stand here and tell you that it’s right. Am I going to tell you one coach worked harder than another? That would not be fair ‘cause I don’t know what any other coach does.” Standard also objected to Plfuger’s suggestion of an independent committee, “To say we don’t need to have a coach involved in making these decisions, that was referring to me, and that is a direct question of my integrity.”
The updated athletic supplement schedule can be found here.
Other Business
The board approved a bonus of $2,000 for all Gilmer County School District employees, a provision in the state budget for the fiscal year of 2022.
Coach Evans recognized the Clear Creek Middle School soccer team and their second year as Mountain League champions. “I mean, winning one year is impressive, but two years in a row? That’s awesome guys, good job. But, they do make my job easy, because they have a love and passion for this game, and when you have people who love something and have a passion for it, you know, the coaching part is easy,” Evans said.
Assistant Principal Matt Johnson also recognized four Gilmer High School Students who placed in the Georgia High School Association State Literary Championships. Madaalyn McMurty placed fifth in the International Extemporaneous Speaking-AAA event. Jordan Sharp, Addie Davenport, and Emma Heaslip also placed fifth in the The Girls Trio AAA event. The trio also performed at the meeting.
Continuing a discussion that took place during a prior meeting, the board voted to table further action on the Legion Road gas tank project. While Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley had originally planned to recommend a bid approval at the meeting, he told the board: “I have some concerns about the bid, and I want to make sure that it’s absolutely perfect before we move forward.” One of the concerns raised during Monday’s work session was a difference of over $130,000 in two project bids that the board is considering.
News from Clear Creek Middle School
Bobcat's Corner, Clear Creek Middle September 11, 2018
CCMS will host it’s Annual Title I Night on Thurs., Sept 27th. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria at 5:30 All parents are encouraged to attend to learn about the Title I program and how it helps your child. Our 8th Grade Chorus will also be performing their Fall Preview of Veteran’s Day music. The bookfair will be open following the meeting. Door prizes will be given out. Don’t miss this exciting event!
The CCMS bookfair will be held the week of Sept. 24th – 28th . Gift cards can be purchased at www.follettgift.com and are an alternative to sending money with students. Bookfair gift cards also are a way for family members to easily send a gift to your child. All bookfair proceeds benefit the students of CCMS through the media program.
All stakeholders are invited to attend the School Governance Team meeting on Thursday, August 27 at 7:25 am with a condensed meeting in the afternoon at 2:30 pm. Future meetings will be Oct. 25, Nov. 29., and Dec. 20. Send your feedback to [email protected].
Clear Creek Middle School Track and Field Competes in State
Team FYN Sports April 24, 2018
Clear Creek Middle School made the 2 hour trip to Parkview High School in Lilburn Ga to compete in the Middle School State Track and Field Championships over the weekend. Middle school athletes from all over Georgia competed in individual events and four athlete relay events for both girls and boys teams.
Coach Tommy Jones of Clear Creek Middle School has done an excellent job with these young athletes all season. Preparing athletes for not only competition but life after middle school can be a tough job. Coach Jones has instilled in these athletes the discipline to work hard and give all that you have in everything you do, on or off the track and field setting.
CCMS 2017 – 2018 Track and Field Team
The Clear Creek Middle School Teams didn’t come back with a State Title but returned with several athletes beating their personal best times in the Championship. Team’s full results are posted below. Congratulations to all the athletes that competed at Parkview High School!
Hold on to the memories, they will last forever.
Clear Creek Middle School Invites All Stakeholders
Clear Creek Middle August 11, 2017
Clear Creek Middle School invites all stakeholders to attend the School Governance Team meetings throughout the year. The first meeting will be Aug. 17 at 7:25am with a condensed overview meeting that afternoon at 2:30pm if you are not able to make the morning session. Topics include: School Improvement Plan, Family School Compact, 1% Set Aside for Parent Engagement Program, and the Partnership Plan. Future meetings will be Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, and Dec. 14. You can also send your feedback to [email protected]
Karla’s Korner – Gilmer County’s Back to School Special
Community July 25, 2017
It is that time again. The kids are heading back to school! While I am sure some would say it’s too soon, most parents and students are ready to be back into their routine. Gilmer County’s students go back to school on Friday, August 4th. Ninth grade orientation will be held on July 29th. There will be an open house held at all the schools on August 2nd. Times on these open houses vary depending on the school. To see these times, get school supply lists and all other back to school information check out the Gilmer Chamber’s “Let’s Go Back to School” page.
CCMS Spring Chorus Concert
Clear Creek Middle May 11, 2017
By: Mariela Aguillon
Clear Creek Middle School’s (CCMS) seventh and eighth graders amused the crowd with their impressing voices.
The evening concert began with a polite welcome to friends and family from Principal David Mashburn and Choir Director Adam Palmer.
First on stage were the seventh grade members who presented a cover of “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, and “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
Maggie Painter, seventh grade special selection, followed the seventh grade presentation and sang a solo cover of “Journey to the Past” by Liz Callaway and Stephen.
The concert was continued by the eighth grade members who sang covers of “Writing’s on the Wall” by Sam Smith with a partial solo covered by Caleb Cummings, “Safe and Sound” by The Civil Wars, and “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.
Eighth grade special selection, Lola Price, covered a solo of the song “Beautiful Thing” by Grace Vanderwaal.
The honors chorus gave a magnificent closing to the concert with covers of “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in honor of Gene Wilder which also included a duet with Olivia Lykins and Caleb Cummings, and finally concluded the show with “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.
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GHS and CCMS Bands Cap Year with Spring Concert
Community May 7, 2017
There really is something very special about music. Many times I only find myself listening to music while accomplishing something else. I listen while I work, sometimes even as I write. A night like that of May 2 allows people to stop and enjoy music for the joy and expression it offers.
Some people attended for their children or family, others to support a friend. All were treated to a very special display of musical talent as both the 8th Grade CCMS Band and the Gilmer High School Symphonic Band took the stage for their 2017 Spring Concert.
The night actually began before either band took the stage as the pre-show entertainment showcased the Gilmer Jazz Cats drawing people in to their seats with songs like Elvis Presley’s Why Do Fools Fall in Love, a crowd favorite.
Directed by Jessica Nohner, the 8th Grade Band set the rhythm for the night with Forward March, Ash Lawn, and Old Time Rock & Roll before joining with the GHS Symphonic Band to provide one song together. Honoring those in military service, the Marches of the Armed Forces not only allowed the audience to see the combined talents of both bands, but also showcased the service of veterans in the audience as they stood for their branch of service.
Closing out the night, the GHS Symphonic Band presented some recognizable songs alongside classical songs with Farandole, GREASE!, On a Hymnsong with Phillip Bliss, The Lion King, and Stars and Stripes Forever.
Clear Creek Middle School invites all parents/guardians to participate in the monthly School Governance Team
Clear Creek Middle March 20, 2017
State Superintendent Visits Clear Creek
News January 25, 2017
The State Superintendent, Richard Woods stopped into Clear Creek Middle School for a tour and chat on Thursday, January 19.
During his visit, Woods spoke with Superintendent Dr. Shanna Wilkes, Chairman Jim Parmer, Board Member Nick Weaver, Principal David Mashburn, and Vice Principal Nicole Pike as well as several teachers about their school and its students. According to Woods, Clear Creek is the seventh school he has visited this month as he makes several of these trips to “see what’s going on in the schools… As we begin looking at proposing things for education or the districts, it allows us to talk to superintendents, talk with teachers, and principals, and students and say what’s working, what’s not. To get ideas about changes.”
Woods was not only given a chance to speak to administrators, but he was also treated to a tour of Clear Creek Middle by students Emily Serna, Ange Davis, and Alexis Sirmans. The tour encompassed a chance to look in on classes during teaching, a trip into both the band room and chorus room, a look outside at the school’s Agriculture Facility, and ended up with Superintendent Woods’ first time in a school’s pep rally since taking office in 2015. Woods stated he enjoys having student ambassadors for tours and offering those leadership roles. He always requests to at least have a chance to spend time with students and faculty to listen to “their world.”
Woods did take notice of several things including the new Agriculture Facility which he applauded as a greater connection to the community. “We’re seeing a lot of greater ties throughout where schools are reaching out to the communities, where this becomes a family or community hub… Whether its business or Mom and Dad, having them active in the life of our children shows that education is important. I think by showing that is important, the kids see a clear example of what is going on.”
Another note Woods took was our school’s incorporation of technology for our students. From incorporating Chrome Books and Tablets to full computer labs, Clear Creek has updated to the modern times. Woods said he saw the opportunity to reach children today through technology as a platform. “It is the environment our children are growing up with today.” The question becomes, according to Woods, how to incorporate that technology into the educational environment.
As he walked away from speaking with Gilmer’s Teachers at Clear Creek, Woods offered that he saw excitement and hope in the school. He spoke of a transition he is seeing. With a little pull back on an emphasis on testing, Teachers can have and give hope to their students through their passion.
Speaker Ralston Visits Clear Creek
News November 30, 2016
The Georgia Speaker of the House, David Ralston, took time Wednesday, November 30, to stop by Clear Creek Middle School to deliver a very important message to the students there.
Ralston began his address telling the students, “Coming from this community, coming from these mountains, is something that will live with you for all of your life… But for all the natural beauty and peace that we enjoy here, there is a far more valuable resource. And that is our people.”
He spoke about our community and his part in it, being in a rural area “where everyone knows everybody else.” Recalling his own childhood, Ralston told the kids its the kind of community that when he did something wrong, his father knew about it before he even got home.
Yet, Ralston smiled with this story, telling our students it is the people of the community, people that care enough to tell on you, to take care of you, to instill values that serve you that make the community we are a part of.
Pausing a moment, Ralston offered Clear Creek students a piece of advice, “Take your education seriously… Take every opportunity to better yourself. If you take the more challenging courses, try out for the team, or raise your hand in class, you won’t succeed every time. You’ll make mistakes or you won’t get an answer right… Always learn something from those experiences.”
Ralston told our kids to learn, work harder next time, take advantage of all you can. Take part time jobs, take internships, grow yourself.
But why is this so important?
In the final parts of his speech, Ralston told the kids our community needs them. We’ll need teachers, doctors, small business owners. We’ll need people prepared to handle tomorrow’s jobs and tomorrow’s opportunities. He spoke about the needs of Gilmer to have a future. “As you get older you will come to discover, as I have,” Ralston said, “that what matters isn’t whether you succeed or what you do, but to help others succeed.”
One last thing Ralston told the kids, was to tell people thank you. Thank your teachers, school bus drivers, administrators, coaches, and everyone. Ralston shared that there was many people from his life he still wants to thank, but can’t anymore. He had lost that opportunity.
Check out more by listening to Ralston’s speech below:
Ralston Speaks to Clear Creek Middle School
Featured Stories December 2, 2013
Georgia Speaker of the House of Representatives, David Ralston, spoke to students at Clear Creek Middle School on Monday December 2nd. (more…)
Clear Creek Middle School Students Visit Veterans Bridge
Community May 22, 2013
Some of the Clear Creek Middle School’s honor students were treated to a unique field trip on Thursday, May 16th, as they made the short drive to the Veterans Memorial Bridge for a tour from Sandy Lyons. (more…)
Fire and Ice: Clear Creek Clear of Fire; Schools Close for Winter Storm
Community, Featured Stories January 25, 2013
Clear Creek Middle School Assistant Principal Doris Sanford told FYN today that there was no fire following a fire scare on Tuesday. (more…)
Clear Creek “Cats” Perform Swimmingly
Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports January 24, 2013
Two Gilmer County students competed in the Joe Gawry Southeastern Middle School Championship on January 19th, 2013. Clear Creek Middle School students Kaylin Woodring (7th grade), and Leila Farist (8th grade), competed, due to their USA Swimming affiliation, despite there being no official middle school swim team in Gilmer County. (more…)
Bobcats Cage Tigers; Win Mountain League Championship
Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports October 6, 2012
For you JunkYard Dog: We didn’t meet, but we’ll bark in heaven… (more…)