Citizens petition and speak against non-renewal of contract for Poff
News March 23, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – March has seen increases in activity and a crowd in attendance to the Gilmer County Board of Education’s March regular meeting on March 17, 2022, to speak to the board about not renewing the annual contract for Justin Poff, a certified athletic trainer at Gilmer High School.
According to posts and even a 548 signature petition circulating around, citizens are pushing back against the decision and calling it a “detrimental loss.”
As per their policy, the board did not respond to public speakers, but they listened to both Heather Rayborn and Amber Goodwin who spoke during their meeting. Both speakers supported a change in decision and encouraged renewal of the contract with Poff due to his efforts and an “above and beyond” work ethic that they reported to the board.
Rayborn stated her son has worked closely with Poff to overcome shin-splints and a concussion at one point. She said, “These are things that you may not be aware of, but our children need him [Poff]. They depend on him. They trust him and they trust that if they get hurt on that field, that he will be the person who cares for them and that he will do it wholeheartedly and correctly.”
Goodwin also reported injuries for her daughter who was cared for by Poff. She urged the importance of having an athletic trainer for the schools having gone through these situations with her children. She stated, “At sporting events, I have seen him take care of other athletes as well, offering a hand to take care of athletes on opposing teams… As a parent, there are not many people that I trust with the safety of my children who are athletes. But, I fully trust Justin Poff with them. Not only does he take care of them, but it is evident that he cares for each one of them.”
In addition to those who spoke, there are others who were present at the meeting and those who have supported the petition to the board. The petition on Change.org, posted by Vanessa Hataway, states,
“Gilmer high school is not wanting to renew Justin Poff’s contract next year. He is our Certified Athletic Trainer for Gilmer High School. I have never met anyone in my children’s athletic career who cares about their minds/bodies/injuries the way Poff does. Our children only get one body, and Poff cares about them and their injuries more than throwing them back in a game when they shouldn’t be. Our student athletes NEED and WANT him. Our Parents NEED and WANT him. If we lose Poff this will be an absolutely detrimental loss to our children and our community. I know my child is in the absolute best hands with Justin Poff, and we will fight to keep him! Let’s let our school system know that this loss is not okay, and that we will be heard!”
While much of personnel hiring like this contract come through administrators as recommendations to the Board of Education, they are presented in the meeting as a recommendation by the Superintendent. Gilmer Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley said that in addition to listening to those who spoke in the meeting he has also sat down privately with many citizens who have asked about the position.
Dr. Ridley declined to comment on any specifics about Poff, but did tell FYN that the school system is looking to continue the services of a Certified Athletic Trainer at Gilmer High. He said that they are looking at several possibilities for the future and are considering different options. Ridley stated, “There is no plans to scrap the program itself. We are planning to still provide those services in one form or another.”
He also noted that the school system does a lot of its hiring and personnel during the spring season as it handles staff retiring at the end of the school year, some who may change schools or move away, and those who may transfer positions in the school system. Filling all of the roles is a priority for the season.
As such, Ridley did state that there is many considerations that go into a position each year. When asked about the school’s CTAE pathways, Ridley confirmed that one consideration the school might look at is a return to a sports medicine pathway. In 2018, Gilmer looked to advance certain healthcare pathways in the school through a remodel of the health science classroom.
Gilmer BOE redrawing district lines for board members
News January 26, 2022
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – With a letter from from the state reapportionment office suggesting changes, this Thursday will see the Gilmer Board of Education considering redrawing district lines for the county in regards to the board members.
Redrawn district lines as presented to Gilmer BOE by the state.
This does not affect the county’s voting registration or citizens voting districts within the county. Instead, it changes the lines of the county and the districts that each board of education members’ seat represents. The diagram, pictured to the right, shows these changes on Gilmer’s map. The green lines represent the former district lines, established in 2012. The colored sections represent how the districts will look if approved on Thursday.
Based on the recent census, Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley told board members that the changes look to rebalance populations within the districts.
The new lines show three major changes to the districts with the west side of District 5 reaching further west across Mountaintown, the east side of District 4 reaching further east towards the cities, and the southwest side of District 2 reaching further west across Yukon.
According to documents presented in their work session, this redraw will see each district with just over 6,000 people living in each of the districts.
This redistricting has not been approved yet, but is set for consideration this week, having the districts set for the coming election.
State drawn district lines for reapportionment in Georgia are presented here with roads overlaid.
About voting on board members, Dr. Ridley stated, “The only thing that this affects is where future board members may live. Since all of you are voted on at large, it really doesn’t have any effect on who votes for who.”
Board Member Joe Pflueger question the origination of the map and Dr. Ridley clarified that the map was redrawn and provided by the state reapportionment office. Pflueger further noted that there has been no local input on the districts map as presented so far. Comments were made that the board would discuss legal options in executive session.
Dr. Ridley did note that the board could accept the map as presented or potentially alter it and ask for changes. Tomorrow’s, January 27, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Gilmer BOE will see the board’s decision on the map at 6:00 p.m.
Gilmer prepares for winter storm
News January 15, 2022
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Citizens and authorities are preparing for a potential winter storm beginning tonight. The most recent statement from the National Weather Service (NWS) is expecting the storm later tonight around 10 p.m.
As the threat has lingered all week, several changes have come including a move to virtual learning for Gilmer Schools next week. But other preparations have roads being monitored and official statements strongly discouraging travel. The National Weather Service stated, ” If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Slow down and drive with caution.”
Both Gilmer Sheriff’s Office and Gilmer Public Safety have put warnings and updates for the storm on social media as well. Public Safety confirmed that the civic center warming center will be open Sunday night and Monday night for those in need. Both days will have the center open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 7:00 a.m. Visitors are asked to bring a bedroll if possible.
NWS has reported a possibility of 4 inches of accumulation. Up to 8 inches could be possible at higher elevations. In addition to the storm, NWS has also issued a wind advisory over the same time period with east winds up to 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph expected. If the wind near your residence reaches the higher levels of this, the NWS is suggesting that citizens take shelter in the lower levels of your home and windows.
They also noted that power outages and tree damage are likely due to the strong winds, heavy snow and ice. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Ice buildup is another projected issue that could reach up to half an inch in some areas. Authorities are strongly encouraging citizens to avoid prolonged time outdoors throughout the next two days due to both the freezing temperatures and the possibility of falling trees and other objects due to the snow and ice buildup in the high winds.
No roads have been closed at this time, but the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office has put out notices of reports of some black ice patches on back roads around the county in recent mornings with more possible due to the storm. With wind chill, temperatures in the county could reach single digits in the coming days.
Both the county’s schools and the county courthouse were already to be closed on Monday with the holiday.
Mountain View Elementary burglary suspect being sought by Sheriff
News January 11, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Photos have been released of a suspect being sought by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office in relation to a burglary that occurred on Saturday, January 8, 2022.
On school grounds at Mountain View Elementary School, an individual gained entry to the school building and took several objects including a pressure washer (green in color), a backpack sprayer, and miscellaneous tools/kit.
Taking place from 1:20 am until 5:00 am Saturday morning, the suspect was on campus for several hours. The individual was wearing a camouflage coat, blue jeans, boggan, and a face covering over the mouth. They appear, in the photos, to have have used a trash cart of some kind in hauling the items away from the school.
According to Assistant Superintendent Dana Berry of Gilmer Schools, the burglary is covered by insurance. So, the schools won’t need to replace the items out of funds. Additionally, Berry noted that there was no impact to the school itself as the area accessed was an outer storage closet.
While it is attached to the school itself, the closet has no access to the main facility or any areas where students or teachers have class. Additionally, having occurred on Saturday, most of the immediate investigation had no impact on classes on Monday either.
As it is a separate space, Berry noted that the closet is not alarmed like access points to the facility as a whole. He was unsure about the entry and giving details as the Sheriff’s Office investigation is still ongoing.
As a part of that investigation, the Sheriff’s Office is asking that anyone with any information about this Burglary or the person in the photo to “please contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 706-635-4646 (M-F 9-5) or Gilmer Dispatch after hours at 706-635-8911 to speak with a Detective.”
Gilmer schools pass ‘December 17’ TikTok trend without incident
News December 17, 2021
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Since trends like the “Devious Lick” and “Slap your Teacher” spread, many new threats are seeing responses heightened against the possibility of school violence and destruction. Gilmer is not immune to this either as the “Devious Lick” saw full response from school administrators and law enforcement. Today also saw responses to a new trend from the social media platform.
While administrators like Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley reported “minimal issues” with the “Devious Lick” trend, responses still came to the threat during today’s December 17 trend. Labeled by other news reports as “Shoot Up Your School Day,” the concept allegedly began as an encouragement to ditch class. However, threats grew and morphed into violence.
Gilmer Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley
Dr. Ridley said the schools have worked closely with law enforcement over the years and on cases like this. He reported that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) provided the school with information on the subject.
Working with local law enforcement, officers were briefed on the situation. In a letter to parents earlier today, he said, “All GCSS schools have been notified and staff are on alert for suspicious or concerning activity. Our SROs are being briefed and prepared for any related issue.”
Late in the day, the school did receive a screenshot of a threat involving the school initials of several schools including one stating “GHS.” However, the initials of schools listed in the threat all centered in a location in Florida and no credible threat was raised in our county.
Ridley said their never was any information suggesting Gilmer County could be targeted, but the schools did respond seriously regardless. Ridley visited each campus today examining security and safety protocols and measures as well as walking the school grounds.
School were already scheduled for a two-hour early release on the district calendar for today.
Dr. Ridley answered questions about his service as superintendent and the rise in TikTok trends like this. He noted that technologies have been used in the past and threats have always been monitored. He said that TikTok has provide certain challenges. However, he praised law enforcement for staying educated and on top of both these technologies and their challenges as well as their communication and inclusion with the school system.
He went on to note that he has been encouraged by the students of Gilmer. He said, “At the end of the day, we got good kids. We got great kids.” He noted that the students are smart enough not to engage with trends and threats that are very serious and carry serious consequences that affect their entire lives.
Ridley went on to add, “That’s why we try to talk to parents, too. Because that is what it really comes down to. When parents are getting facetime with their children and able to talk to them about these sorts of issues, that often heads it off.”
With the school day completed and no reports of malicious behavior or violence, many in the community are sighing with relief. Still, others are just learning of the trend and potential threats. The school system is officially at holiday break as of today and will not return until January 5, 2022.
Dr. Ridley reiterated his thankfulness for the community during times like this saying, “We are very lucky to have the kids we have. We are very fortunate, and we are very fortunate to have the parents we have that are willing to talk to their kids. I encourage all parents to have these conversations with their children about what’s going on on social media. Even if it’s just around the dinner table, ask them, ‘What do you see out there?'”
GHS Adulting Day sees community educating students
Featured News, Featured Stories, News November 17, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – “It takes a village to raise a child.” An old proverb and quote repeated over the years comes home to Gilmer County as Gilmer High School returned to its annual Adulting Day event.
From VCA Appalachian Animal Hospital, these volunteers spoke about working with animals and the veterinarian career.
The event sees members of the county coming into the high school setting and volunteering to educate students on skills and life in society today. The lessons have ranged over the years from financial things like writing checks, balancing checkbooks, applying for loans, or starting a small business to personal ideas about life after school like possible careers, joining the military, and even personal health and hobbies to support it.
These volunteers from the community work alongside teachers in classrooms and are put into lessons building off of their personal expertise. Led by the Guidance Counselor’s Office, Adulting Day looks to aid students in information not directly taught in standard core classes.
The event has also evolved from its original form, in recent years, lessons have changed as volunteers have come and go and the number of lessons have increased. While originally only held for one grade, Adulting Day now includes every student in the High School with certain lessons done at different grade levels.
One of the school’s three counselors, Daniel Marshall said that this year saw about 40 community members volunteer their time for the day. Those included close to 95 percent of the volunteers from the last time the school held the day. Unfortunately, the COVID outbreak required the event skipped. With virtual academy and other responses taken to mitigate the spread many events suffered this fate.
Not only going through the details of what Fire Rescue employees do but showing the equipment they deal with, students were introduced to Gilmer’s Public Safety department.
However, while Marshall said that a couple did want to hold back this year, he added that they asked to be kept in mind for next year. He stated, “We are very grateful, very thankful that we live in a place where the community is willing to help.”
Starting in September, initially emailing community partners, the school fills in lessons and asks teachers if they have sessions they can teach. This allows every class to be filled in with important lessons about adult life. Classes also include careers in trades like welding and electrical work. Showcasing all forms of careers, the school branched into firefighters, military, nursing, veterinary, and much more. Layered on top of the other information, it becomes a day to prepare for life both soon after graduation and later on in life that could be post military or post college.
Reece Sanford, of South State Bank, speaks with students about starting a small business and the impact it has on our area during Adulting Day at Gilmer High School.
Nixon Bunch, a teacher in Gilmer High School, introduced kids to hiking and equipment used. As something he is personally interested in and has nearly a decade of time vested into, he offered a beginner’s look into the hobby. He said that his session was about the hobby but also about finding balance and taking care of your own mental health. While not a career path or basic skill, he noted that in life nature, being outside, exercising, providing these positives in life help to balance that health.
Reece Sanford, a manager at South State Bank, led discussions and introductions into starting a small business. From source ideas to getting a small business loan, introducing these students to the idea broadens horizons into an area some may not have considered. Sanford said that in rural America a small business is often needed for the community as they have far less corporate based jobs. Relating back to the community, Sanford discussed the economic impact of such businesses in the area. He went on to add how important he feels it is to work with students and how much he hopes that each one is able to take something away from this day and his presentation.
Working alongside these volunteers during Adulting Day, the schools prepare each year for the day to offer as much as they can. Taking feedback from the community and building on their successes, they can consistently improve and offer more than they have in previous years.
Students hold onto the jaws of life used by Gilmer’s Public Safety workers.
Marshall noted that each year also sees a survey given to the students for other lessons to add and to get feedback on the day along with the volunteers. He said that some of this years sessions came directly from suggestions made on the surveys from previous years stating , “We look at the data and we see where is the majority of the suggestion piling into. We take that information and see how we can incorporate it next year.”
When asked about the school and community cooperation, Marshall said, “It’s a massive impact because, we as counselors and educators in the building, our goal is not only to help the students learn the things they need to know while they are in high school but its looking forward and having a future focused mindset. What are your next steps? How can we help you get to that point? It’s things like this that help us get to that next level for those kids. Without the community people, we couldn’t make any of that happen.”
Gilmer looks to cut off TikTok trend with parents’ help
News September 19, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – News sites have recently reported numerous cases of vandalism and destruction of property in schools across the country due to a new “trend” on TikTok called the “Devious Lick.”
With arrests, convictions, school expulsions, and many other ramifications coming from these activities, the administration within our local county is attempting to get ahead of the trend here. Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley released a statement and a letter to parents about the trend. Dr. Ridley noted that we have had “minimal issues” in our county.
The challenge of this trend requires the student to steal or destroy items from their school and later post a video bragging about the crime. Make no mistake law enforcement all over the country has condemned the trend and is pursuing it as criminal activity. Law enforcement has reported what some refer to as “Organized Criminal Activity” as an arrest-able offense.
Schools are also reacting, with some going so far as locking restrooms and certain areas during class time. Gilmer has not reached this point, however, as they are attempting to deal with the “Devious Licks” before they become a real issue.
The letter to parents states
You may have already seen news stories regarding a concerning new TikTok trend called the “Devious Lick Challenge”. The challenge involves students destroying and stealing school property (particularly in bathrooms) and posting it on social media. Although there have been minimal problems locally, the challenge has become widely disruptive in some areas of the country.
We ask that you please speak with your children about the dangers of engaging in destructive and dangerous social media activities. Vandalism of school property is a serious violation of the school code of conduct that can lead to suspension and even long-term expulsion in addition to significant restitution fees.
In Gilmer County, our students are very fortunate to have access to top notch facilities. Pride in our schools is a large part of our culture. Aside from the fact that this latest challenge is just plain dumb, engaging in this type of behavior is beneath us.
Looking through reports in other cases shows countless arrests and charges ranging from petty theft to vandalism, criminal mischief, destruction of government property, and more.
While some are questioning why there is such a serious response to minor theft. Some of the “trends” are posted with items as small as hand sanitizer or soap dispensers. However, other reports indicate that many include larger items ranging from toilet seats to even fire alarms.
The Gilmer Sheriff’s Office has already worked with schools in previous years where they have worked with Gilmer Schools and even prosecuted students for issues. That Appalachian Judicial Circuit has also proven its willingness to follow through with criminal prosecutions with District Attorney Alison Sosebee going so far as performing in school presentations warning students about the possible outcomes of criminal activity, though her presentations focused on Snapchat at the time with the trend towards photos of underage kids.
As of this time, Gilmer Schools is hoping to get to its students and parents before any major issues arise or possibly create a major incident.
Data collection questioned as county approves advertising for Speed Cameras
News August 22, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Traffic devices and data collection are taking the next step toward a Fall implementation as they were approved for advertisement in the County Commission.
An example of cameras used for traffic surveillance.
However, approval only came for advertisement as the Board of Commissioners raised discussion on privacy in the traffic cameras usage. Chairman Charlie Paris was the first to make the note as he said he was wanting to set it so that the collection of photos or information for anyone not being pursued for speeding would be deleted.
“I believe that it would be essential that that data be eliminated within a specific period of time. If it is one that is not being flagged for speeding, there would be no reason for anybody to maintain that particular data,” said Paris.
Acknowledging the importance that many people place on privacy and date like this, Paris said he wanted this stipulation for approval.
As discussion continued, the question arose about who is collecting the data. As noted during the Board of Education meeting, County Attorney David Clark confirmed that the Sheriff’s Office is contracting with a company for collection. Sheriff Nicholson also stated in the previous BOE meeting that he would have those flagged for speeding sent through a Sheriff’s Deputy, likely a Student Resource Officer, to be approved before the company would mail out a citation.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson
These speed cameras will be established in three areas; Mountainview Elementary School on Highway 282, Clear Creek Middle School on Clear Creek Road, and Clear Creek Elementary School on Yukon Road. The county’s approval is needed for Clear Creek and Yukon roads.
The scenario will play out as someone speeds through the area, the captured infractions are sent to a local appointed officer, which Nicholson said will likely be a SRO (School Resource Officer). That officer reviews the infractions and makes sure there are no mistakes, then the company will send out tickets to those the officer approves.
Within the county’s BOC meeting, the board considered that it would be the company that they would need to put the restriction on. Due to this, Clark suggested that the approval go for beginning the process and pursuing advertising. He noted that the county will have to approve a contract with the company and could debate the restriction at that time.
With unanimous approval, the project is proceeding, but it was understood that the county would be looking at restrictions on the data during the contracting as they work alongside Sheriff Nicholson for the process.
During the discussion, Post Commissioner Hubert Parker also suggested that they look at other government entities and how they handle the data through speed and traffic cameras such as those at traffic lights.
Gilmer Schools responding to COVID case increases
News August 20, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – “Gilmer Schools have seen an explosion of positive COVID cases and quarantines throughout this week.” Gilmer Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley read a statement during the Gilmer County Board of Education this week on Thursday night, August 19, 2021, during their Regular Scheduled meeting.
Gilmer Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley
As of that meeting, the total cases in Gilmer’s school system surpassed a district wide 900 students in quarantine and 100 positive cases in students and staff.
That explosion also culminated in the cancellation of the season opening varsity football game against Pickens on Friday, August 20, 2021. The school system stated, “Decisions such as these are not taken lightly, and we must prioritize the safety and well being of all student-athletes and spectators for both teams.”
Dr. Ridley said in a letter to parents about COVID restrictions earlier this week that the school system would be mandating masks and face coverings starting on Monday, August 23, 2021. He stated, “I feel it is imperative that we act now in an effort to keep our students safe and our schools open.”
In efforts to notify and share the information well in advance, that letter was sent out. However, at the Thursday meeting, Dr. Ridley also informed citizens that while working with the Department of Health, new guidelines will be coming next week in implementation. He confirmed that he would be discussing these with the press on Monday to inform citizens more about those changes as the school looks to continue implementing DPH guidelines into the schools.
As of now, Monday will see masking on school buses only with strong encouragement to wear masks throughout the day. Dr. Ridley also urged others to consider using masks and getting vaccinated against the virus. During his statement in the meeting, Dr. Ridley stated, “Students and staff who are fully vaccinated or masked during exposure will not be subject to quarantine.”
Additionally, the Board of Education also approved COVID leave time for staff that have exposures and positive tests. Superintendent Ridley stated that the official numbers will be updated on their website tomorrow, August 20, 2021.
With the announcement of new COVID guidelines made and implementation on the way, the school system is currently working on the “logistics of implementing this new guidance as early as Monday or Tuesday of next week.”
Gilmer is continuing with quarantining for 10 days and requirements to be fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications with an improvement of symptoms.
Additionally, Dr. Ridley previously told FYN that virtual academy was not being implemented for the start of school, but Gilmer does have the option if the need arises. He did not mention virtual academy at the meeting.
As the Superintendent shares more information on the changing guidelines FYN will continue to share new articles with the updated information.
School starts back tomorrow after celebrations and preparations
News August 4, 2021
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – This week has seen celebrations and preparations for many as school prepares to resume. Tomorrow, August 5, 2021, classes will return to session with two days before the weekend.
As previously stated in Gilmer’s Board of Education meetings, some teachers use the short week to get introduced to students and to the year. Others utilize the short weekend to respond and reorganize certain aspects of classes or lessons after having a day or two with students.
Mere weeks ago, Clear Creek Elementary school was still going through final punch lists and last minute preparations for the school year.
An entire school has spent many days over the recent weeks moving. Classes of Clear Creek Elementary begin tomorrow in their new building, having left behind the former Ellijay Primary School. With staff and others helping to move the furniture, many of those teachers have spent time getting used to their new classrooms in addition to preparing for lessons.
And this week also so celebrations of the new year with the Gilmer Chamber. The Education Celebrations saw over $5,000 worth of door prizes given out during the celebration. All of those prizes went to Gilmer County Charter School System educators. The Gilmer Chamber said, “We had a great time celebrating our teachers at Education Celebration!”
The rest of the county is preparing for the return to school traffic and changes with them in the coming year. With the recent report during a Board of Education meeting, the Sheriff’s Office is ramping up education and information spread of new traffic cameras coming to the area near three of the schools.
The school calendar is posted to the Gilmer Schools website. Students, teachers, and even coaches are wasting no time in returning to the usual schedule as the Gilmer Bobcats prepare to scrimmage Fannin on Friday.
Students going back to school are also benefitting from emergency funding from the USDA for lunches. Already having moved to free breakfasts in previous years, the school system will be allowing free lunches for this year only. Gilmer County Schools will be serving a free breakfast and a free lunch meal to all students attending in person classes during the 2021-2022 school year. The USDA provided the emergency funding specifically for schools to provide meals at no cost to students.
Classes for each school will operate on the following scheduled start and dismissal times:
All Elementary Schools ( EES, CCES & MVE)
Start Time: 8:00am
Dismissal: 3:00pm
Parent Drop Off (EES & CCES): 7:35am
Parent Drop Off (MVE): 7:20amClear Creek Middle, Gilmer High & Mountain Innovations
Start Time: 7:45am
Dismissal: 2:45pm
Parent Drop Off: 7:15Pre-K
Start Time: 8:00am
Dismissal: 2:30pm
Speed Cameras coming to local School Zones
News July 27, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – “It is an enforcement issue,” said Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson as he spoke about school traffic zones and the reduced speed during school hours.
Sheriff Nicholson offered a report to the Gilmer Board of Education during their July meeting concerning a problem with speeding in school zones and what the office is preparing to implement in response to it.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson
School zones require a reduction in speed from drivers twice a day to help with the beginning of the day when students are coming in to school and the end of day when school lets out. According to Nicholson, these roughly one hour windows in the morning and afternoon are the times that the speed limits drop and complaints begin. He noted that the office expects people to become informed about the cameras and for the issue to mostly resolve before they even implement the devices.
To help with enforcement, the Sheriff has contracted with a company to put up speed cameras to capture speeders in the zone and issue tickets electronically. Not a new concept, many cities utilize camera on traffic lights in a similar fashion to issue fines against those running red lights.
Nicholson said that while it doesn’t directly affect the school system’s operation, he wanted to take the time to inform them and also to spread the word about the coming change. Nicholson asserted several times that he wants to focus on informing the public and letting them know in advance about the cameras and not to blindside them or catch them off guard.
Nicholson said that he constantly receives complaints about speeds during the school year. There are three locations that will utilize the cameras including; Mountainview Elementary School on Highway 282, Clear Creek Middle School on Clear Creek Road, and Clear Creek Elementary School on Yukon Road.
Utilizing both traffic cameras and radar, the devices will operate more as a deterrent than a ticket device as Nicholson said his hopes were to aid in the enforcement issues.
The scenario will play out as someone speeds through the area, the captured infractions are sent to a local appointed officer, which Nicholson said will likely be a SRO (School Resource Officer). That officer reviews the infractions and makes sure there are no mistakes, then the company will send out tickets to those the officer approves.
One important note, Nicholson said that these are civil fines, not traffic tickets. One of the major differences Nicholson noted, is that not paying the civil fine will not automatically send a person to jail, but “it will go to court.”
The Sheriff’s Office does have more details to work out. As Nicholson said, he wants to give ample time to the public to find out and know about the radar cameras before implementation. That said, these devices could be seen in use as early as September or October in Gilmer County.
Secured to poles, these devices will be set inside the zones that the county has marked and signed as a reduction in speed.
Board Chairman Ronald Watkins mentioned adding other devices to the areas such as flashing lights as seen in some other counties where they have flashing yellow lights posted on school zone signs during the hours of reduced speed. Nicholson said that the County has the responsibility on changing signage and using that type of signage. However, Nicholson did say that he has looked into another suggestion from Watkins with the trailers with a strobe highlighting a driver’s current speed.
All of this comes in support of Nicholson’s push to, as he said, warn and inform Gilmer’s citizens over and over again about the devices before they even get implemented.
New Superintendent Ridley approved with Work Session Vote
Board of Education, News July 20, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County’s Board of Education made Dr. Ridley official last night with a unanimous vote during their monthly work session for their new superintendent.
Dr. Hal Brian Ridley was named the finalist of the school system’s Superintendent search during a special called meeting on June 26, 2021. According to the Board of Education, “The Board voted unanimously to name Dr. Ridley as the single finalist for the position and announced its intention to name him as Superintendent after the 14-day period of public notice.”
Board Chairman Ronald Watkins, right, signs the Superintendent contract with Dr. Hal Brian Ridley, left.
Nearing the end of July now, the Board is trying to get Dr. Ridley in and ready before the start of the school within the next two weeks. Most teachers are returning and final preparations are coming into play this week in the school system such as teachers rooms being moved into Clear Creek Elementary today.
Normally, most votes don’t happen until the boards Thursday meetings as it is the regular session of the government entity.
During the meeting, the board voted to enter executive session along with Ridley. Returning a few minutes later, the official motion came to approve Dr. Ridley as the new Superintendent along with comments during the meeting about the school system and a special thanks to Kim Cagle, who served as Interim Superintendent over the summer.
Now approved, Ridley is likely to be taking his first meeting this Thursday as his first official meeting as Gilmer’s Superintendent. The board is also holding a reception on Thursday at 5 p.m for Dr. Ridley and to allow the public time to meet and speak with him before their Regular Meeting.
Dr. Ridley and the Board signed the contract after the meeting, right before the board retreated into their usual executive session for personnel.
Dr. Ridley stated, “I would like to thank the Board for this opportunity. And thank you to Kim Cagle, she has been very welcoming as I try to get myself oriented to this new job. I’m looking very forward to working with all of you and we’re going to do some great things in Gilmer County.”
Gilmer High School Graduation for the Class of 2021
Bobcat's Corner, Community May 31, 2021
Congratulations to Gilmer High School’s Class of 2021.
Saturday, May 29, 2021, saw 243 graduates honored at Huff-Mosley Stadium at Gilmer High School. The ceremony, delayed from its original Friday scheduling due to rain, was held in the morning under the guidance of administration, Principal Carla Foley, and Interim Superintendent Kim Cagle.
Of the 243 graduates, 94 were honor graduates.
As the first class to spend a full year in COVID restrictions, it was a class split between home and school with many opting for in-person education while others joined the virtual academy.
Alexis Sirmans, 2021 Senior Class President, delivers the Welcoming speech for Gilmer High Schools’ Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021.
Heather Pierce, 2021 Salutatorian, delivers the Salutatorian’s address for Gilmer High Schools’ Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021.
MacKenzie Setser, 2021 Valedictorian, delivers the Valedictorian’s address for Gilmer High Schools’ Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021.
View more photos of graduation at FYN’s Facebook Page.
BOE tours CCES in final stages
News May 28, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – With only a month left as representatives from Breaux & Associates Architects said the Clear Creek Elementary School (CCES) should complete near the end of June, school officials toured the interior of Clear Creek Elementary School with representatives from the architectural firm.
The entrance of CCES will be blocked by a glass wall as a security entrance, directing visitors to the office via a window access or door.
The Board of Education has told the public for months that the project would complete and be ready for teachers to move in before the start of next semester. This is coming to fruition as Board members requested to tour the facility and advertised a called meeting to do so. The entire board arrived on site at 6 p.m. on May 26, 2021, along with Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs, and both county and CCES administrators looking to explore the new facility. While some are being allowed into the facility, like the guide tour, general visitation and teachers are not yet allowed in during the final stages.
With angled access doors, four classrooms can be viewed from a single spot in the hallway as they are grouped together.
Teachers have mentioned in previous meetings that they are looking to move in to the new school as soon as possible so that they may have the time they need to move in their furniture and prepare the rooms for students. Everything from desks and supplies to decorations and alternative seating have been used in Gilmer’s elementary schools with teachers utilizing their classrooms to provide an environment for students. The BOE has seen these efforts as different schools present new efforts, programs, and other points of interest to the board during the monthly meetings.
Though bare now as no furniture or personalization has been brought in by teachers, yet. Classrooms are nearly completed and ready for the coming school year.
Food preparation is still awaiting larger appliances which Breaux said would be some of the final equipment brought into the new school.
Much of CCES mirrors itself on both sides as the facility hosts smalls “pods” as Douglas Breaux of Breaux & Associates called them. Four classrooms connect to each other in their corners, allowing someone standing in the hallway to view into all four rooms from a single spot. Eight classrooms are in each hallway with four halls of classes not including larger rooms like music, art, and gym.
Breaux said that the facility is in the final phase with virtually all of the major construction steps done. Now, they are finishing up the details of the facility, finishing floors, starting to bring in furniture, applying fixtures, and painting are a few of the remaining steps.
The Media Center, pictured, is near the front entrance of CCES with central access by the school’s inhabitants, but also designed by the architects to be a “show piece” as one of the first rooms visitors will see upon entering.
CCES’ cafeteria includes a stage which administrators already have plans for. It can be accessed by two hallways or by outer doors to the rear of the building.
Also mentioned during the tour, the complete facility has already prepared room to expand. According to Breaux, their is graded land already prepared should the board ever need to expand further, 16 extra classrooms could be added, eight on each side of the school with the halls expanding to include one more “pod” of four classes each.
This school is preparing for a full return of students in late 2021 as the new school year is planned to completely remove distance learning from the lower grades in Gilmer County, marking a return to pre-COVID proceedings.
With more room, administrators are already planning on how to best operate the back side of CCES, pictured, where students will go for daily drop-off and pick-up.
Daily pick-up and drop-off and bus traffic will all be directed through the rear of the facility and administrators have already begun planning on how to handle the daily operations now that they have seen the facility nearly completed.
While the larger rooms like the cafeteria, music room, art room, and media center do not yet have the major furniture in them, the general layouts can be seen. The media center is wired for a full technology area along one wall and has its main desk up. The cafeteria has its stage finished where administrators say they will utilize the area for presentations and awards when needed, but also have a daily uses planned like a special dining area at different style table where certain students with good behavior are allowed to sit, supporting PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) programming. The art room already has a space prepared with necessary ventilation for a kiln. Something the school received through a grant but has not yet been able to use in this school.
Ready to see furniture, teachers, and students, CCES is on track for the 2021-2022 school year as the Board of Education is ready to finally move from its old location at what was once Ellijay Primary School to its new location neighboring Clear Creek Middle. Leaving behind the old facility, this move marks one culmination of the system’s 2019 redistricting for its elementary schools to serve geographic portions of the county.
The plan, as stated in 2019, “will allow students to experience less transitions during critical early learning years and will improve efficiency of bus routes for community schools.” Downtown Ellijay may also see slightly less traffic in the area as it only serves one school now, not two.
Board of Education approves alternative to popular vote calendar
Board of Education, News March 21, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – With two public speakers in the meeting asking board members to reconsider their stances that they indicated in last month’s meeting and this week’s earlier work session, the Board of Education vote came 3-2 in support of an alternate calendar from the most popularly voted option amongst three choices sent out by Gilmer Schools to parents and teachers.
Last month, board member Ronald Watkins voiced opinions to set suggested restrictions on Calendars sent in by school governance teams for consideration by the board. The process over recent years has usually culminated with the board approving the most popularly voted calendar. As the process has changed to include restricted voting and the exclusion of students in the vote this year, Watkins brought up the idea of telling schools not to submit calendars with teachers not coming back for the new year before August 1. With some support indicated and agreement from board members Joe Pflueger and Michael Parks, the vote came today with these three in favor of a less popular calendar for the school system. Michael Bramlett and Doug Pritchett voted against the calendar.
Additionally, before the vote, the Board listened as two public speaks both commented to the board in favor of the more popular Calendar 3. Lynne Barnes, a teacher from Ellijay Elementary School, said that teachers and parents have little that they directly influence. While citizens as a whole can vote on Board Members, teachers specifically have enjoyed and been afforded the opportunity to vote on the annual calendars. She said, “When that voice is not recognized, it truly is disheartening because I am a parent and a teacher. A school calendar directly affects parents’ and teachers’ lives. We should be able to choose through a democratic process without interference from the board.”
Teacher Lynne Barnes stands at the podium to speak with Gilmer’s Board of Education on the 2021-2022 Calendar.
Barnes said that the submitted calendar followed all restrictions set forth by the board but did not follow the suggested starting date. Barnes went on to say that the other calendars do not meet start date. She said, “There are flex days on those calendars. Every teacher would have to use one of the flex days before August 1 as one of the required 10 staff days. So, none of the calendars meet this requirement at all.”
Barnes also noted that while board members suggested the start date, the majority of the public disagreed and did not want to follow the suggestion as the majority of all voters from the public, voted for Calendar 3, besting the next one by over 111 votes. “This was not a close vote at all” said Barnes.
As reported earlier this week, the results between the three presented included 295 votes (38.22%) for Calendar 1, 71 votes (9.2%) for Calendar 2, and 406 votes (52.59%) for Calendar 3.
The second speaker, Kayanne West, a parent of a student and member of Clear Creek Elementary School Governance Team, echoed many of the statements of Barnes saying she was also speaking in support of Calendar 3. West echoed the sentiment of the vote saying it is an “injustice” to ignore the vote and very disheartening. West said that simply because Calendar 3 did not follow the start date is “just not a good enough reason not to vote for Calendar 3.”
Parent and School Governance Team member for CCES, Kayann West speaks to the board in support of Calendar 3, a majority winner in the public vote for the school calendars with over 50% of the vote.
West went on to add that there is so little time before class for teachers to prepare their classrooms, open house, attend meetings, and be ready for students. She said that not allowing teachers to start before August 1 pushes back their preparation time with a start date still looming on potentially August 5. She added that Clear Creek Elementary will be in a totally new building that teachers should have more days and a chance to start before August 1 in order to move into the building and familiarize themselves with the new building.
West asked the board to either vote for the more popular Calendar 3, but said, should the board choose not to support that calendar, she hoped to see the board at CCES on August 1 as teachers will have to take long hours in order to accomplish all the need to before students come back to class.
Similarly, when she spoke, Barnes told the Board before she finished that she felt not supporting the popular vote sends a very different message to the public.
After these two spoke at the beginning of the meeting, the board continued with their agenda, going through personnel before reaching the calendar for 2021-2022. Board member Ronald Watkins nominated Calendar 1. He looked to his two previous supporters as he asked for a motion. The motion came from Michael Parks with a second from Joe Pflueger, and the aforementioned final vote of 3-2.
BOE adopts personnel and legislative delegates
News March 2, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – After last months approvals for administration in the schools, the Board of Education returned to finalize school personnel for the coming 2021-22 school year during the BOE meeting near the end of February.
During the meeting the board individually voted for five staff members individually, each board member abstained from one vote on the five due to being a relative. After this, the board voted for each school individually for their staff as recommended by the school’s Principal including Clear Creek Elementary School, Ellijay Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary, Clear Creek Middle School, and Gilmer High School.
With no requests to pull any specific staff out for individual vote, the board approved the recommended staff renewals for each of the schools. Additionally, the Board approved the monthly staff changes including resignations, retirements, and new staff.
In preparation for the summer, the BOE approved amended training plans for the board to fulfill needs for its new members and also for existing members as well as appointing new state delegates. Increasing the hours of training for its existing members of previous years, the Gilmer BOE is attempting to achieve state recognition as a “distinguished board” which includes increased training. According to Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs, the board was originally supposed to submit the training plans in September, but had to do so with current board members. Since its new members came on in January, the board is amending the submitted plans with the names of the new members.
The board elected Doug Pritchett as its legislative delegate and Michael Bramlett as the alternate for the Georgia School Board Association (GSBA) for the legislative session.
After discussion during their worksession, the board approved two policy changes including its Community Coaches policy.
The policy saw recommended changes from GSBA Legal Council and GHS’ Athletic Director to “provide clarity.” The changes to the policy included references to GHSA and their White Book alongside changes to hiring, background checks, and coaching principles.