The Stewart County Board of Education met in regular session on January 14, 2014 at the
Stewart County Elementary School Media Center at 6:00 p.m. with the following members
present: Chairperson David Barrett, Austin Taylor, Kesha Nelson, Samuel Jones and Thereatha
Redding.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson David Barrett and silent meditation observed.
The pledge of allegiance was recited.
Election of Officers:
A motion was made by Austin Taylor seconded by Kesha Nelson for David Barrett to remain
Chairperson and Austin Taylor to remain Vice-Chair. 3 – Yes (Taylor/Nelson/Barrett); 2 – No
(Redding/Jones). Motion Passed.
A motion was made by Austin Taylor and seconded by Kesha Nelson to approve the agenda as
written. 100% agreed.
Public Participation: None
.
Special Recognition: None
Principal’s Report: Mrs. Williams, SCMS and Mr. Hamilton, SCHS were both present. Mr.
Hamilton reported that we would be classified as non-region next year so we could choose who
we play in football. Contracts have to be signed by next month if we are going to have a
football team for next school year.
A motion was made by Samuel Jones seconded by Austin Taylor to approve the regular session
minutes from December 10, 2013. 100% agreed.
A motion was made by Samuel Jones seconded by Austin Taylor to approve the called session
minutes from December 23, 2013 with corrections noted and made. 100% agreed.
Executive Session: A motion was made by Austin Taylor and seconded by Samuel Jones to go
into executive session to discuss and deliberate upon the appointment, employment,
compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public
officer or employee (OCGA 50-14-3 (6)). 100% agreed.
A motion was made by Austin Taylor seconded by Samuel Jones to come out of executive
session. 100% agreed.
Requested Board Action Relative to Recommendations in Executive Session:
Mr. Barrett asked for a motion to discuss the two finalists for superintendent. Samuel Jones
made the motion, seconded by Thereatha Redding. 4 – Yes (Jones/Redding/Nelson/Barrett); 1
– No (Taylor).
After discussion of how it was to be brought back to the table, a motion was made by
Thereatha Redding, seconded by Samuel Jones to take another vote on the two candidates.
Results are as follows:
Dr. Brooks – No votes
Dr. Challender – 2 votes – Jones/Redding
Neither Candidate – 2 votes – Barrett/Taylor
Abstained - Nelson
Unfinished Business:
None
New Business:
A. Requested Board Action Relative to the Selection of a school board attorney for 2014:
A motion was made by Austin Taylor seconded by David Barrett to approve the law firm
of Harben, Hartley & Hawkins, LLP as the Stewart County Board of Education attorney
for 2014. 3 – Yes (Taylor/Barrett/Redding); 2 – No (Nelson/Jones). Motion passed.
B. Requested Board Action Relative to the Approval of a full-time custodian at Stewart
County Middle/High School: A motion was made by Austin Taylor seconded by Kesha
Nelson to approve Angela Williams as a full-time custodian at SCMHS. 100% agreed.
C. Requested Board Action Relative to the Approval of the Memorandum of
Understanding pertaining to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program: A
motion was made by Kesha Nelson seconded by Austin Taylor to approve the MOU with
21st Century Program. 3 – Yes (Nelson/Taylor/Barrett; 2 – No (Redding/Jones). Motion
passed.
Superintendent’s Report
A. Administrative Services
1. Financial Statement:
The Superintendent presented the finalized November financial statement for board
approval. A motion was made by Kesha Nelson seconded by Austin Taylor to
approve the Nov. 2013 financial statement. 3– Yes (Nelson/Taylor/Barrett; 2 – No
(Redding/Jones). Motion passed.
The Superintendent presented the preliminary December 2013 financial statement
for board review only.
There being no further business a motion was made Austin Taylor seconded by Kesha Nelson to
adjourn the meeting. 100% agreed.
The meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
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David Barrett, Chairperson
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Dianne Watkins, Superintendent