The DeKalb County School Board met last Thursday evening and announced the date for the upcoming DCHS Graduation Commencement for the Class of 2025. The ceremony will be held at DeKalb County High School on Friday, May 16. The board does not set the time and location for the graduation, but traditionally it is held at 7 p.m. on the Dr. John L. Van Hooser Memorial Stadium field.
In other business, the school board signaled its support on recent efforts by the county and local municipalities to move forward on a proposed new elementary school to replace the aging Smithville Elementary.
In October the County Commission approved a 30-year bond resolution, not to exceed $55 million, for construction of the new elementary school. The proposal is contingent on the four municipalities in the county, Alexandria, Liberty, Dowelltown, and Smithville, approve extending their existing sales tax agreements with the county for the life of the bond. The cities have until January 1 to act based on terms of the bonds for the project if issued as early as February. So far, Smithville and Liberty and voted to approve the extension.
The sales tax agreements with the municipalities are set to expire in 13 years on July 16, 2037. Through the agreement, the towns turn over a greater percentage of their local option sales tax collections than they would otherwise be required to do, all to be used for schools. Officials say a new agreement must be made in order to secure the 30-year bonds.
“It’s local sales tax collections by these municipalities. It’s nothing that we are giving. It’s just saying that we are in agreement with the proposal that has been made,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.
All board members present voted in favor including Alan Hayes, Megan Moore, Jim Beshearse, Jason Miller, Eric Ervin and Chairman Shaun Tubbs. Board member Danny Parkerson was absent.
Director Cripps also gave his monthly report on personnel. Those employed since last month are Shay Ashford, educational assistant at Northside Elementary School and Rebekah Brock, teacher at Northside Elementary School.
Rosemarie Lotspeich, has transferred from a substitute position to educational assistant at DeKalb Middle School.
Taylor Spare has resigned as teacher at Northside Elementary School.
Director Cripps, on behalf of Anita Puckett, principal at Smithville Elementary School thanked Wilson Bank & Trust and Lucas Phillips of LP Creative for the new digital sign at SES.
Cripps also paid tribute to military veterans on this week of Veterans Day.
“On behalf of the school board and myself, we want to say thank you for your service. We are able to live in a great country because of your sacrifice and your families’ sacrifice. Thank you for all you have done for our country,” said Director Cripps.
