Board of Education hears good news, bad from GDOT on new school's traffic plans
By KIP BURKE news editor

The Wilkes County Board of Education heard a mixed report on Georgia DOT plans for the new school traffic control, honored 13 Young Georgia Authors, and voted to hire a full-time technology technician Monday night.

In Monday's regular April meeting, Superintendent of Schools Joyce Williams reported on a meeting with Georgia Department of Transportation officials, Wilkes County Commission Chairman Sam Moore, engineers Southern A&E, and the school system. The DOT study recommended that there be a school zone with flashing light, but no traffic light at the intersection. It recommended two deputies control traffic, one at the bus entrance and one at the auto entrance.

"I think we'll get two driveways and highway access, plus $250,000 to do the work needed," she said. "The bad news is, we didn't have enough traffic to get a traffic light, nor will we get a new cut-through."

Without the new cut-through from northbound to southbound lanes, students, and staff in cars who desire to turn left out of the new school will have to exit to the right, then do a U-turn at the next cross-through in front of the Georgia Forestry office.

The DOT plan, Williams said, does include a speed limit change during certain school hours, with caution lights flashing when the lower limit is in effect.

"I have a major problem with our kids having to make a U-turn on that highway," said Board member Kelly Powell. "This is a major highway with all those trucks and high-speed traffic. We need more attention on this."

Williams agreed, saying, "We need to go ahead with what we're getting, but we'll keep working toward getting a light and a cutthrough."

Chairman Ricky Callaway agreed, but pointed out that with the GDOT's funding problems, "unless we have a study that proves it, the DOT will not fund it."

Winners of the 2008 Wilkes County Young Authors were honored at Monday night's meeting, as Callaway called their names and awarded each winner with a Certificateof Achievement and a $50 U.S. Savings Bond.

Especially honored was Katie Trimm, whose 2007 entry "Your World" advanced to district competition, winning a $100 Savings Bond and a certificate.

Grade-level winners in the 2008 Young Georgia Authors included Talaya Brown, Roderick Brown, Tenoia Tate, Elexus Campell, D.J. Martin, Jacob Morgan, Ariel Brown, Kara McMurray, Whitney Branham, Tiffany Guin, Dionesia Shank, Spencer Swinson, and Ricardo Davis.

In other matters, Superintendent Williams recounted to board members the history of how the school system has met its technical support needs through the years. With the construction of the new school and the expected challenge of integrating new systems and equipment with old, she proposed the board hire a full-time technician to maintain and repair the system's technology, from computer networks to audiovisual equipment.

Board members discussed the use of contractors such as Advance Technology Group, and consultants from RESA and E-rate, but ultimately agreed that this was the appropriate time to hire a full-time technician, and approved the Superintendent's proposal.

The board also took action on the contract for copier services. After some discussion about longer contracts, the board concurred with Williams' recommendation to extend the present contract until June 2009.

Board members also set a proposed calendar for budget meetings. After discussion, members agreed to meet three Wednesday evenings at 6 - May 21, May 28, and June 11.

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