By: Eddy Gifford, Publisher

The Dade County Board of Education had a Special Called Board Meeting/Work Session Monday night and it turned out to be the longest meeting in some time.

The meeting opened with Dade County High School senior Lindsey Tinker singing “Unstoppable” by Rascal Flatts.

Superintendent Shawn Tobin then recognized the system’s “Teachers of the Year” from each school. Heather Mahan was Teacher of the Year from Davis Elementary; Jessie Potts, Dade County High School; Fancher Nakhleh, Dade Middle School; and Pam Morgan, Dade Elementary. Morgan was also named Dade County Schools Teacher of the Year.

Superintendent Tobin then recognized the 2012 State Champion Lady Wolverine Softball team and coaches and congratulated them on an outstanding year.

Two students from Dade Middle School, Ava Beach and Bryce Nethery presented a power point on Math Matters along with Principal Karen deMarche.

After all the recognitions Chuck Carver gave a report on the maintenance and facilities of the system, reviewing the Mission Statement and goals for his department.

Likewise, Dan Blevins gave a report on transportation and reported that for the period May through October the system used 11,727 gallons of fuel. He also requested a truck and backhoe be listed as surplus equipment so they can be sold.

Each principal gave a report on their school and what was going on there. All the principals invited everyone to Thanksgiving Dinner at their school. DCHS and DMS were hosting Thanksgiving Dinner on Tuesday and Dade and Davis Elementary on Thursday, Nov. 15.

Dade County schools will observe Thanksgiving break Nov. 19-23.

Also giving reports at the meeting were Dr. James Cantrell, CTAE Director, Wilma Hulgan, School Nutrition Director and Annice Newton, Special Education Director.

The only action item on the Monday agenda was approval for money spent on a waterline break at Dade Middle School. The Board approved paying Hartline Excavating and Grading $6,549.94 to replace the broken line.

Chuck Carver pointed out that by replacing the line they were able to do so without digging up the recently repaved parking lot so it turned out to be a lot cheaper to replace than repair.

Items for next week’s regular scheduled meeting were discussed and included bids for two new bus engines and a bid for a piano for chorus.

The Board will also be discussing summer renovation projects. Some of the projects currently being studied are resurfacing the track and tennis courts at the high school as well as expanding the football field's press box.

Other areas being considered are Dade Elementary Gym’s HVAC and brickwork on the outside; Dade Middle School gym floor and tile on the stage, office and storage area. Also being considered is paving behind the fourth grade wing at Dade Elementary. At Dade High School remodeling of the bathrooms across from the gym and possibility of a Media Program.

All these projects would be paid for from SPLOST funds and an early estimation of cost would be approximately $788,000.

Superintendent Tobin also reported that most of the new band equipment had arrived and that all the Veterans’ Day celebrations were a huge success at all four schools.