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Staff reports

 

A growing student population and a smooth first day – so went the start of the 2023-24 academic year for Polk County Schools.

 

That good news for the Polk County Board of Education came from Superintendent Aaron Greene, who offered a review of the opening day of classes to the board during its August meeting at Stearns Education Center in Columbus. Polk County Schools began instruction this year on August 14.

 

Initial surveys from the first day of classes across the district indicated that the student population grew by approximately 60 students as compared to last year, with most of that growth at Polk Central Elementary School and Polk County High School.

 

Greene noted that no unusual issues were reported across the district on the first day, and several board members noted that they heard reports of how well the opening day progressed. The district is still working to fill several faculty positions that were open on the first day due to late summer resignations and several program transitions, but Greene noted that the administration expects to soon fill those positions.

 

Greene also informed the board that he would be posting a series of “Welcome Back” messages on district websites.

 

In other business conducted by the board:

 

* Curriculum and Instruction Director Jan Crump reminded the board that pre-kindergarten students attended half-days for the first week of school to help students and families with the transition to full school days, which can be difficult for young ones. Pre-K students then begin full days in the second week of the school year.

 

* The board received a legislative summary from Attorney Phillip Feagan, with focus on recent bills and laws that directly impact school operations.

 

* The board approved an overnight field trip for a group of Polk County High School FFA students to attend the national Sunbelt Ag Expo in Georgia in October.

 

* Director of Operations Dr. Brandon Schweitzer provided updates on the numerous facility projects that were completed over the summer as well as the ongoing Pre-K addition at Tryon Elementary.

 

* The board approved the final budget amendment for the 2022-2023 school year, out-of-district tuition amount for 2023-2024 and a micro purchasing resolution that standardizes spending approval thresholds for federal, state and local funds.

 

The next Polk County Board of Education Meeting will be held on September 11.