Altamont School Board Acts on Graduation, Senior Trip

Altamont school board members have approved plans for high school graduation. 

The senior class has asked for the ceremony to take place outdoors if possible if COVID-19 restrictions are still in place. The Board decided to hold graduation on Saturday, May 15. The ceremony will be held at the Effingham County Fairgrounds to provide more spacious accommodations.

The Board also approved a change in destinations for the senior class trip. Washington, DC was the first choice, but most attractions are shut down due to COVID-19. The tour company offered a substitute trip instead to Universal Studios/Orlando, and the Board approved the new destination. The trip is to include a tour and history of the theme park, a trip to the Kennedy Space Center, a 90-minute workshop with an engineer, attendance at Wild Florida, and a possible view of a space shuttle.

The Altamont board heard from Amanda Miller regarding field trips and consistency on wearing masks. She also inquired about Valentine's Day at Altamont Grade School and when schools would return to regular dismissal times. Also addressing the Board was Cecilia Devore who spoke about the home school policy as related to extra-curricular activities.

The Board approved the grade school roofing project, specifications and drawings, and heard that Homecoming Week is set for February 22-26.

Interim Superintendent Jim Littleford notified the Board that there is some remodeling going on in the Unit Office, and that he is formulating the Administrator Evaluation process. 

Board member Dale Laue notified other Board members that bonds were sold on January 28. The Board had voted to refinance existing bonds to save the District a considerable amount of money on interest costs.

Maintenance Director Alan Whitt reported that the track would need resurfaced in the not-too-distant future, and Board member Alan Kollman reported that there is interest in constructing a concessions stand and restroom facility at the track. Board President Shelly Kuhns reported on the upcoming Board Work Weekend. The meeting will begin at 3pm on Friday, February 19.

In action items, the Altamont board approved an early graduation request from Keydra Teets, approved the resignation of certified staff member Stephanie Thoms effective June 30, approved the resignation of non-certified staff member Suzanne Jackson effective February 19, approved the following volunteer junior high volleyball coaches: Lanie Tedrick, Brittany Hites and Tracy Grunloh, and approved the following volunteer junior high track coaches: Justin Osteen and Clint Reardon.

Also this week, the Altamont board hired Dr. David Martin as new district superintendent effective May 1, 2021 until June 30, 2024.