New North Putnam School Superintendent holds first meeting

Thursday, July 16, 2009

BAINBRIDGE -- The first school board meeting with new North Putnam Superintendent Dr. Mary Lovejoy was fast and efficient. In less than an hour, board members approved minutes, heard reports, OK'd contracts, heard about a new recycling program at Bainbridge Elementary and met the new high school boys varsity basketball coach.

Assistant Superintendent Kevin Emsweller discussed the opening of the school year. On July 27, principals and secretaries will report to their schools and training on the new Harmony system will take place on July 28.

Registration is on Aug. 3 from noon to 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 4. On Aug. 10, new teachers will get acquainted with the schools. Substitute teachers come in that afternoon for instructions. Teachers report back to their classrooms on Aug. 12. They have training on Aug. 13 and students come back on Aug. 14.

Board President Debbie Sillery announced a meet and greet for Dr. Lovejoy from 6 to 8 p.m. at the middle school commons.

Bainbridge Elementary first grade teachers Jennifer Conley and Kristie Hankins presented a plan to start a recycling program at the school. Using a grant from West Central Solid Waste District that will provide 40 classroom paper bins and bins for transporting the recycled materials to Roachdale is a start for a program the teachers hope will grow. More information on this project will be published in Saturday's Banner Graphic.

Dr. Lovejoy asked the board to approve a contract for Educational Services Company, a consultant on school budget and on cash flow management. The superintendent explained that both South Putnam and Cloverdale schools use the same consultant.

"I am most interested in the cash flow management," said Dr. Lovejoy. "Schools are getting less and less money. This consultant will be very helpful to us." The board approved her request with a vote of 5-2 with Dale McGaughey and Jon Buser voting no to the contract.

Freshman boys' basketball coach Nathan Martindale was introduced to Dr. Lovejoy and the board as the new high school head varsity boys' basketball coach.

"Nathan has a great vision for the program. I'm looking forward to working with him," said Athletic Director Jason Sims.

The board and Sims also thanked Coach Martindale for all the hours of work he devoted to the kids over the summer.

Other personnel approved included Ann Hazelgrove from high School health aid/instructional assistant to high school secretary to assistant principal and atheletic director. Also approved was Julie Harbison from middle school instructional assistant to high school health air/instructional assistant.

Wilson Rosada was approved as a bus driver and David Basan as high school head varsity girls' golf coach.

Board member Andy Beck told the board the North Putnam Alumni group would have a booth at the Putnam County fair. People are invited to join the alumni group for $20. They will also be selling raffle tickets for $1 each to win a hog at the fair.

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