Gordon County schools approves new courses, employee bonuses

During their first meeting of the new year, Gordon County Schools Board of Education looked at several items — including several new courses for their students and bonuses for employees.

First were that slate of new courses for the 2024-25 school year. Those include three AI classes — Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Concepts, and Artificial Intelligence Applications — as well as Turf Production and Management, which will replace the existing Wildlife Management course. Those courses were all approved unanimously.

Next was a budget amendment aimed at addressing a shortfall in a round of bonuses for employees by the Governor’s office. Those bonuses did not extend to all employees of the district, so the district has chosen to provide a bonus for all employees not covered under the Governor’s bonuses.

That would cost $240,264.88 from the General Fund as well as around $35,000 from School Nutrition funds. The measure was approved unanimously.

“I’m thankful the governor gave us the money he did, but it was not a hundred percent funding,” said board member Eddie Hall. “And this board appreciates all of our employees and we want to be sure they all receive funding.”

Board members also looked at a paving project at Gordon Central, which was not part of the original renovation RTP. Gordon County Public Works will be providing paving services to the tune of $333,842.95, a cheaper alternative to using another vendor. That was approved unanimously by the board.

Finally, the board voted on a certificate to finally close out the renovation over at Ashworth Middle School — which was approved unanimously.

Upcoming events include a student holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15 and the next school board meeting on Monday, February 12 at 6 p.m. at Central Office, 7400 Fairmount Highway. For more information on Gordon County Schools, visit gcbe.org.