Lowndes Co BOE discusses construction project, hears safety update

Kasmira Smith, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
·3 min read

Nov. 15—VALDOSTA — A multi-project construction update and a district wide safety update were the two main topics in the Lowndes County Schools Board of Education's slim agenda Monday evening.

A construction update from Jeff Hill, the LCS executive director of facilities and operations, covered the current Lake Park Elementary School's new campus; the LHS band, soccer and track building; Dewar Elementary Schools classroom wing addition; and the LCS central office addition.

He initially presented the Lake Park Elementary School update at the board's previous meeting last week. At the meeting Monday night, he stated the drawing plans for the campus have been submitted to the state and they are awaiting final approval.

The school's new campus expects to have a groundbreaking in the upcoming spring semester with a tentative completion deadline of March 2026. If all plans go without any alterations or delay, they will hope to open the school campus for students, faculty and staff by the start of the fall semester in 2026. The current campus would be demolished after the new campus is completed.

Hill said they have overcome the challenges at the LHS band, soccer and track building. The project is now on schedule to be finished by Feb. 1.

Two smaller projects that that will take place during the district's holiday break in December were also introduced. The F-wing at LHS will have renovations to improve painting and a humidity issue. A chiller will be replaced at Westside Elementary School.

Interim Superintendent Sandra Wilcher presented a safety update for the board's approval. She explained that the new public safety radio signal system's construction have been completed at the following schools: Clyattville Elementary School, Lake Park Elementary, Lowndes High School, Lowndes Middle School, Pine Grove Elementary, and Pine Grove Middle. A portion of the schools are waiting for the systems to be connected.

The State of Georgia Governor's Safety Grant and some ESPLOST funds will be used for improvements to technology and fencing at multiple school campuses totaling about $776,000.

Wilcher and the board also recognized Pine Grove Middle School paraprofessional Wendy Carraway as a recipient of the #OneLowndes Spotlight Award. She was nominated by Principal Dr. Samuel Clemons Jr.

Carraway's nomination said, "Her dedication to PGM's school community is outstanding. She sponsors the Y-Club, works athletic events, and helped with the inaugural fall festival. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for our students. Mrs. Carraway demonstrates unwavering commitment to academic excellence providing tutoring to help PGM students. She also works fall sports and winter sports games."

Dr. Clemons said Carraway's tireless work ethic is the reason she "has been all in for a long time and is worthy of recognition."

The board unanimously approved the finance report as presented by Ken Overman, the assistant superintendent of finance and operations, and Wilcher's safety update prior to adjourning for executive session.

The next scheduled Lowndes County Schools Board of Education meeting will be Monday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. in the boardroom chambers.