Vidalia BOE Opens Bids for JRT Improvements

Contributing Writer

The Vidalia City School System, in its August 10 monthly meeting, opened bids for the construction of six additional classrooms and other improvements at J.R. Trippe Middle School. Architectural services have already been contracted to SP Design Group Architects and Engineers, Inc. The approved request for qualifications advertisement seeks a construction management firm for the preconstruction and construction phase services.

The total budget of the project is $2.75 million. Bids are due September 15 and the timeframe of the project will be determined when the bid is awarded.

The FY22 Career, Technology, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) budget was approved. This budget helps fund the CTAE pathways and classes and is derived from the federal grant funds allocated based on the number of students per class. The school has received $35,902 for the CTAE programs, which the school is expected to match, making the budget total $71,804.

Vidalia BOE also approved the purchase and installation of two lightning detectors, one each for the middle and high schools. The mounting of these devices is currently required by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) for all participating sports complexes. The detectors will come from Thor Guard and cost the school system around $20,000. Assistant Superintendent Ginger Morris updated the Board about progress within the school system’s curriculum. Morris shared that prekindergarten had been added to the system’s Literacy for Learning, Living, and Leading (L4GA) program. “This addition aligns with models of best practices,” Morris explained.

Morris also noted that Beginning of the Year (BOY) assessments in content areas will be taking place in the next three weeks. Administrative leaders will be reviewing data at both the central office level and the building level to guide the next steps for students. The school system continues to review data from last year to best serve students and to help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally, Morris said.