Late SPED Teacher Receives Debra Brantley Award
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The Toombs County School System honored the legacy of a late special education teacher at the School Board meeting on Thursday, February 10, as Rhonda Deloach’s family accepted the Debra Brantley Award on her behalf.
The Debra Brantley Award, named for a beloved former Toombs County Special Education teacher, is an annual recognition given to the Special Education Teacher of the Year. Recipients of this prestigious award exemplify the qualities that define a successful Special Education instructor and advocate for students with disabilities in the same way that Brantley did during her Special Education career. Toombs County Special Education Director Sabrina Woodruff said there was no question as to who would receive the award, as Toombs continues to mourn the loss of Deloach, who served as an Occupational Therapist in the school system before passing away in April 2021. “Rhonda Deloach is greatly missed by students, staff, and administrators,” Woodruff remarked. “She truly made a lasting impact on students and parents, and we are grateful for her time with us.” The award was accepted by Rhonda’s family, including her twin sister, mother, husband, and daughter.
Other Business
Superintendent Barry Waller announced that the sale of the old Board of Education office closed on February 4 with the help of the Temples Company. The Board also unanimously approved to sell the old bus shop on Collins Street to the City of Lyons for $10, so that the City may use the area for economic development and the continued upgrade of Faison Park.
Kristina Cain, Heidi Dowell, and Allison Bird were all hired as teachers for Toombs County Middle School, while Lauren Smith was hired as a nurse at Toombs County High School. Several teachers were also approved to transfer positions as Megan Calhoun moves from teaching at Lyons Primary School (LPS) to Toombs Central Elementary School (TCES), Mallorie Corley shifts from teaching at TCMS to LPS, Salain Meadows transfers from teaching at TCMS to Lyons Upper Elementary School (LUES), and Whitney Milligan moves from teaching at TCMS to LUES. The resignation of Nathan Miller as Technology Director was accepted, as well as the retirement of Assistant Superintendent Carmen Roberts. The Board also approved the recommendation that Tabatha Nobles fulfill Roberts’ position upon her retirement. School Level Administration Teams’ recommendations were accepted and are as follows: TCHS Principal, Marissa Morris; TCHS Assistant Principal, Garrett Cranford; TCHS Assistant Principal, Grady Hart; TCMS Principal, TJ Mercer; TCES Principal Destiny Levant; Pre-K Director and TCES Assistant Principal, Sandra Floyd; LUES Principal, Rhonda Stone; LPS Principal, Chris Bell; and LPS Assistant Principal, Reggie Roberts. System Level Administrative Team Positions were also established for the 2022-2023 School Year. They are as follows: Assistant Superintendent/ Communications Director/ TKES/ LKES/ Mentoring/Policy Updates, Tabatha Nobles; Special Education Director/ Human Resources, Sabrina Woodruff; Director of Curriculum and Instruction/ Professional Learning, Tonawanda Irie; Director of Student Services/CTAE Director/ Testing Coordinator/ Gifted/ Migrant/ Tribunal Officer, Dr. Renee Garbutt; Federal Programs Director, Pam Sears; School Nutrition Director, Courtney Gay; School Improvement Specialist, Brandon Hartley; Athletic Director, Buddy Martin; Parent Involvement Coordinator (49%), Rhonda Benton; and Truancy Officer/ Hearing Impaired (25%), Bill Benton. Regan Benton was also hired as an LPS Teacher for the 2022-2023 school year on a vote unanimously passed by all except Russ Benton, who abstained.
SPED TEACHER OF THE YEAR – The late Rhonda Deloach was given the Debra Brantley Award for her work within the Toombs County School System before her death in April 2021.
