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to honor those individuals for pouring their heart and soul into making a difference, whether for a lifetime filled with dedicated endeavors or for a one-time achievement.

Sally D. Meadows Elementary School Principal Brandon Boston presented the award, as he thanked Williams for always being willing to contribute to the school which her family members attend. “Mrs. Jan has been a help for me since my time at Dickerson. Any time I called Mrs. Jan, she was always there. That same thing carried over to Meadows this year for my first year,” he remarked. “Anytime we called Mrs. Jan, she was the first one there, no matter what it was. There was a competition amongst the schools to see who had the best Christmas decorations; I pull up to the school on a Saturday, and there is Mrs. Jan decorating our school on a Saturday. She is a team player. She is not just a community member; she is a part of our team at Sally D. Meadows.”

The principal continued to share instances in which Williams had provided snacks, cookies, and even teacher appreciation week gifts for the school.

“We are thankful for you, Mrs. Jan, and we are glad to have you for another three years at Sally D. Meadows. Thank you for all that you do for us,” Boston concluded.

Superintendent Reid also spoke to Williams about the occasion, saying, “Mrs. Jan, it’s not just at Sally D. Meadows; your work across the school system is very much appreciated. People like you make this the best community to live in.”

In addition to this recognition, the Board also presented its first Student SPEAR Award to Janiya Heggs. The award is a Service, Participation, Excellence, or Achievement Recognition.

“It is my honor to present our very first spirit award ever. This award celebrates individuals that go above and beyond in their education, and also their dedication and involvement in other achievements,” Reid shared. “Our winner today has demonstrated exceptional commitment not only in her academics – per her principal and teachers – but also outstanding excellence through her talent in dance, as she won the 4th grade Sally D. Meadows Has Talent Show.”

According to Sally D. Meadows Elementary School Principal Brandon Boston, the Sally D. Meadows Has Talent Show is a revitalization of the previous Meadows Musicians musical competition, which has not been held in around 10 years. I was floored at all of the talent we had,” he said.

Boston continued, “Janiya was one of our winners, so when we had this opportunity to showcase a student, I remembered everyone talking about how much in awe they were at how great her dance was. We wanted her to have the opportunity to showcase her talent for our Board today. Janiya, we are proud of you, happy for you, and glad you are a Sally D. Meadows {Elementary School] Brave.”

Superintendent Reid also spoke on Heggs’s talent, emphasizing, “I did not make it to the 4th grade event, I barely made it to the 2nd and 3rd grade, but when I walked in, I heard everyone talking about how special your dance was. Your hard work, passion, and determination showed up in your performance at the talent show, and congratulations to you, Janiya, for being a shining example of service, participation, excellence, and achievement to be recognized. Your dedication to your talent makes us proud; so keep dancing and shining brightly.”

Heggs performed her routine for the Board and received a certificate to commemorate the occasion after the performance.

During the business portion of the meeting, Reid provided the Board with updates on several capital projects which are currently under construction. She stated that the builders have informed her that they are almost complete with the flooring at Sally D. Meadows Elementary School and Vidalia High School, and had almost finished the new Vidalia Early Learning Center at Sally D. Meadows Elementary School. In addition to this, the team is working to pave the parking lots at all school facilities except at Sally D. Meadows Elementary School, and to finish the work at the baseball and softball field shelters. The contractors also verbally committed to having the new playground equipment installed at J.D. Dickerson Primary School in time for the upcoming school year.

Board Chair Julee Torrance and Board member Brittany Black reported to their fellow members about their experiences at the recent Georgia School Board Association Conference, during which they discussed a variety of topics that Board members from across the state anticipated to be popular topics for those in legislative leadership.

Several personnel decisions were also approved during the meeting, including the appointment of Ben Beck as the interim baseball coach. Applications for the head baseball coach position will resume being accepted in January 2025; until then, Beck will assume the role. Stephanie Shiver and Albert White were named the system’s transportation co-directors. Shiver will oversee fleet operations and compliance, while White will manage fleet maintenance and training.

Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA) Energy teacher Kip Hart’s resignation was accepted by the Board.

The following new hires were also authorized: Tammy McFadden – Federal Programs Director (49%) Brenda McClain – Vidalia Early Learning Center Coordinator (49%) Steve Fullum – Alternative School Teacher (49%) Brad Dixon – Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Coordinator (49%) Lawana Marlin – Sally D. Meadows Elementary School teacher Tanisha Haynes – J.D. Dickerson Primary School teacher Brandy Messex – J.D. Dickerson Primary School paraprofessional Alaina Thompson – J.D. Dickerson Primary School paraprofessional Connor Lumley Hartley – SECCA Healthcare Teacher (part-time) The district’s FY 2025 budget, amended FY 2024 budget, system strategic plan, and 2024/25 Board meeting schedule were all unanimously approved during the meeting. These items are available for review online.

INDIAN STAR AWARD – Community Member Jan Williams was presented with the Indian Star Award for her willingness to volunteer at Sally D. Meadows Elementary School. L to R: Assistant Principal Michael Johnson, Principal Brandon Boston, Jan Williams, Assistant Principal Benjamin Helms.Photo by Makaylee Randolph