Wheeler Education Board Adopts Resolution Opting Out of HB581
The Wheeler County Board of Education adopted a resolution at its February 10 session to officially opt out of participating in House Bill 581. The vote was taken following three required public hearings which allowed community input.
The final public hearing was scheduled for the night of the February 10 Board session but no members of the public attended. The Board encountered no public opposition to its proposal to opt out in its two previous hearings.
Wheeler County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. C. Alex Alvarez, said Wheeler County’s decision to opt out of the statewide floating homestead exemption “reflects a strategic approach to maintain local control over its tax digest. By opting out, the school system aims to avoid being subjected to a statewide inflation average for property values that could impact its ability to address local inflation rates.”
He continued, “This choice allows Wheeler County to have more flexibility in managing its tax revenue, ensuring that the funds are allocated in ways that directly benefit students and meet the community’s needs. With the existing homestead exemption program remaining in place, the district can continue to make decisions about millage rates and taxes in alignment with their long-term goals, rather than relying on statewide system that may not accurately reflect local conditions.”
The superintendent also noted, “This move demonstrates a focus on safeguarding the financial stability and long-term strategic planning needed to support the county’s educational priorities, even as future challenged with the tax digest and inflation may arise. We aim to continue good stewardship with finances while providing a world-class education for our children.”
The deadline for submission of the opt-out resolution was originally set for March 1, however, the state House passed and forwarded to the Senate a substitute bill (HB92) which would extend this deadline to March 31, 2025, in order to give local entities more time to reconsider opting out. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate. So far, some 80% of state school boards have proposed opting out of the measure.
Wellness Policy Resolution During the meeting, the Board also passed a resolution adopting a systemwide wellness plan which updates its former policy.
Shonda McFadden, School Nutrition Director, updated the Board on two reviews affecting her department which are currently underway: a procurement review, and an administrative review, which are done every five years. Part of this review includes the review of the system’s wellness plan, which was updated per a rubric issued by the Georgia Department of Education. McFadden said she looked at wellness plans in several surrounding counties in order to compare Wheeler’s plan to what is being done across the region. All of these plan updates will be posted on the school website for public viewing, which is a requirement of the review.
McFadden also commented on the meals distributed to students when the schools were paused during a recent snowstorm. She explained that those meals (breakfast and lunch) were made available through the state BOE’s “Seamless Summer” feeding program, as were the meals distributed to students after Hurricane Helene swept through South Georgia. She said emergency generators and shelfstable supplies enable the food service department to serve the community.
She also noted that the window opened February 14 for Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Agriculture grants to assist the system’s food services. “It looks like our system will continue to qualify for the Community Eligibility Program which enables system students to eat free of charge because over 50% of the school population is considered free or reduced fee eligible.” Staff, Student and Community Recognition During the board meeting basketball player Nakita James was recognized for reaching a milestone of 1,000 points scored as a member of the Lady Bulldogs basketball team. Her coach, Craig Blount, praised the junior for her status as an excellent student, as well as having achieved All-conference and All-Region acclaim. James thanked God, her coach for always pushing her to do her best, and her family for their support.
Wheeler County School’s 2024-2025 STAR student Layne Gibbs and his STAR teacher Roger McDonald were also recognized. The STAR (Success Through Academic Recognition) program is sponsored locally by Wheeler County State Bank. Dr. Alvarez informed the Board that a student must be in the top 10% of their class and have the highest single score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test to qualify for the honor. The STAR student chooses the teacher who had the greatest impact on them during their schooling. Gibbs will now compete in a regional banquet, and the winner from that event will compete at the state level.
STAR teacher Mc-Donald said of his student: “Seldom do you run into a student who you give an objective and can turn them loose. Layne is one of those students. I have been doing this for 49 years, but I only taught high school full time for about five years. I have spent most of my career in middle school, watching him (Gibbs) grow up. On the day he received it (the STAR award), I told him, ‘You are reaching toward your potential.’ It is our job as teachers to aid students to reach their potential and everybody’s potential is different. Students like Layne strive to reach their potential and it is a joy to teach students like Layne.”
Gibbs said of McDonald, “He’s a great guy, he was always kind to me and made sure I completed my tasks. He has had a great impact on me.”
Wheeler County High School Principal William Bell stepped up to accept accolades on behalf of the system for its being named a GAEL Vision Award winner for 2024-2025. The Georgia Association of Educational Leaders organization recognizes school systems based on the percentage of GAEL membership within the system, as well as faculty and administration participation in GAEL professional training.
The School Board received some very good news. Dr. Alvarez announced that the system’s College and Career Readiness Performance Indicator (CCRPI) score has increased systemwide over 3.5 points in the past academic year. “Anything over 3 points is significant,” Dr. Alvarez pointed out. The score considers content mastery and graduation rate, which is maintaining around 90%, the superintendent said. The middle school increased its CCRPI score by 8.8 points, and the high school increased its score by 6.8 points. “It’s definitely something to celebrate,” Dr. Alvarez said.
The CCRPI report also included a summary of math data from last year. “Compared to other districts in our Heart of Georgia RESA (Regional Educational Service Agencies), we are above or at state average with all grade levels in testing math except for algebra.” Principal Bell explained that new math standards were instituted last year and the system is in the process of making transitions. “We are working extremely hard to enhance the method of how we are teaching algebra.” He said that the last end of course test revealed a 90% pass rate, “so should see improvement when report comes out next fall.”
Wheeler County Sheriff Glenn Giles introduced Deputy Sheriff and CHAMPS (Conversation, Help, Activity, Movement, Participation and Success) instructor John Spires. The School System and the Sheriff’s Office entered into a partnership to launch the CHAMPS program into the schools last month.
Spires, who was a CHAMPS instructor in Telfair County for three years, explained that the program promotes positive interaction with students and covers a multitude of topics. “We are not just about drug abuse prevention, we teach students about leadership, dealing with stress, water safety, being home alone, and we even teach hunter safety.”
Sheriff Giles emphasized that his office is ready and willing to help the school system in any way they can. “We will make every effort to be involved.” Superintendent’s Report
The Board was updated on plans to upgrade athletic facilities on the school campus. Dr. Alvarez said, as part of the school’s strategic plan, painting and maintenance projects are proposed for the old gym, press box, visitor’s locker room and concession stand at the athletic field. Dr. Alvarez also noted that the “W” logo needs replacing on the press box. The concept calls for coordinating the paint colors on these structures to blend with existing structures and create a look of uniformity on campus. “As visitors come onto campus, everything will look the same with a uniform color scheme and logos. This will lead to new look for the whole grounds.” He said the update was being provided for the Board’s information only. Project bids will be obtained and presented to the Board at a later date.
Dr. Alvarez also informed the Board that he has examined locations for additional practice fields for Wheeler athletes. He met with Wheeler County and City of Alamo representatives to discuss sharing practice space at the County Recreation Department and at Eastside Park. He said that both the County and the City of Alamo are open to the idea of sharing space at those locations.
Personnel Matters
The Board accepted the resignations of James Henderson and Jagger Hogue, and the retirements of Thersa Carey and Renee Garrett. The Board approved the hiring of Wanda Connell as a science teacher for the Middle School, and of Arianna Buttery as a substitute teacher pending a background check.
WELLNESS PLAN — Shonda McFadden, School Nutrition Director, updates the Board on two reviews affecting her department which are currently underway: a procurement review, and an administrative review, which are conducted every five years. Part of this process includes the review of the system’s wellness plan.Photo by Deborah Clark
GAEL AWARD — Wheeler County High School Principal William Bell stepped up to receive accolades for the system being named a GAEL Vision Award winner for 2024-2025. School Superintendent Dr. C. Alex Alvarez congratulates Bell.Photo by Deborah Clark
STAR STUDENT — Wheeler County School’s 2024-2025 STAR student Layne Gibbs and his STAR teacher Roger McDonald were recognized during the Wheeler County Board of Education’s February 10 meeting. The STAR (Success Through Academic Recognition) program is sponsored locally by Wheeler County State Bank.Photo by Deborah Clark
CHAMPS PROGRAM — Wheeler County Sheriff Glenn Giles, right, introduced Deputy Sheriff and CHAMPS instructor John Spires. The School System and the Sheriff’s Office entered into a partnership to launch the CHAMPS program into the schools last month.Photo by Deborah Clark
